‘Overwhelmingly positive’: Hub Politics on how Canadians are feeling about the Carney-Smith energy alliance

In this episode of Hub Politics, host Sean Speer is joined by Amanda Galbraith, co-founder and president of Oyster Group, and David Coletto, founder and CEO of Abacus Data, to discuss new polling from Abacus Data that shows the pipeline agreement between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is popular with Canadians, particularly among self-identified Conservatives. They explore the possible political risks to the memorandum of understanding, Pierre Poilievre and the federal Conservatives’ challenging position, and how public opinion may shift as the project unfolds. Their conversation then turned to conservative coalition fractures in the U.K. and British Columbia and questions of how conservative priorities can balance populist energy with broader electoral appeal. You can listen to this episode on Amazon, Apple, and Spotify. Program Summary This is an automated summary. Please check against delivery. Canada’s political environment is experiencing significant realignment as energy policy emerges as a defining issue capable of reshaping traditional partisan divisions. Recent developments surrounding pipeline infrastructure have revealed unexpected patterns of public support that challenge conventional political assumptions and highlight the growing importance of economic security in national debates. The energy discussion has generated substantial public awareness in a remarkably short timeframe, demonstrating how quickly Canadians can engage with major policy initiatives when economic concerns are paramount. This rapid uptake reflects broader anxieties about national vulnerability to external economic forces and changing international dynamics, particularly regarding trade relationships with the United States. What makes the current moment particularly notable is the unusual cross-partisan appeal of energy infrastructure development. Traditional political alignments have been disrupted, with supporters of different parties finding common ground on economic growth priorities. This convergence suggests that public opinion may be evolving faster than political institutions, creating space for leaders willing to pursue policies that transcend conventional ideological boundaries. Regional dynamics present a more complex picture. While some provinces show strong consensus on energy development, others reveal internal tensions within governing coalitions. British Columbia faces particular challenges, where support for pipeline infrastructure divides along political lines within the electorate. These fractures could have significant implications for provincial governance and coalition management. The political calculus surrounding energy policy involves balancing competing interests while maintaining party unity. Some political figures have faced criticism for pursuing infrastructure projects without extensive consultation with caucus members, leading to confusion and mixed messaging. However, this approach may also signal a willingness to prioritize national economic interests over internal party politics, a stance that resonates with voters frustrated by perceived political gridlock. Indigenous consultation remains a critical factor in public acceptance of major infrastructure projects. Canadians generally support moving forward with development initiatives, but this support is conditional on meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities. The intersection of economic development and reconciliation continues to shape how major projects are evaluated by the public. Climate considerations add another layer of complexity to energy discussions. There appears to be growing acceptance that resource development and environmental goals need not be mutually exclusive. This shift in public thinking creates opportunities for political parties to reposition themselves on climate issues while supporting economic growth through energy sector expansion. Conservative movements across different jurisdictions face questions about maintaining coalition unity. The challenge of keeping diverse factions together while responding to populist pressures has become a defining feature of right-of-center politics. International examples, particularly from the United Kingdom, illustrate the risks of allowing internal divisions to persist and the difficulty of reconciling fractured political families once splits become entrenched. Leadership stability has emerged as crucial for party cohesion. Organizations with strong, established leadership appear better positioned to maintain unity compared to those where leaders emerged from convenience rather than passionate party support. The contrast between federal and provincial conservative movements demonstrates how leadership strength directly impacts party durability and electoral prospects.