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A recent poll shows just over half of British Columbians support the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion.
This percentage of support shows an 11 point increase since Insights West last polled British Columbians in Sept. 2017.
Between Apr. 13 and Apr. 16, 2018, an online study polled a sample of 1,021 British Columbian adults, showing 55% of residents now say they support the proposed expansion of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline.
Insights West suggests the growing support for the pipeline is a result of Kinder Morgan's looming deadline of May 31st, as well as the federal government's attempted mediation between B.C. and Alberta.
A week after Kinder Morgan put a stop to all non-essential spending on the $7.4-billion Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, the federal government sat down with BC and Alberta premiers to reach an agreement.
While the two provinces remain opposed, the urgency of the deadline seems to have many British Columbians wondering if Trudeau's words will take flight.
Our entire province got behind Karen and her Fort McMurray restaurant’s ban on BC wine. Today I went to Asti Trattoria to thank her in person over an Alberta beer. #ymm #rmwb #whiteravenIPA #abndp @benchcreekbrew pic.twitter.com/qDv0CV06P8
— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) April 21, 2018
Meanwhile, 36% of British Columbians continue to oppose the pipeline expansion and another 9% are undecided.
"When asked what they thought the chances are that the pipeline will be built, 84% of British Columbians gave it a 50% chance or better of being completed," said Steve Mossop, president of Insights West.
Support for the pipeline was much stronger outside the southwestern part of B.C., with 61% giving support, compared to 51% in the Lower Mainland and 52% on Vancouver Island.
But when it came to growing support, the Lower Mainland (+10) and Vancouver Island (+11) has grown the most in the past seven months.
Age also played a significant factor in the show of support: 69% of the 55+ group support the pipeline, while 31% of the 18 to 34 years group show support and 51% of the 35 to 54 year age bracket support the build.
Regarding political parties, 81% of those who approved the pipeline, voted for the BC Liberal party in 2017.
BC NDP and Green party voters were more divided in their views: 40% of BC NDP voters and 37% of BC Green voters support the pipeline.
While Conservative voters (85%) made up the majority of supporters.
There are many issues where the province is divided on the pipeline, but, one area where a strong majority stands is on the environment and infrastructure.
A solid majority (68%) opposed the Alberta government blocking the flow of petroleum to B.C. and 60% opposed the federal government using public funds to buy all or part of the pipeline.
Today, Jason Kenney announced the # of times his name was said in the Legislature ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) April 19, 2018
He doesn't get it. The pipeline fight isn't about him.
It's about growing our economy, investing in programs, and making life better for all Albertans. #keepCanadaWorking #ABLeg #ABPoli pic.twitter.com/jW82Ule4vQ
When it came to the federal government withholding promised funds for protection and safety of BC's coastal environment and waters, 72% were opposed to withholding funds and 71% were opposed to withholding funds for transportation and infrastructure.
The Oceans Protection Plan is something the federal government has been working hard to strengthen over the past few years.
In Nov. 2016, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced federal funding of $1.5 billion for the Oceans Protection Plan in response to fuel spills in the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Over five years, funding will go towards research into oil spill cleanups, protection of endangered whale species, and restoring marine ecosystems.
We have an incredible and comprehensive $1.5B #oceans protections plan that will protect our beautiful coasts. #LIB2018https://t.co/ff57fAGAdG pic.twitter.com/HLPpwYysGu
— Catherine McKenna (@cathmckenna) April 20, 2018
But according to Premier John Horgan, the money isn't enough.
While Kinder Morgan has set a May 31 deadline to give answers to its shareholders, BC Premier John Horgan is standing firm in his position of opposition to the project with plans to take the case to the B.C. Court of Appeal by Apr. 30.
"There is still a major gap in the science," tweeted Horgan this week, echoing the concerns of BC NDP leader, Andrew Weaver. "We don't know the full impact of a dilbit spill on BC rivers or ocean waters, or if it can be properly cleaned up," said Horgan.
It’s not just about tweaking the Oceans Protection Act – there is still a major gap in the science. We don’t know the full impact of a dilbit spill on BC rivers or ocean waters, or if it can be properly cleaned up.
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) April 15, 2018
That’s what puts tens of thousands of BC jobs at risk. #bcpoli
British Columbians are also varied on who they support as the key voice on the pipeline issue. But between environmental groups and politicians, a greater level of support was given to environmental organizations (51%) and BC First Nations leaders (48%).
"I, along with a lot of other people, am somewhat disgusted with the visuals of Finance Minister Morneau going in to the Kinder Morgan board room hat in hand," says Grand Chief Stewart Phillip. #stopkm #bcpoli #cdnpoli #protecttheinlet #transmountain #TransMountainPipeline pic.twitter.com/B7JAgCS0IQ
— Coast Protectors (@CoastProtectors) April 19, 2018
Here's a breakdown of who British Columbians are supporting in the pipeline battle.
Environmental Organizations 51%
BC First Nation Leaders 48%
Kinder Morgan 45%
BC Premier John Horgan 43%
PM Justin Trudeau 41%
AB Premier Rachel Notley 35%
Mayor of Burnaby Derek Corrigan 27%
Whatever side of the debate B.C.ers find themselves on, it's an issue that most people are passionate about—and talking about.
In fact, two thirds (66%) of British Columbians are engaging in discussions in social settings with friends, family and colleagues about the issue.
Earlier this week, Trudeau stated again that the pipeline would be built.
Update on the Trans Mountain Expansion project 🇨🇦Mise à jour sur le projet de l’oléoduc Trans Mountain: https://t.co/MKO3lmQwTd
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 15, 2018
While opinions remain varied between different population groups, with the slight increase in support, the B.C. Court of Appeal and the nearing deadline of May 31, Mossop says it will be interesting to see how the next month plays out, leading to May 31.
(Feature Photo by Trans Mountain: A noise shroud covering one of the hammers that is used during pile driving activities).
Insights West is a Western-based, marketing research company based in Vancouver and Calgary.
*The results are based on an online study by Insights West, from April 13 to April 16, 2018, among 1,021 British Columbian adults. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points. Click here for the complete study).
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