New poll shows many Canadians believe it’s time to move on from Keystone XL

While most Canadians recognize that the death of the Keystone XL pipeline is bad for Alberta and Canada, they also believe it’s time to move on according to a new poll. As Carly Robinson explains, it comes as a new economic outlook shows some optimism for the province.

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – When it comes to the Keystone XL pipeline, many Canadians feel it’s bad news but others say it’s time to move on.

The results of a new poll from Angus Reid were released Tuesday showing divided support for the on-again, off-again project.

Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order repealing the presidential permit for the pipeline which would move thousands of barrels of Canadian oil per day from Alberta to Nebraska.

The decision to cancel the project has led to outcry from the Alberta government with Premier Jason Kenney calling on the federal Liberals to impose economic sanctions on the U.S. if they fail to discuss the project.

That sentiment was reflected in the Angus Reid poll as 72 per cent of respondents from the province believe the Keystone XL pipeline should be at the top of discussion above other Canada-U.S. priorities.

According to the poll, about 65 per cent of Canadians surveyed do believe the cancellation is a bad thing for Canada but what to do next is a different story.

Overall, 59 per cent of Canadians in the poll believe it’s time to move on from Keystone XL, an opinion driven by respondents in eastern and Atlantic Canada.

About 74 per cent of respondents in Quebec believe the pipeline should no longer be a priority.

The issue is also viewed through a different lens across the country with 51 per cent saying it’s about the economy and jobs, while 49 per cent, mostly respondents in B.C., Ontario and Quebec believe the project is about environmental concerns and climate change.

On Monday, the federal Conservatives called an emergency debate on the issue with Opposition leader Erin O’Toole demanding more action from the Prime Minister on Keystone XL and it’s effects on the national economy.

The Liberals say that while they don’t agree with the decision to cancel the project, now is not the time to start an economic war with Canada’s biggest trading partner.

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