Economy and environment weigh heavy on Canadians: EKOS-CBC poll

When it comes to taking care of the planet and taking care of our family, do we really have to pick one over the other?

A new EKOS-CBC poll suggests Canadians aretorn between thepriorities of economic growth and those of environmental stewardship, particularly when it comes to the oil and gas industry.

"One of the most striking features that we see throughout the poll is the collision of two extremely powerful forces in public opinion that are operating differently than in the past," saidFrank Graves, president of EKOS Research.

On the one hand liesan "unprecedented gloom about the economy," and on the other, a growing sense of urgency surroundingclimate action, he said.

Not a conflict, says environmentminister

Shannon Phillips, Alberta's environment minister,said one doesn't have to come at the expense of the other.

"From our perspective, it doesn't have to be either-or.Albertans appreciate that we can be environmental leaders and at the same time ensure economic growth."

To that end, Phillips said the government is focused on"immediate job creators," which includeinvestments in energy efficiencyat the small business level, for municipalitiesand for individual homeowners.

She also said there are "millions of dollars of global investment just waiting to invest in Alberta in green technology, clean tech, renewables, and finding ways to reduce our per-barrel emissions."

"We have a lot of work to do to repair Alberta's environmental reputation, and I think what Alberta's proven is we're up to that challenge," she said.

Either a beacon or a cautionary tale

Trevor McLeod, director for the Centre for Natural Resources Policy with the Canada West Foundation, said it's obvious most Canadians want to move to a low-carbon future.

The ambiguity, however, lies in the how and the how fast, he said.

"It is disturbing, the dialogue that's started about the off-carbon future. People on one side have almost taken it on faith that if you cut the legs out of the existing energy systems, that we will arrive at this future," he said.

McLeodworries thatenergy sector leaders have backed away from the discussion because the public is uninterested in what they have to contribute on the environmental front.

"We don't believe that that's what you're about. You're about profit. We're not really listening anymore,"he offered as an example.

McLeod said it's critical thatthose energy leaders help steerAlberta toward alow-carbon future.

"We have this opportunity to either be a beacon to the world, or a cautionary tale. It's really unclear yet which one we're going to be."

With files from CBC News Calgary, The Homestretch, and Alberta at Noon

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