As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, more than two-thirds of Canadians believe Canada should be a global supplier of choice for oil and natural gas.
IPSOS conducted a nationwide survey in March 2022 to gauge Canadians’ views of the potential role for the country’s oil and natural gas in response to the global energy crisis, which is currently being exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. Poll results show seven in ten Canadians agree that Canada should be a global supplier of oil and natural gas, especially during times of crisis.
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A growing need for safe, reliable and secure natural gas
“The growing need for safe, reliable and secure natural gas and oil has rapidly emerged and our allies are looking to Canada as an important partner to help reduce their reliance on supply from Russia and other non-democratic sources,” says Tim McMillan, president and CEO, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. “The IPSOS survey confirms that Canadians overwhelmingly support our natural gas and oil industry to play a bigger role in meeting rising global energy demand. Canada’s industry is ready to work with the federal government to create the conditions for Canada to play this vital role.”
Read more: PODCAST: The role Canada can play in global energy security
A global energy crisis
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has brought the costs of a global energy crisis to the Canadians’ doorsteps. This is a crisis brought on by years of energy policies resulting in continuously rising costs for consumers and a reliance on dictatorships for critical energy supplies.
The need for natural gas and oil is expected to grow and remain strong for decades to come and the IPSOS data shows Canadians want to see Canada step up and play a bigger role in meeting that demand. In doing so we can grow our economy, lower our own energy costs and create jobs for Canadians while making the world a safer place for our allies and trading partners.
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In addition, amid government initiatives to move Canada off oil and natural gas, Canadians are concerned that the transition will be expensive, and the process isn’t seen as either fast or easy. Two-thirds of survey respondents believe Canada is not prepared for an expensive, difficult energy transition, especially if it occurs within the next five years.
