Nearly six in 10 Canadians support a proposed pipeline from northern Alberta to British Columbia’s northwest coast, including a majority of BC residents, according to polling the Angus Reid Institute released Thursday as tensions continue to escalate between the two provinces’ premiers.
The survey found 59% of Canadians favor the pipeline concept, with support reaching majorities in every province except Quebec, where support stood at 50%. In British Columbia, 56% backed the idea despite opposition from Premier David Eby, who has dismissed the proposal as impractical.
Read: Former Alberta Premier Calls BC’s Eby Bigger Threat Than Separatists Over Pipeline Stance
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The findings come as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith pushes for new pipeline capacity, citing projections that the recently expanded Trans Mountain pipeline will reach capacity by 2030.
However, public backing weakens when respondents are asked about expediting the project. Support drops notably when Canadians are asked about designating the pipeline as being in the “national interest” to fast-track construction, suggesting regulatory concerns remain significant.
The proposal faces major obstacles, including a 2019 federal law banning oil tankers in northern BC coastal waters. Canadians are split on how to address this: 23% support repealing the ban entirely, 26% favor an exception for this project, and 29% want the ban maintained.
Read: Ottawa Takes Backseat Role in Alberta-BC Pipeline Dispute
The poll also revealed a notable shift in Canadian priorities, with 57% now favoring economic growth over environmental protection in energy policy — a reversal from surveys in 2016 and 2021 when environmental concerns dominated.
The Angus Reid Institute conducted the online survey of 1,673 Canadian adults from October 7-9, 2025.
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