MONTREAL | TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE KANIEN’KEHÁ:KA FIRST NATION

More than two-thirds of Canadians (67 per cent) agree that the next Canadian government should make climate action and protecting nature a high priority, according to new polling data. The David Suzuki Foundation commissioned the Leger national survey as speculation about the next Canadian federal election continues.

The polling data also show:

  • Most Canadians (65 per cent) agree that Canada should invest in renewable energy instead of fossil fuel developments.
  • A majority of Canadians (62 per cent) agree that Canada should maintain its climate commitments independent of the United States administration’s decisions, including its withdrawal from the UN Paris Agreement on climate.

As Canada continues to face tariff threats from the U.S., the David Suzuki Foundation advocates for Canada’s next government to prioritize renewable energy and climate action, not oil and gas pipelines.

Sabaa Khan, Climate Director, David Suzuki Foundation: “This poll makes clear that people in Canada want the next federal government to prioritize climate action and protect nature. Despite the chaos of deregulation instigated by the U.S. administration, Canadians are committed to our values of caring for each other and the environment. Canada’s renewed approach to trade and investment negotiations must reflect these priorities and provide solutions to the public health and climate crises, while advancing our international climate commitments.”

Steve Mossop, Executive Vice-President, Western Canada, Leger: “Outside of tariffs and the high cost of living, climate change has always remained high on the public agenda as one of the most important things facing our nation–and our recent poll in partnership with the David Suzuki Foundation shows that Canadians are supportive of maintaining tax and public policies that don’t deviate from the objective of dealing with climate change at a federal and provincial level. Canadians have little tolerance for big corporate profits—especially from oil companies, and support higher tax rates overall for these organizations.”

Stephen Thomas, Clean Energy Manager, David Suzuki Foundation: “Even in these turbulent times, the majority of people in Canada support climate action and renewable energy over fossil fuel expansion. The next federal government has a huge opportunity to invest in local renewable energy projects that will create hundreds of thousands of good jobs and provide cheaper energy here. While some politicians are pushing pipelines that would increase our dependence on volatile, global fossil fuel markets, it’s heartening to see that Canadians prioritize renewable energy. The next government should deliver on that priority.”

Janelle Lapointe, Senior Adviser, David Suzuki Foundation and member of Stellat’en First Nation: “Over the years, Indigenous leaders have cautioned against deepening dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets that threaten our lands, waters and communities. If the next federal government is serious about energy security, it should make clean energy investments that respect Indigenous sovereignty and protect future generations, not double down on an industry that accelerates climate catastrophe, boosts profits for American gas producers and passes off risky investments to First Nations.”

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Background:

  • The results for this research are based on online survey conducted from March 7 to March 10, with a representative sample of 1,548 Canadian adults 18 years of age and older from Leger’s LEO panel.
  • The data was statistically weighted according to 2021 Canadian Census figures.
  • A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample in a panel survey, but for comparison purposes, a probability sample of 1,548 would have a margin of error of +/- 2.49%, 19 times out of 20.

For more information, please contact:

Melanie Karalis, mkaralis@davidsuzuki.org