A recent poll indicates that a majority of Canadians favor the construction of a pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia's northern coast. The Angus Reid Institute released the poll results shortly after Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at facilitating the project. The poll shows that 60% of Canadians support the hypothetical pipeline, while only 25% oppose it, and 15% are undecided.

The MOU outlines that the Canadian government will provide a streamlined approval process for the pipeline under the Building Canada Act, contingent on private sector financing and Indigenous ownership. The proposed pipeline is expected to transport one million barrels of oil per day to Asian markets. However, support for the project is significantly lower in British Columbia, where only 53% of residents back it, and 37% oppose it.

B.C. Premier David Eby expressed concerns about the pipeline, warning that it could divert resources from other projects. He emphasized that the pipeline should not become an "energy vampire" that undermines existing initiatives. Eby also noted that the last attempt to build a pipeline through B.C. resulted in the federal government having to purchase it at a significant cost.

The poll also revealed regional differences in support within B.C. Opposition is strongest on Vancouver Island and the northwest coast, where 44% oppose the pipeline. In Metro Vancouver, support is slightly higher, with 47% in favor and 38% against. In contrast, support for the project is robust in Alberta and Saskatchewan, where three-quarters of residents favor it. Other provinces show varying levels of support, with 65% in Manitoba, 52% in Ontario, 50% in Quebec, and 66% in the Atlantic region.

To kickstart the project, Alberta is investing $14 million. The MOU requires a pipeline application to be submitted to Ottawa's Major Projects Office by July 1, 2026. Alberta has also committed to advancing carbon capture initiatives and reducing methane emissions by 75%.

In exchange, the federal government may adjust the existing tanker ban on B.C.'s northwest coast, which has been a significant barrier to exporting Alberta's resources. However, the agreement does not guarantee support from First Nations or the broader B.C. population, which remains skeptical about lifting the tanker ban.

Eby has ruled out legal action against the Alberta-Ottawa agreement, citing past failures in similar attempts. He reiterated that the lack of a private sector proponent and community support makes the pipeline project unlikely. Some First Nations leaders have voiced their opposition, with plans to use legal avenues to prevent the pipeline's construction.

Despite the challenges, Carney and Smith expressed optimism about the agreement, viewing it as a step toward an energy transition that could strengthen Canada's economy. However, experts remain doubtful about the project's feasibility without a willing private sector partner to shoulder the financial risks. The situation continues to evolve as stakeholders assess the implications of the proposed pipeline and its potential impact on the region's economy and environment.