75% of Canadians back new pipeline projects, poll shows
Support for new pipeline construction in Canada has seen a significant increase, with 75% of Canadians endorsing new pipelines to Eastern Canada and British Columbia, according to a recent MEI-Ipsos poll. The survey results, released today, reflect a sharp 14 percentage point rise from last year, underscoring the growing recognition of the importance of diversifying Canada's oil and gas export markets.
The poll indicates that most Canadians understand the critical role energy infrastructure plays in national prosperity. Gabriel Giguère, senior policy analyst at the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI), noted, “While there has always been strong support for new pipelines, recent trade disputes have further solidified public backing for these projects, which are seen as essential to the country’s economic future.”
Quebec also showed strong support for energy development, with 67% of residents backing Marinvest Energy’s natural gas pipeline and liquefaction plant project in the province's North Shore region. The project, aimed at reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian natural gas, aligns with a growing sentiment in Quebec favoring energy development. Additionally, 54% of Quebecers now support the development of the province’s oil resources, marking a six-point increase from the previous year.
The survey also highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the current approval process for major infrastructure projects. Seventy-one percent of Canadians, including 63% of Quebecers, believe the process is too slow and should be reformed. This sentiment has led to growing calls for quicker, more efficient environmental assessments and permitting. While recent legislative efforts, such as Bill C-5 and Quebec’s Bill 5, aim to expedite approvals for projects of national interest, Giguère argues that a broader overhaul of the approval process would be more effective than temporary workarounds.
The poll, which surveyed 1,159 Canadian adults between November 27 and December 2, 2025, comes as the country continues to debate the future of its energy infrastructure and the balance between environmental stewardship and economic development.
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