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February 8, 2021 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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(Calgary) A UCP Government move to allow expanded coal mining operations in the Eastern Rockies of Southern Alberta is decidedly unpopular with voters according to a recent ThinkHQ Public Affairs, Inc. survey.
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The early February poll finds that over three-quarters of Albertans are aware of this issue, and among this group nearly seven-in-ten (69%) oppose expanded development of formerly protected areas of the province (nearly one-half strongly oppose the new measures).
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Albertans are divided on whether or not they feel balanced development is even possible in this instance, but a majority don’t necessarily trust the current provincial government to find a reasonable balance between the economy and environment.
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DETAILED FINDINGS
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Public Awareness
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There is a reasonably high degree of public awareness of this issue, with over three-quarters (76%) of those interviewed reporting they know at least something about it – 43% “definitely” aware, 33% “heard some things” and only 24% know nothing about it.
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Public Support for Policy Changes
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Disapproval for the move to open the Eastern Rockies/foothills to more coal mining is both wide and deep; Among those aware of the issue, almost seven-in-ten (69%) say they disapprove of the move, with nearly one-half (49%) strongly opposed. Meanwhile, only one-quarter (25%) of those familiar with the issue say they agree with expanding coal mining in these areas (9% strongly and 16% somewhat).
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Disapproval is high across most demographic breaks, with some modest variation:
- Women are more likely to oppose the new policy than men, as are those living in Edmonton and Central Alberta, and those between 35 – 54 years of age
- Even a majority of UCP voters (56%) say they disapprove of expanded mining in formerly protected areas of the Rockies, while opposition is almost universal among NDP voters (92%)
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Finding Balance Between Economic Development & Environmental Protection
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Is it possible to expand mining opportunities in the south-eastern Rockies without negatively impacting the environment? Albertans are divided and somewhat pessimistic. Almost one-half (47%) disagree with the view that “it is possible to open up new areas of the Eastern Rockies to mining without harming the environment”, while 37% believe that striking balance is possible.
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- Provincial NDP voters overwhelmingly believe that expansion of coal mining in the eastern slopes is incompatible with protecting sensitive environmental areas (75% disagree), while only a bare majority (53%) of UCP voters feel there is a balanced solution in this instance
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Lack of Public Trust in UCP Government on this Issue
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A majority of Alberta voters (56%) say they do not trust the UCP Government to strike the right balance on economic and environmental concerns when it comes to coal mining in the southeastern Rockies, compared to only one-third (33%) who do.
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- Among provincial NDP voters, the current provincial government is almost universally distrusted on this issue (90%), but even among UCP voters there is only a slim majority (52%) who are confident the Kenney government will find an appropriate balance. Indeed, almost four-in-ten (39%) UCP supporters say they do not trust the government they voted for to properly manage this issue
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Commentary
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Commenting on the most recent survey results, ThinkHQ Public Affairs Inc. President Marc Henry notes:
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“This is another example of self-inflicted wounds by the Kenney Government, and it’s a dangerous one for them. Looking at the scope and depth of the opposition to this policy change, it reminds me of the previous NDP government’s introduction of the provincial carbon tax – the extent and intensity of opposition is very much on par.
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Even in a province which is frankly starving for economic development opportunities, the notion of opening previously protected areas of the south-eastern Rockies and foothills to more intensive development like coal mining is way off target with most Albertans. Of greater concern for the Conservatives, it’s the type of policy which divides their own base of voter support, and if left unresolved can cost them dearly in an election.
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The Energy Minister is expected to make a new announcement on the issue this week, but short of simply rescinding the new framework, it’s difficult to see how the Government effectively maneuvers around this. People are divided on whether or not it’s even possible to expand coal mining in this area without unduly harming the environment. But more notably, a majority of voters don’t trust this government to strike that balance.”
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Click here to view the full release and methodology
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Media Inquiries:
Marc Henry
President, ThinkHQ Public Affairs, Inc.
Marc@ThinkHQ.com