Support for energy sector among engaged women in British Columbia surges
VANCOUVER, B.C. (October 23, 2025) — As critical discussions around energy infrastructure and interprovincial relations intensify, research from a new Canada Powered by Women (CPW) and Deloitte Canada report released this month reveals a significant and growing endorsement for Canada’s energy sector, including pipelines, among engaged women in British Columbia.
These findings from CPW, a nonpartisan nonprofit amplifying women’s voices with policymakers and business leaders, highlight a clear demand for urgent action on energy policy reform, leveraging BC’s natural resource advantage to strengthen Canada’s economic and energy independence.
“Engaged women in British Columbia share a deep sense of pride in our vibrant energy and natural resource sector, and they see a direct connection between its success and a prosperous future for families in BC and across Canada,” says Tracey Bodnarchuk, CEO of CPW. “There is a palpable sense of urgency for Canada to take the right approach, developing balanced policy to support growth and expansion of the energy sector with new projects of national significance that have tangible benefits for the BC economy.”
Surging support for the energy sector is seen in data from a recent survey, along with insights from a facilitated workshop held in Vancouver earlier this spring which indicates nearly half of engaged women in British Columbia – a striking 47 percent – are more supportive of expanding Canada’s energy exports today than they were last year, and that includes pipelines.
This upward trend signals a shift during a pivotal moment in public dialogue, as the Governments of British Columbia and Alberta explore potential opportunities to grow the energy sector; and as engaged women in both provinces closely eye Canada’s evolving relationship with the U.S. and push for more energy and economic independence and diversification.
Key insights from the research underscore the support of engaged women in BC, presenting a significant voice in the ongoing debate:
• Energy as an economic engine: 73 per cent of engaged women in BC agree that Canada’s oil and gas sector is a crucial contributor to a successful, growing, and prosperous economy.
• Prioritizing growth and resource advantage: Engaged women in BC are advocating for the province to embrace its natural resource advantage, with economic growth as the top provincial imperative.
• Long-term prosperity and essential infrastructure: An overwhelming 86 per cent believe that a strong energy sector, supported by efficient infrastructure like pipelines, is essential for Canada’s long-term prosperity.This aligns with broader national sentiment that streamlined resource and infrastructure development is vital.
“The data paints a clear picture,” says Heather Taylor, a Vancouver-based CPW board member. “Engaged women in British Columbia are increasingly seeing the energy sector, including new projects, not as a point of contention, but as a cornerstone of economic stability and future growth.”
This is a complex issue, with many voices and ideas at the table. But engaged women recognize this, wanting to make space for dialogue that is solutions and progress focused, as the report found they embraced “yes – and” solutions rather than “either – or” thinking. This equation includes partnering meaningfully with Indigenous communities through a clear and consistent framework – something engaged women raised as important for Canada to take part in during energy conversations.
The shift from engaged women presented in the new report provides a powerful mandate for policymakers to deliver new bold, practical energy policies that respond to today’s challenges, anticipate tomorrow’s needs, and prove to women across Canada that their voices are not just heard, but acted upon.
About the report
Survey data is from a study conducted via Leger’s online panel (LEO) from February 27 – March 10, 2025. Data was weighted to ensure proper representation of engaged women across Canada and the survey was offered in both English and French. Results only exclude those women strongly aligned with the far left. Additional insights contained throughout the report come from engaged women participants at the CPW Power & Prosperity national event series and workshops facilitated by both Deloitte Canada and PwC that were held in spring 2025.
About Canada Powered by Women
Established in 2019, Canada Powered by Women is a non-partisan, non-profit organization. Our vision is to be the unignorable voice of women in the energy transformation conversation, influencing sound energy policy and advancing economic prosperity. We amplify the voice of women in energy transformation dialogue and represent their points of view to influence public perception and policymakers.
For media inquiries please contact:
Charmaine de Silva
charmaine.desilva@bursonglobal.com
604-360-2328