Clark gains allies on pipeline: pollster

51% say they would change if concerns met

Public opposition in B.C. to Enbridge’s proposed Northern Gateway oil pipeline remains strong, although a significant portion of British Columbians say they could change their mind based on “economic and environmen- tal considerations,” a new poll has found.

Released Wednesday, the Angus Reid Public Opinion poll found 59 per cent of those surveyed oppose construction of the $6-billion crude oil pipeline from Alberta’s oilsands to Kitimat, compared with the 34 per cent who support it.

Over half of respondents, 51 per cent, however, said they could be swayed.

The poll comes at the conclusion of NDP leader Adrian Dix’s northern tour of areas that would be affected by the pipeline and in the wake of government’s five minimum requirements for project approval, which were released late last month.

It’s also the first official survey since Premier Christy Clark’s national spat with Alberta Premier Alison Redford over securing more pipeline money for B.C.

It’s an argument that generated severe criticism from the NDP, environmental groups and First Nations leaders.

But Mario Canseco, vicepresident of Angus Reid Pub- lic Opinion, said the findings suggest Clark’s position on the Northern Gateway proposal may be resonating with the public, following a long run of negative public opinion polls.

The online poll, conducted from July 30 to Aug. 1, found that 37 per cent of respondents are happy with the stance Clark has taken (43 per cent dissatisfied) compared with the 35 per cent who said they are happy with opposition stance Dix has taken (27 per cent unhappy).