Canadians Increasingly Favor Economic Growth Over Environmental Stewardship in Energy Policy: Poll

Crude oil tankers SFL Sabine (front L) and Tarbet Spirit are seen docked at the Trans Mountain Westridge Marine Terminal, where crude oil from the expanded Trans Mountain Pipeline is loaded onto tankers, near a residential area in Burnaby, B.C., on June 10, 2024. The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck

Canadians are increasingly prioritizing economic growth over environmental protection in energy policy decisions, with support for new pipeline development rising sharply in recent years, according to a recent poll.

The results of the poll published by Angus Reid Institute on May 11 show that 61 percent now say economic growth should be the bigger focus of energy policy, compared with 39 percent who prioritize environmental stewardship.