Canadians support more pipelines, if for the “right” reasons
Natural Gas Expansion Opinion Research
Download (PDF)A recent poll by Political Intelligence shows that a vast majority of Canadians (75%) would support domestic Natural gas exploration, development and even pipelines for natural gas if it helped reduce global reliance on coal energy.
When asked “Would you support an expansion of Natural gas production and construction of new Natural gas pipelines if this helped reduce global reliance on coal by providing a cleaner alternative energy source for Countries that depend on coal for electricity?” just 16% said they were either somewhat or strongly opposed.
A majority of Canadians said they would strongly support Natural gas expansion in Canada under those conditions (51.4%).
The support is highest in Alberta and lowest in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, but still has majority support in every region, across every demographic and every political party. That is a departure from previous studies conducted on pipelines and natural gas development, and it is significant.
“The findings in this survey point to a potential for future Natural gas development and pipelines that could meet a global demand for clean and inexpensive energy. Most important is the political implication. While most western Canadians and Conservative voters have supported natural gas and other resource development, this shows that a broader coalition of voters could support more natural gas and pipeline development if the purpose is to reduce global emissions.” – Emrys Graefe, managing partner of Political Intelligence.
“In over a decade of polling at Mainstreet Research, we have always found a partisan divide on the issue of natural resource development and pipelines. The environmental concerns, indigenous community impacts and of course climate change have historically been more important than the economic benefits of resource and pipeline development. By framing Canadian gas and pipeline development as a benefit to a global community, and a way to reduce global emissions, it could provide Governments with the needed will to act.” – Quito Maggi, Chairman & CEO of Political Intelligence.
Our Methodology
The analysis in this report is based on results of a survey conducted from Thursday, January 25th to Friday, January 26th, 2024, among a sample of 947 adults, 18 years of age or older, living in Canada. The survey was conducted using automated telephone interviews (Smart IVR).
The survey is intended to represent the voting population in Canada. The margin of error for the poll is +/- 3.2% at the 95% confidence level. Margins of error are higher in each subsample.
This poll was commissioned by and is the exclusive property of Political Intelligence. Any reproduction, in whole or in part of this report or the data contained herein is expressly prohibited without written authorization by Political Intelligence.
About Political Intelligence
Political Intelligence is a public affairs and government relations firm based in Ottawa, Canada. Political Intelligence represents clients to Municipal, Provincial and Federal Governments across a growing number of practice areas including mental health, FinTech, Housing, Energy and Indigenous affairs.
