Majority of British Columbians back Alberta pipeline despite Eby’s opposition

Despite Eby’s continued opposition, a majority of British Columbians support building a new pipeline from Alberta to B.C.

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Despite Premier David Eby’s continued opposition, a majority of British Columbians support building a new pipeline from Alberta to B.C. The Liberal government has, controversially, granted Eby’s administration a key role in deciding the project’s fate.

A poll released Thursday from the Angus Reid Institute shows 53 per cent of British Columbians could support a bitumen pipeline through northern B.C. Opposition stands at 37 per cent, with 10 per cent unsure.

Nationally, support reaches 60 per cent, with one-quarter opposed.

The findings come the same day Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining conditions for a future pipeline to reach the Pacific.

While the agreement commits Ottawa to streamline approvals through its major projects office, it also acknowledges that any pipeline requires the backing of British Columbia and affected First Nations.

B.C. Premier David Eby, who was not part of negotiations between Alberta and Ottawa, has already signalled he does not support the deal.

Former Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault also opposed the deal, resigning from cabinet in protest of the MOU.

Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin rose in the House of Commons on Thursday, signalling that any potential project going through B.C. would require Eby’s approval, stating, “we need to ensure the agreement of British Columbia and of First Nations.”

Eby has raised concerns over tanker traffic on B.C.’s northern coast and the 50-year-old federal moratorium restricting it.

The moratorium appears to remain a significant fault line for British Columbians.

The Angus Reid survey found 38 per cent want the ban kept in place — a group that is overwhelmingly opposed to the pipeline.

The Carney–Smith framework contemplates an “adjustment” to tanker rules, though no route has been identified and no private-sector proponent has yet come forward.

Support for a pipeline remains strongest on the Prairies.

Seventy-four per cent of Albertans and 74 per cent of Saskatchewan respondents back the idea, compared to 33 per cent in Ontario and 26 per cent in Quebec. Conservative voters show near-unanimous support at 89 per cent, while more than one-third of Liberal voters report opposing a pipeline.

Three in five Canadians say First Nations participation should be a condition of any future project, including a slight majority in B.C.

The Angus Reid Institute surveyed 1,851 Canadians between Wednesday and Thursday.