Canadians Back Expanding the Country's Energy Exports
Montreal, Quebec, November 10, 2026 — A large majority of Canadians support increasing the country’s energy exports, according to the latest survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) (78% support: 35% strongly support / 43% somewhat support). The proposed initiative would result in increased international access to Canada’s energy resources. In Quebec, just over two-thirds (68%) support the province developing its own natural gas and oil resources to meet domestic needs.
Support for Increasing Energy Exports Extends Across the Country
Support for increasing Canada's energy exports to meet international demand is widespread across all regions. Overall, 78% of Canadians say Canada should increase its energy exports, with over two-thirds in favour across all regions. Support is highest in Western Canada (83%) and Ontario (82%), followed by Quebec (68%) and Atlantic Canada (66%).
Similarly, most Canadians support initiatives aimed at expanding energy exports to Asian and European markets and reducing Canada's reliance on U.S. customers (81%). Support is highest in Ontario (84%) and Western Canada (83%), with slightly lower yet considerable support in the Atlantic Canada (77%) and Quebec (74%).
Majorities of Quebecers Support Domestic Oil and Gas Development
Looking specifically at Quebec, majorities support the development of both oil and natural gas resources within the province. Over two-thirds of Quebecers (68%) support domestic natural gas production with just one in five (20%) opposing the initiative with 12% unsure. A similar proportion of Quebecers (62%) believe the province should also develop its own oil resources, a significant increase of 8 percentage points from 2025. Just one in five (22%) say Quebec should continue to import 100% of the oil it needs, and 17% are unsure.
Kino Aski LNG Project Receives Majority Support in Quebec
The proposed Kino Aski LNG project (formerly known as the Marinvest project), which would export liquefied natural gas to European markets, receives support from nearly two thirds of Quebecers (64%). Fewer than one in five say they oppose the project (17%) and nearly one in five (19%) are unsure.
Canadians Favour Streamlined Reviews for Major Energy Projects
Beyond specific energy projects, Canadians also express support for changes to the regulatory review process for major infrastructure developments. Just over seven in ten Canadians (71%) support reforms aimed at accelerating project assessment timelines and reducing duplication within approval processes. Taken together, support for energy development among Canadians is accompanied by support for measures intended to streamline project approval processes.
About the Study
These are the findings of an Ipsos survey conducted on behalf of the Montreal Economic Institute that was fielded between October 16-19, 2026. A total of n=1,167 Canadians aged 18+ participated in the survey (of which n=403 were residents of Quebec). Quotas and weighting were used to ensure the sample's composition reflects that of the Canadian population according to census parameters. This survey has a credibility interval of +/- 3.5 per cent 19 times out of 20, of what the results would have been had all Canadian adults 18+ been surveyed. Credibility intervals are wider among subsets of the population.
For more information on this Factum, please contact:
Derek Brasier
Vice President, Ipsos Public Affairs
[email protected]
About Ipsos
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