Poll: Majority of Canadians Support the Nation's Approach to Pipelines

A Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers poll shows most Canadians approve how the country's government is handling pipeline construction projects.

A majority of Canadians support Ottawa’s balanced approach to oil pipelines and transportation, according to results of an Ipsos poll done in part for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.

The results also show the number of British Columbians who support the approval of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (54 per cent) is more than double those who oppose it (26 per cent). The same is true for Line 3 Replacement Project, where results show the number of British Columbians who support the approval (53 per cent) is more than double those who oppose it (19 per cent).

British Columbians’ agreement with Ottawa’s approach ranks above the national average on each of the four decisions. Support for Ottawa’s plan is highest in Alberta and B.C. and lowest in Québec and Atlantic Canada.

On November 29, the Government of Canada:

• Approved the Trans Mountain Expansion Project
• Approved the Line 3 Replacement Project
• Rejected the Northern Gateway Project
• Announced it will proceed with a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic off the north coast of B.C.

The Ipsos poll of 1,000 Canadians conducted Dec. 5 to 8 found: