Research & insights
National research results
Highlights – June 2024
Although energy issues might seem to divide the public, our research shows that engaged women share common ground. Women across Canada desire a balanced approach on energy and the environment, but also agree life has gotten harder. Considering the ever-increasing costs, this is not surprising. Their understanding of policies is deepening, and they are focusing on long-term prosperity and affordability while striving for a well-rounded strategy.
We surveyed over 1,000 women to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives and explore their understanding of pending energy policy, the role of fossil fuels in the future and prosperity tradeoffs due to policy and economic factors.
Who are engaged women?
Engaged women are tuned in women who 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.
The number of Canadian women who identify as an “engaged woman” has grown from 24 per cent to 34.5 per cent (5.6M) in just the last year — which is a massive increase from a statistical standpoint.
Affordability
Life is harder…
87%
Upcoming energy policies will have negative impact on personal finances
85%
Express familiarity that energy policy impacts their cost of living
59%
Perceive energy to be unaffordable
43%
Shift in energy policies made daily life more difficult
Tradeoffs prevail
62%
See connection between energy policies and effect on economic prosperity
55%
Prioritize reducing energy emissions with energy mix including fossil fuels
49%
Think Canada should actively export natural gas
Engaged women think it’s important oil and gas contributes to:
The economy — 85%
Energy reliability and dependability — 84%
Lowering global
emissions — 80%
Engaged women’s views on energy policy
43%
34%
Energy policies are made with consideration, including their impact on individuals and the wider community
45%
26%
Current energy policies effectively balance cost of living and support for environment
41%
23%
Decisions gov’ts make about energy policy are right for them and their families
Awareness and support
84%
Aware of carbon tax
37%
Aware of emissions cap
Government definition
37%
Support the carbon tax
49%
Support the emissions cap
After policy implication
48%
Oppose the carbon tax
34%
Oppose the emissions cap
New policy ideas
Supporting emissions reduction
75%
Investment in technology and innovation
74%
Incentives for businesses to innovate to invest in projects
72%
Re-investing money made from oil and gas production into clean energy and jobs
Methodology
With the goal of being the voice of women and influencing sound energy policy, Canada Powered by Women contracted Leger to conduct research on their target audience of “engaged women” to understand women’s opinions and expectations relating to current and pending energy policy. We set out to deepen knowledge and understanding of how energy policies are impacting engaged women across Canada — the overarching goal was to listen.
The survey data is from a study conducted by Leger using the LEO panel, from April 25-May 1, among 1,056 women in Canada. The women who qualified 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 the future wealth and prosperity of Canadians, understanding what I can do to support important issues facing Canadians and having a voice about the future of oil and gas and energy.
