1 week Ago By Ari Yanover
Amid heightened concerns for economic and energy independence, a recent survey by Canada Powered by Women (CPW) shows three-quarters of Albertan women support a “ self-reliant, economically strong nation powered by increased oil and gas production and exports.” “We know that engaged women are really wanting to see Canada prioritize energy and economic independence, and energy independence particularly, and that’s because we’re in this uncertain relationship right now with the U.S.
and tariffs, and women really make this connection that we need to kind of get on with energy independence and really strengthen and grow our economy,” said Tracey Bodnarchuk, CEO of CPW. CPW’s survey findings , released Monday, show not just strong support for Canada’s oil and gas sector in Alberta, but also across the country. The survey is conducted by Leger on behalf of CPW and is comprised of responses from “engaged women” who are determined by their answers to various questions aimed at gauging how tuned-in the women are to policy in various levels of government.
“They’re very curious. They are well informed. They’re interested in policy, and specifically they make a connection between a thriving energy sector and a thriving economy,” said Bodnarchuk of the respondents.
Some of the key findings for Albertan women show that 88 per cent of respondents agree that “ a strong energy sector, including efficient infrastructure development, is essential for Canada’s long-term prosperity.” Meanwhile, 88 per cent were in favour of expediting an energy corridor, including pipelines for oil and natural gas. CPW’s recent survey also shows just how much energy and its role in a strong economy has risen in importance for Canadian women — not just Albertans — over the past year.
71 per cent of Canadian women recognized the role of oil and gas in the country’s economic prosperity, which is up 20 points from last year. “What is clear to us in our research is that this is not a Western issue, and that it’s a national conversation,” said Bodnarchuk. CPW has conducted other surveys over the past several years, and Bodnarchuk said similar trends have emerged each time.
“Women have always said the same thing, consistently, for the last three years, and the percentages are well over 80 per cent. First, their Number 1 priority is the economy and a successful economy with jobs. The second priority has always been energy security.
Affordable, reliable, energy,” said Bodnarchuk. “The third priority has always been the environment and emissions reduction. So, I think it’s important to know that this conversation with engaged women is not a flavour of the day.
” While tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump and an impending federal election have put the issues front and centre, Bodnarchuk was clear that these aren’t new trends, just heightened.
However, as Canada gets set to head to the polls, she’s heartened by increased discussions about Canada’s economy and the role of energy exports in it. “Engaged women are proud of our resources, and they really get and want us to weather this storm with the U.S.
by securing our long term national security and our sovereignty, and energy independence, and economic independence, are their priority right now. It’s an extension of a long discussion that we’ve been having,” said Bodnarchuk. She added that with the number of engaged women growing from 34.
5 per cent last year , representing 6.7 million women (or 21 per cent of Canadians), their perspectives should be considered closely by any person or party looking to form government. “If somebody wants to govern this country, this audience of 42 per cent of women really shouldn’t be ignored.
These are important priorities, and these women vote, and they go across the political spectrum. So I just think that that’s an important takeaway for policy makers, is to make sure you understand what engaged women are looking for, because there’s a lot of them,” said Bodnarchuk. zdelaney@postmedia.
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