Ottawa | Traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People – The majority of Canadians want to see governments in Canada tackle the climate crisis by prioritizing renewable energy and phasing out fossil fuels, according to a poll commissioned by Environmental Defence and conducted by Abacus Data.
The survey found that more than half of Canadians – 53 per cent – want governments to phase out the use and production of fossil fuels, while only 36 per cent are opposed. Support is strongest in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. 75 per cent of Liberal voters, 72 per cent of NDP voters, 37 per cent of Conservative Party voters and 63 per cent of Green Party voters support this type of climate policy.
“The results are clear and governments at all levels should pay attention. Canadians recognize that fossil fuels are causing the climate crisis and want to see governments act to phase out the production and use of coal, oil and gas. Yet even as the damages from climate change increase, including wildfires, heatwaves and floods, the federal and provincial governments have largely failed to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Some provinces are even trying to stop federal efforts to reduce fossil fuel pollution. Urgent climate action is necessary – and Canadians are calling for it,” said Julia Levin, Associate Director, National Climate, Environmental Defence.
Furthermore, a majority of Canadians – 54 per cent – prefer prioritizing renewable energy sources over fossil fuel production. Only 11 per cent of Canadians want to see fossil fuels prioritized over renewable energy. Even in Alberta, which has the lowest support for renewable energy, only 18 per cent of respondents want to see fossil fuels prioritized.
“Despite the Alberta government’s best efforts to stall the development of affordable, clean renewable energy, most Albertans support its development,” said Stephen Legault, Senior Manager, Alberta Energy Transition, Environmental Defence. “The future of Alberta’s energy-based economy depends on advancing wind, solar and battery storage technologies. Albertans understand this. Our government needs to stop impeding clean energy development.”
Lastly, the results show that only one third of Canadians – 35 per cent – place any degree of trust in oil and gas companies.
“Oil and gas companies have spent decades lying to Canadians about their role in driving climate change and the unnatural disasters that we’re all experiencing. It’s no wonder so few Canadians put any trust in the industry,” added Levin.
For full polling data, please see here.
The survey was conducted by Abacus Data with 2,700 Canadians over the age of 18, from November 29 to December 4, 2024. The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 1.89%, 19 times out of 20. The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Allen Braude, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca
