Pipelines Gain New Life as Canada Seeks to Diversify Energy Trade Amid U.S. Uncertainty

OTTAWA — With tariffs, trade wars, and the unpredictable tactics of U.S. President Donald Trump dominating economic headlines, oil pipelines are making a comeback in Canadian conversations. Canada’s Industry Minister, François-Philippe Champagne, began speaking positively about east-west oil pipelines last month, and the idea is gaining traction across the country.

Recent polling by the Angus Reid Institute shows 65 per cent of Canadians now support an Energy East pipeline, up from just over 50 per cent six years ago. Even in Quebec, where opposition to pipelines has historically been strong, nearly 50 per cent of residents are now open to the idea—a significant shift in sentiment.

Energy analysts agree that diversifying Canada’s trade routes away from the U.S. would provide a stronger negotiating position against the current American administration. Several economists have noted that Canada’s biggest trading partner is unpredictable so it pays to have other international customer options.

The renewed interest in pipelines comes as the successful completion of the Trans Mountain expansion project demonstrates the potential for interprovincial energy cooperation. Whether this momentum will translate into concrete action remains to be seen, but for now, pipelines are back in vogue.