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.
The numbers show a clear shift from 2019, when 45 percent prioritized growth and 55 percent said environmental protection was a bigger concern.
They also reflect a change in public support for the federal approval of Enbridge’s Westcoast LNG pipeline expansion, particularly in British Columbia. Currently, 61 percent of those in the province support the expansion, while only 17 percent oppose it….