Survey draws roadmap to build support for resource industries

Press Release –

July 18, 2014

The four major resource industries enjoy generally broad support in western Canada, but can build trust by addressing issues identified in a public opinion survey released today by the Canada West Foundation.

The survey on attitudes towards the energy, mining, forestry and agri-food industries was conducted for the Foundation by Ipsos Reid. Entitled Restoring Trust: The Road to Public Support for Resource Industries, it sampled 3,038 residents in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario (for comparison purposes). Among the key findings:

• Citizens of all four western provinces see the value of the resource industry as it relates to their quality of life.
• Farming tops the list on virtually all measures of performance and trust. Mining and energy have the most room for improvement overall.
• Although most westerners recognize that the energy sector does the best job at generating and distributing economic benefits, they also demand better performance on the issues that matter most to the community: keeping promises, protecting local health and safety, and safeguarding the local environment.
• Building public confidence in the regulatory regime is vital to growing trust in a specific industry.
• Health and safety is the top issue for trust, with environment second. Improving performance and finding credible ways of recognizing that performance should be a top priority.

“Western Canadians view the resource industries as integral to economic success, but their level of support and trust focuses more on safeguarding health and safety, protecting the natural environment, and keeping commitments to communities,” said Len Coad, director of the Centre for Natural Resources Policy.

The online survey was conducted in March, with a sample size considered accurate within plus or minus 2.2 per cent. A summary of the results is available on this website.

The Canada West Foundation focuses on the policies that shape the West’s quality of life. Through our evidence-based research and commentary, we provide objective, practical solutions. For more than 40 years, we have been a passionate advocate for western Canada.

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For more, contact:

Doug Firby
Director of Communications
403-538-7357 firby@cwf.ca

NT3