Carney’s projects face criticism, oil demand grows: poll
Canadians are divided on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first “nation-building” projects, with a new study showing Albertans are the most dissatisfied.
Canadians are divided on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first “nation-building” projects, with a new study showing Albertans are the most dissatisfied. However, a majority of Canadians want oil and gas development prioritized.
Data released Tuesday by the Angus Reid Institute shows 44 per cent of Canadians are satisfied with the five projects announced earlier this month, while 32 per cent are dissatisfied and 24 per cent unsure.
Alberta stood out, with 42 per cent of residents dissatisfied and only 39 per cent satisfied. Manitoba was the only other province that saw more residents dissatisfied than satisfied, with 39 per cent showing disapproval and 38 per cent approval.
Atlantic Canada was the most supportive region of the Liberal project list.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced five projects he deemed in the national interest earlier in September. They included liquefied natural gas production, mining, and upgrading a port in Montreal. An oil pipeline was not included.
Of the 484 respondents dissatisfied with the list, 43 per cent felt an oil and gas pipeline should have been included.
Nearly six-in-10 Canadians overall (57 per cent) said the federal government should fast-track more oil and gas development. This view was strongest in Alberta (69 per cent) and Saskatchewan (73 per cent).
Quebec had the least support for oil and gas development, with only 42 per cent of Quebeckers agreeing with the idea.
Political affiliation also showed a significant split.
Conservative voters in 2025 were most likely to support fast-tracking oil and gas development, with 85 per cent in favour. Among Liberal voters, 45 per cent supported the idea, while 43 per cent opposed it. NDP and Bloc Québécois supporters showed substantially more opposition than support for fast-tracking oil and gas development.
Overall, more respondents felt these projects needed government support than those who said the government did not need to get involved.
The Liberals previously claimed that a “second wave” of projects would be announced in November.
Canadians gave Carney poor marks for his negotiations with then-U.S. President Donald Trump, and for his handling of key issues.
More Canadians believed Carney did a “poor job” than a “good job” negotiating with Trump.
On issues Canadians cared about most, such as reducing immigration to “sustainable” levels, reducing government spending and making housing more affordable, Carney received a failing grade. More respondents said he did a “poor job” than otherwise.
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