Pipeline Politics Heat Up, Guilbeault Exits

New Angus Reid polling shows Canadians broadly supportive of a northern B.C. pipeline — but a strong majority insists First Nations must sign off.

The Angus Reid Institute released fresh numbers on Canadians’ views of a potential oil pipeline stretching from Alberta to the B.C. coast through northern British Columbia.

The announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the Prime Minister was unveiled on Thursday (you can read the press release here). As I am not an expert on pipelines nor federal-provincial MOUs (and won’t pretend to be one), I will stick to the analysis of public opinion.

The survey asked: “Do you support or oppose the idea of an oil pipeline from Alberta to the B.C. coast travelling through northern B.C.?”

Nationally, 60% support the hypothetical project and 25% oppose. The devil is always in the details, but it is certainly a solid footing regarding public opinion for all parties involved—and most importantly for Mark Carney, who will inevitably wear much of the political responsibility for shepherding this file, especially within his own ranks.

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