Women Demand Accelerated Resource Development: From Taboo to National Mandate
In a remarkable transformation of public sentiment, Canadian women are now leading the charge for pragmatic resource development, according to new research from Leger conducted for Canada Powered by Women. The study reveals that what was once considered nearly taboo has become a clear mandate for action.
A Dramatic Shift in Public Opinion
The research surveyed engaged women across Canada—those who follow news, pay attention to politics, and think about public policy. Their message was unmistakable: they want government to accelerate development and, where appropriate, reduce barriers to progress.
The numbers tell a compelling story: 86% of respondents believe a strong energy sector supports economic stability, while 72% say pipelines matter more now given global instability. Perhaps most striking is the dramatic increase in support for oil and gas contributing to Canada's prosperity—from just 51% in 2024 to 73% today, representing a 22-point jump in only two years.
International Bargaining Power and Economic Realities
Support for Canada's natural resources as international bargaining tools has grown even stronger, with 85% of engaged women now agreeing that these resources give the country significant leverage globally, up from 80% last year.
Why this dramatic change in perspective? Researchers point to two primary factors:
- Household economic pressures: Energy is no longer an abstract concept but directly impacts home heating, transportation costs, and grocery prices that affect daily life.
- Global volatility: International conflicts, shifting U.S. policies, and market instability have made energy security a practical concern rather than an ideological debate.
Balancing Economic and Environmental Priorities
Contrary to simplistic narratives, Canadian women are not advocating for development at any cost. A commanding 82% of surveyed women want to balance environmental policy with economic growth rather than choosing one over the other. Only 11% would prioritize environmental concerns at the expense of development—a significant shift from conversations that dominated the past decade.
The research also reveals nuanced perspectives on international partnerships:
- Most women support maintaining the U.S. as an energy partner while simultaneously opening new markets
- 84% favor domestic refining to ensure Canada retains more value from its resources
- 65% believe attracting capital investment should be a core policy objective
The Credibility Gap and Call for Action
While women overwhelmingly support accelerated development, they express significant concerns about implementation. Seven out of ten women say governments should act quickly, but only 23% have high confidence that Canada can approve and complete large projects on time.
This creates a critical tension: Women back speed and scale provided governments demonstrate they can deliver, yet the majority believe current decision-making processes are too slow to achieve meaningful results.
A Fragile Mandate Requiring Concrete Action
The research concludes that women have given political and industry leaders a clear but fragile mandate. To maintain this support and translate it into tangible progress, leaders must focus on:
- Transparent processes with clear timelines
- Visible local benefits from development projects
- Robust environmental and Indigenous safeguards
- Predictable approval processes that attract private investment
As the research demonstrates, Canadian women have moved beyond ideological debates about resource development to embrace a pragmatic approach that balances economic needs with environmental responsibility. Their message to leaders is clear: develop our resources strategically, deliver results efficiently, and ensure benefits reach communities across the nation.
