December 18, 2025 — Dalena Reporters
A new nationwide Ipsos poll for Global News reveals that a substantial majority of Canadians support expanding the country’s oil and gas infrastructure and export capacity, particularly in response to economic pressures from the ongoing trade dispute with the United States. The findings, drawn from a survey of 1,502 Canadian adults conducted December 8–15, 2025, shed light on shifting public attitudes toward energy policy and national economic strategy.
Strong Backing For Export Expansion
According to the poll, an overwhelming 83 per cent of Canadians say they at least somewhat agree that Canada should focus on expanding oil and gas exports to markets beyond the United States amid tariff tensions, with 34 per cent saying they strongly agree. Many respondents linked their support for export growth to the belief that the trade war with the U.S. is likely to have lasting effects on Canada’s economy. Some 77 per cent of those surveyed said the trade war will permanently alter economic prospects, with nearly half viewing the impact as negative.
Infrastructure Priorities: New Versus Existing Pipelines
When it comes to energy infrastructure, most Canadians endorse both building new pipelines and enhancing existing ones:
- 68 per cent support construction of a new pipeline to the northern coast of British Columbia, which could help open access to Asian and other markets.
- A slightly larger share 72 per cent say expanding current pipeline capacity should take precedence before launching new projects.
Regional attitudes vary. Albertans show particularly strong backing for a new pipeline, while Quebec and Ontario residents show greater preference for expanding existing infrastructure rather than building new lines.
Environmental Concerns Still Present
Despite broad support for pipeline development and export growth, environmental considerations remain part of the public conversation. A majority 59 per cent say they are at least somewhat concerned about greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental impact of expanding oil and gas infrastructure, though this concern is sometimes balanced against economic priorities.
National Debate And Economic Context
The poll’s timing coincides with heightened political focus on Canada’s energy sector. Prime Minister Mark Carney has pursued agreements with provincial governments, notably signing a memorandum of understanding with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to expedite pipeline expansion plans to Canada’s West Coast. These developments come amid broader efforts to diversify export markets and strengthen economic resilience beyond heavy reliance on the U.S. market.
Energy analysts say this broad public support reflects Canadians’ desire to protect jobs, trade revenues and national prosperity in an era of global market uncertainty. At the same time, the continued prominence of environmental concerns in the poll suggests that future energy policies must balance economic and climate priorities to maintain broad public backing.