Almost 60% of Canadians overestimate how much the oilsands contribute to the economy, according to a new poll by Environics.
The study commissioned by Environmental Defence, also found 41% believe the oilsands add six to 24 times more to the economy than it actually does.
According to Statistics Canada, the industry adds just 2% of the country’s gross domestic product.
The research company found about 75% of Canadians and three-quarters of Albertan’s want the country to shift away from fossil fuels and work towards cleaner energy.
It also found over 60% of the country wants an economic strategy that’s less focused on developing the oilsands.
The company polled 1,011 adults online over 5 days in June.