Most Canadians favor federal ownership of the Trans Mountain pipeline corridor, according to a recent Angus Reid Institute poll. The survey found that 54% of respondents believe the government should retain ownership of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX), which extends from Edmonton to Burnaby, B.C. Only 23% support privatizing it to recover taxpayer funds. Support for government ownership is especially strong in Atlantic Canada at 62%, while Quebec shows the least support at 44%. Among political affiliations, 65% of past Liberal voters favor federal ownership, alongside 50% of Conservative voters and 52% of NDP voters. Additionally, a growing number of Canadians now believe that the government’s 2018 purchase of Trans Mountain for over $4.5 billion was the right decision, with approval rising to 42%. Despite the project’s costs ballooning to over $34 billion, calls for continued government ownership are gathering momentum, with Canadian Development Investment Corp. leaders advocating for it as a strategic asset.
Why It Matters
The future of the Trans Mountain pipeline has significant implications for Canada’s energy policy and economic strategy. Historically, the federal government purchased the pipeline in 2018 to ensure its completion amid regulatory and public opposition, with the project now costing significantly more than initially projected. With rising public support for government ownership, especially amidst changing attitudes among Conservative voters, the debate over whether to maintain state control or transition to private ownership reflects broader discussions about energy infrastructure and economic security in Canada. Additionally, over 63% of Canadians currently support the expansion project, highlighting ongoing divisions regarding energy policy and environmental concerns.
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