A recent survey conducted by the Angus Reid Institute indicates that a majority of Canadians, including residents of British Columbia, are in favor of a proposed pipeline running from northern Alberta to B.C. However, the respondents are less enthusiastic about expediting the project.
The survey revealed that 59% of Canadians expressed varying levels of support for the pipeline, with the highest support coming from Alberta at 78%. Despite British Columbia Premier David Eby’s strong opposition to the pipeline proposal, 56% of British Columbians are in favor of the idea.
The survey coincides with a dispute between Eby and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith regarding Smith’s recent announcement of a new bitumen pipeline project. Alberta plans to submit a formal application to the federal Major Projects Office, with a commitment of $14 million to the proposal.
Eby has raised concerns about Alberta being the sole proponent of the project and its potential impact on oil tanker restrictions in B.C.’s northern waters. In contrast, Smith criticized Eby’s rejection of the proposal as “un-Canadian” and “unconstitutional.”
According to the survey results, 55% of Canadians support fast-tracking the pipeline project. Jon Roe, a research associate at the Angus Reid Institute, noted that Canadians are generally in favor of the project but emphasize the importance of ensuring environmental protections, including consultations with Indigenous peoples.
The survey also found that 46% of Canadians, including 52% of British Columbians, believe that any province hosting a pipeline should have veto rights unless specific conditions are met.
Richard Masson, an executive fellow at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy, suggested that the shift in Canadian attitudes may be influenced by the changing political landscape, particularly in light of President Donald Trump’s impact on Canada’s relationship with the U.S.
Additionally, nearly half of Canadians expressed a desire to repeal or amend the federal oil tanker ban for the northern B.C. pipeline project. Smith has been vocal about her stance on the tanker restrictions and remains hopeful that Ottawa will reconsider the law.
Despite these sentiments, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson emphasized the importance of gaining approval from the B.C. government and affected Indigenous communities for the pipeline project to move forward.
The public’s support for the pipeline may impact the decisions of political leaders, as pipelines often become symbolic and divisive issues. Masson emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of the risks and benefits associated with pipeline development.