Media release: GLOBAL FRACKDOWN STARTS: Majority of Canadians want fracking moratorium, says EKOS poll, October 8, 2014
Poll questions
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As you may know, hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" is a process where sand, water and chemicals are injected into the ground to break apart rock formations to extract natural gas or oil. How would you rate your awareness of fracking? Would you say you are very aware, somewhat aware, not very aware, or not at all aware of fracking?
- The federal government recently commissioned an independent review of fracking, which found a lack of scientific research on fracking well leaks, the safety of fracking chemicals, and the long-term impacts of fracking. Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose a national moratorium on fracking until it is scientifically proven to be safe?
Awareness of fracking
The EKOS Poll found that a majority of Canadians were very or somewhat aware of fracking. The following is a breakdown of people who are aware of fracking per region:
- 67% of people in Canada
- 85% of people in the Atlantic provinces
- 29% of people in Quebec
- 75% of people in Ontario
- 76% of people in Manitoba/Saskatchewan
- 83% of people in Alberta
- 82% of people in British Columbia & the Territories
Support for a moratorium
The EKOS Poll found that a majority of Canadians strongly or somewhat support a moratorium regardless of region. The following is a breakdown of people per region who strongly or somewhat support a moratorium:
- 70% of people in Canada
- 67% of people in the Atlantic provinces
- 67% of people in Quebec
- 75% of people in Ontario
- 71% of people in Manitoba/Saskatchewan
- 62% of people in Alberta
- 70% of people in British Columbia & the Territories
Support for a moratorium among federal party supporters
The EKOS Poll found that a majority of Canadians strongly or somewhat support a moratorium regardless of which federal party they support, with the exception of Conservative Party supporters. The following is a breakdown of people based on voter intention who strongly or somewhat support a moratorium:
- 78% of Liberal Party supporters
- 49% of Conservative Party supporters
- 87% of New Democratic Party supporters
- 75% of Green Party supporters
- 65% of Bloc Quebecois supporters
- 34% of supporters of other parties
Support for a moratorium is consistent despite gender, age, employment status and family income.
Gender
- 68% of males and 73% of females strongly or somewhat support a moratorium.
Age
All age ranges strongly or somewhat support a moratorium with the following breakdown of age groups:
- 76% of people 18-34 years old
- 69% of people 35-44 years old
- 68% of people 45-54 years old
- 70% of people 55-64 years old
- 67% of people over 65 years old
Family Income
The majority of people in all income brackets support a moratorium on all hydraulic fracturing with the most support from people who earn $30,000-60,000 (75%), and $60,000- $100,000 (73%).
Education
The majority of people with all levels of education support a moratorium on all hydraulic fracturing with the most support from people who have university education (75%)
The EKOS Research poll involved a national survey of 1,000 Canadians 18 years of age and older. The sample included the following regional breakdown: Atlantic (83), Quebec (234), Ontario (389) Manitoba/Saskatchewan (75), Alberta (119) and British Columbia & Territories (150). The margin of error for a sample of this size is +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. Survey results are statistically reliable in all major regions of Canada. Interviewing for this EKOS research poll was completed during the period: September 10-17, 2014.
