Nearly two-thirds of Canadians support Alberta-to-B.C. pipeline: Angus Reid

A majority of Canadians support a proposed new pipeline from Alberta to B.C., according to new data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute.

Nearly two-thirds of Canadians support Alberta-to-B.C. pipeline: Angus Reid Pipeline support grows A majority of Canadians support a proposed new pipeline from Alberta to B.C., according to new data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute. Roughly 63 per cent say they support the B.C. pipeline, with 27 per cent saying their backing is firm and 33 per cent saying they currently support the project but could be convinced otherwise. The roughly 21 per cent opposed are similarly split.

Of those opposed, 11 per cent have made up their minds, while 10 per cent say they could be persuaded to change their view. Economic arguments are the most compelling reasons for Canadians to support the Alberta-to-B.C. pipeline. Angus Reid found 55 per cent say the project would help diversify Canada's oil markets away from the U.S., while 51 per cent cite the importance of oil to Canada's economy.

Another 45 per cent say the pipeline's potential to create jobs is a compelling reason to build it. The survey also found 41 per cent believe Canada should be investing in renewable energy instead, making it the most common reason cited for opposing the Alberta-to-B.C. pipeline. One-third (34 per cent) also worry Canadians may not see economic benefits that outweigh the cost of construction along the existing Trans Mountain corridor.

Notably, in B.C., where resistance to pipelines has been a persistent issue over the past two decades, Angus Reid found 62 per cent support the proposed project. Forty per cent of British Columbians say the fact the pipeline would follow the existing Trans Mountain corridor, rather than carve a new route, is a compelling reason to support the project. The Angus Reid Institute conducted an online survey from July 10 to 14, among a randomized sample of 2,649 Canadian adults.

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