A new poll suggests nearly 80 per cent of Canadians support building new export pipelines, with strong backing for increased energy exports and further oil and gas development in Quebec.
The survey, conducted by the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) and Ipsos, found that support for expanding Canada's energy exports extends across the country, including Quebec, where respondents also expressed support for natural gas and oil development.
Nearly eight out of 10 Canadians said the country should increase its energy exports, with support reaching 83 per cent in Western Canada. More than two-thirds of respondents in every region surveyed supported the proposal, including 68 per cent in Quebec.
Support was similarly strong for constructing new export pipelines connecting Canada to ports. Even in Quebec, where support was lowest, 74 per cent of respondents favoured the construction of new pipelines.
Quebec support for oil and gas development
The survey also found considerable support among Quebecers for developing the province's natural resources, including natural gas and oil.
Asked whether they supported developing a natural gas industry in Quebec, 68 per cent of respondents said they were in favour, while 20 per cent opposed the proposal.
Support for developing a Quebec oil industry has also increased, with 62 per cent of respondents saying they would prefer to see the province develop its own resources. That represents an increase from 54 per cent in last year's survey.
“Whether it’s pipelines, oil, or gas, Quebecers are far more open to these job-creating projects than a small number of very vocal groups would have us believe,” explains Gabriel Giguère, senior policy analyst at the MEI.. “The new provincial government should take this opportunity to reverse the previous government’s bad decisions, such as the total ban on oil and gas development.”
Giguère said the findings point to support across the country for expanding energy exports and building infrastructure to reach international markets.
“Across all regions of Canada, we see clear and significant support for increasing our energy exports and building new export pipelines. In the current situation, Canadians recognize that we can play a key role in securing energy supplies while also growing our economy.”
LNG project and regulatory reform
The poll also examined support for a proposed liquefied natural gas development on Quebec's North Shore.
Nearly two-thirds of Quebecers, or 64 per cent, said they supported the Kino Aski LNG pipeline and liquefaction plant project, while 17 per cent were opposed.
Beyond individual energy projects, the survey found support for changes to the regulatory process governing major developments.
About 71 per cent of Canadians favoured reforms intended to accelerate project assessments and reduce administrative duplication, suggesting broad public support for changes to how major projects are evaluated.
The MEI is an independent public policy think tank with offices in Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary. Its work includes publications, media appearances and advisory services to policymakers.