Calgary, September 13, 2023 – The majority of Albertans, around six out of ten (62% Research Co.; 57% Leger), want a nation-wide cap on oil and gas emissions, with support strongest among Alberta’s youth aged 18 to 34 (76% Research Co., 69% Leger). This is according to two new polls commissioned by the Canadian Associations of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) and released today.
“Albertans have suffered, like so many Canadians this summer, from the health impacts of wildfires and they are personally feeling the effects of climate change,” said Dr. Joe Vipond, a Calgary-based emergency doctor and past-president of CAPE. “The numbers speak for themselves. Albertans want more, not less, climate action and want oil companies regulated at the national level.”
The federal government is capping emissions from oil and gas production; the draft regulations are expected next month. In contrast to the poll findings, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has accused the federal Environment Minister of displaying “utter contempt” for Alberta in regards to plans to cap oil and gas emissions, and warned the federal government to “refrain from testing our government’s or Albertans’ resolve in this regard.”
The polling found that:
- Around 7 in 10 Albertans are personally concerned about climate change (70% Research Co.; 67% Leger).
- More than 7 in 10 of Albertans say they are concerned about forest fires impacting their health (72% Research Co.; 71% Leger).
Edmonton and Calgary experienced record numbers of wildfire “smoke hours” this summer, according to Environment Canada data. Wildfire smoke contains a toxic mix of pollutants, including NO2, ozone, and fine particulates (PM2.5). Exposure can lead to respiratory impacts, cardiovascular events, adverse pregnancy outcomes and increased mortality, especially in vulnerable populations such as babies and young children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Wildfires and other extreme weather events are expected to increase in frequency and intensity as global temperatures rise.
Methodology: Data was collected between August 25 and 27th for the Leger poll and between August 24 and 27 for the Research Co. poll.
1,000 Albertans 18 and older were interviewed for the Leger poll, 806 for the Research Co. poll.
The margin of error was +/-3.1%, 19 out of 20 for Leger and +/- 3.5%, 19 out of 20 for Research Co.
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For more information, please contact:
Reykia Fick, Communications Director, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) 647-762-9168, media@cape.ca
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co. 778- 929-0490, mario.canseco@researchco.ca
Research Co. Report
Research Co. Charts
Allison Watson, Vice President, Léger – We Know Canadians
O: 780-423-0708 ext. 4227, 780- 940-8535 (cell)
Léger Report