Research & insights

Canadian Women are not convinced we have energy policies that positively affect prosperity

Highlights – April 2024

New national survey data shows that engaged Canadian women are questioning our country’s energy policies, (for example, the highly divisive federal carbon tax), and the number of women who care about these policies is also growing.

Familiarity with policy

Engaged women are well informed. They take in the news, understand the connection between the economy and energy and want a voice in the conversation. They are interested in learning more and how they can support dialogue about issues facing Canadians including wealth and prosperity.

Engaged women are present in all provinces across Canada aligned with the national population.

The number of Canadian women who identify as an “engaged woman” has grown from 24 per cent to 34.5 per cent in just the last year – a massive increase from a statistical standpoint.

Familiarity with policy

68%

of engaged women are familiar with energy policies in Canada

63%

of engaged women are familiar with energy transformation

Canadian energy policy

Engaged women believe energy policy in Canada is

Good
27%

Poor
34%

Neutral
38%

90% of engaged women agree that changes made to oil and gas industry policies will impact other industries, such as auto manufacturing or agriculture.

More than 57% recognize the impact energy policy has on economic and personal financial well-being, but perceive a significant gap in:



Balance



Support



Inclusion



Balance



Support



Inclusion

within the current policy framework.

“Engaged women think there are policy gaps when it comes to balancing the cost of living with support for the environment, as well as gaps around recognizing that a diverse energy mix helps support Canadian prosperity.”

— Paige Schoenfeld, Senior Vice-President at Leger

Methodology

The survey data is from Leger’s Omnibus Study, conducted from March 22 – March 24, 2024, among 1,605 Canadians, randomly recruited from Leger’s LEO online panel.

The women who were classified as Engaged Women identified as someone who reads/listens to the news, is informed on politics, believe to be somewhat left/in the middle/on the right, and is neutral or in agreement with the many statements related to having an interest in: influencing government, learning about the future, learning more about topics that could impact Canadians future wealth and prosperity, understanding what I can do to support important issues facing Canadians, and having a voice about the future of oil and gas and energy.