In response to recent tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, a surge of economic nationalism is sweeping across Canada, prompting calls for the development of new oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipelines across all regions, but especially in Quebec.
According to a new Angus Reid poll taken after US president announced — and then rescinded — tariffs on Canadian energy, 74% of La Belle resident either ‘agree’ or strongly agree’ that Canada needs to ensure it has pipelines running from “sea to sea” across the country.
Just 4% “strongly disagree” — a level that was remarkably consistent across the country.
The high levels of support comes even though Premier François Legault insisted that there’s no “social acceptability” for the proposed Energy East pipeline from Alberta to New Brunswick, while federal Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet said his party is “fiercely opposed” to allowing a pipe to cross his province.
“We are fiercely opposed to any type of transport on Quebec territory of hydrocarbons from Western Canada to any market whatsoever. It does not serve Quebec. It does not serve the environment. It does not serve the planet,” he said.
The strong support for energy infrastructure comes as politicians aim to diversify Canada’s export markets beyond the United States and strengthen national unity in the face of external economic pressures.
Apart from booing the Star Spangled Banner at hockey games, the threat of sweeping tariffs by has ignited a patriotic campaign encouraging Canadians to “Buy Canadian” with initiatives such as “Made in Canada” promotions gaining momentum.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has urged Canadians to support local products to mitigate the impact on the economy even as social media groups on Facebook and Twitter (“X”) gain hundreds of thousands of new members, including Americans.
The ‘Made in Canada — Canadian Products’ group on Facebook has attracted nearly 740,000 new members in less than a week.
Meanwhile, the potential economic damage from decreased trade with the US has brought renewed attention to internal barriers that limit trade between Canadian provinces.
These include restrictions on cross-border alcohol sales, differing trucking regulations, and disparate professional licensing rules. The International Monetary Fund estimated in 2019 that these internal barriers equate to a 21% tariff, and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business estimated in 2024 that removing them could boost Canada’s economy by $200 billion annually. Nearly all Canadians (95%) believe the country should work quickly to eliminate these barriers, according to Angus Reid.
Canada’s oil and gas industry is heavily reliant on the U.S., with 97% of exports directed southward as of 2023.
The completion of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion in 2024 has allowed for increased shipments to overseas markets, doubling non-US oil exports in the latter half of 2024.
Despite the progress, the absence of an east-west pipeline means there is currently no infrastructure to carry crude oil within Canada without crossing into the US.
Historically, Quebec has resisted proposals to build new oil and gas pipelines through its territory. However, in light of Trump’s tariff threats, there are indications that the province may be reconsidering its position.
By eliminating interprovincial trade barriers and investing in nationwide oil and gas infrastructure, respondents felt Canada can bolster its economic independence and ensure long-term prosperity. Angus Reid said the near-unanimous support among Canadians for these initiatives reflects a collective resolve to navigate the challenges ahead with “unity and determination.”
The Angus Reid survey was conducted online from Feb. 2 – 3, 2025 among a representative randomized sample of 1,811 Canadian adults, who are members of Angus Reid Forum. A probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
