Taking action in support of our vital natural resource sector

A series of polls done by Nanos Research and commissioned by the University of Ottawa since November 2020 show that a large majority of Canadians see oil and natural gas as critical to the current economy ^[1][4].

According to the latest poll conducted in January 2024, roughly three-quarters of Canadians (74%) rated oil and natural gas as "important" to the economy. Respondents were asked to provide a score on a scale of 0-10, with 7-10 considered "important," a 4-6 "neutral," and 0-3 "not important." The poll returned a mean score of 7.8.

Previous polls also found that most Canadians agree consistently on the economic importance of oil and gas. For example:

• August 2023 – 78% rated oil and gas as "important," with a mean score of 8.1
• January 2023 – 74%, mean score of 7.9
• August 2021 – 68%, mean score of 7.6
• November 2020 – 65%, mean score of 7.3

The survey also asked what Canadians thought about the importance of the oil and gas sector to Canada's future economy. Results trended similarly, with 54% of respondents saying it is "important" in January 2024, up from 41% in November 2020 and 45% in August 2021 but down slightly from 57% seen in polling from January and August 2023. 

Another question was if Canadians thought it was a good time for their country to be ambitious in addressing climate change, even if there are economic costs. The most recent survey, conducted in October 2023, found that most Canadians (53%) believe it is the "best time" for Canada to focus on concrete climate action, while just over one-in-four (28%) say it is the "worst time" ^[4].

• Canada Has Important Role in Bolstering Global Energy Security: POLL
• Canadian Energy is a Force for Good in the World: POLL
• Majority of Canadians Support Canada's Role as Responsible Energy Exporter: POLL

Poll Highlights

• Almost three-in-four, or 74% of Canadians agree that the oil and natural gas sector is "important" to Canada's current economy (January 2024)

• More than half, or 53% of Canadians agree that the oil and natural gas sector is "important" to Canada's future economy, versus 24% who are "neutral" and 19% who say it is "not important" and 4% who are "unsure" (January 2024)

• 61% of Canadians either "agree" or "somewhat agree" that oil and natural gas exports can help climate change, versus 28% that either "somewhat disagree" or "disagree" and 11% who are "unsure" (January 2024)

• 53% of Canadians agree that it is the "best time" for Canada to be ambitious in addressing climate change, versus 28% who say it is the "worst time" (October 2023)

• 52% of Canadians collectively either "agree" or "somewhat agree" that oil and natural gas exports should be expanded to help strengthen global energy security, versus 40% who "somewhat disagree" or "disagree" and 7% who are "unsure" (January 2024)

Oil & Gas and the Economy

It's no secret that oil and natural gas are the "backbone" of Canada's economy. Not only does the sector account for a significant share of our country's total merchandise exports, but it is also a significant job creator for workers and revenue generator for our governments. For example:

• 442,100 jobs are supported by petroleum in Canada's economy, with approximately 10,400 Indigenous People also employed by the industry

• The oil and natural gas sector generated $578.7 billion in revenues for Canadian governments between 2000 and 2021 ^[2]

• Upstream oil and natural gas are projected to generate more than $594 billion for Canadian governments between 2023-2032 ^[3]

• In total, the oil and natural gas sector is projected to generate more than $1.1 trillion for Canadian governments between 2000-2032, used to pay for schools, hospitals, roads, etc. ^[2][3]

Support Canadian Energy

Canada's energy sector is a significant economic boon for our country and one of the world's most socially and environmentally responsible sectors.

Our oil and gas companies adhere to one of the world's most transparent and stringent environmental regulatory regimes while continuing to pursue innovations and clean technologies to help reduce emissions and other potential impacts associated with the production of these resources.

With global oil and natural gas demand projected to grow for many years to come, it only makes sense that these energy sources come from producers like Canada, with world-class protections for human rights and the environment.

We choose Canadian energy, and so should you!

A series of polls commissioned by the University of Ottawa and conducted by Nanos Research since November 2020 show an increasing majority of Canadians 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 #𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐠𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲. pic.twitter.com/0Vp2OoeiI9

— Canada Action (@CanadaAction) March 12, 2024

SOURCES:

_{1 – Nanos Poll – Views of Canadians on Canada's Energy Future – Date Accessed: October 2023 (https://nanos.co/views-of-canadians-on-canadas-energy-future-university-of-ottawas-positive-energy-nanos/)}

_{2 – Canadian Energy Centre – $495 billion in government revenues from the Canadian oil and gas industry projected over next decade – Date Accessed: March 2023 (https://www.canadianenergycentre.ca/495-billion-in-government-revenues-from-the-canadian-oil-and-gas-industry-projected-over-next-decade/)}

_{3 – Canadian Energy Centre – $755 billion: The energy sector's revenue contribution to Canadian governments, 2000-2021 – Date Accessed: March 2023 (https://www.canadianenergycentre.ca/755-billion-the-energy-sectors-revenue-contribution-to-canadian-governments-2000-2021/)}

_{4 - https://www.dailyoilbulletin.com/article/2024/2/22/part-1-canadians-want-climate-action-but-see-an-im/?ntoken=i8plAJvQzXnrfGURuTx7Ko3azfwhiQn2ilMrxC8tNTRaFilJLklX27t0RxRjI2gmVdJWa0toh1J20sadkSv4UAk%2FrUaPgktBgk6wZYQggGBqbw3oA7YkHxs5xEPMdGUP}