As Canada prepares to host world leaders at the G7 summit in Alberta on June 15, a new Ipsos poll shows the country as the most preferred oil supplier among the G7 nations.
The survey, conducted between April 25 and May 9 on behalf of the Pathways Alliance, asked respondents in 18 G20 countries to rank their top three preferred suppliers of imported oil from a list of eight countries.
Among respondents in G7 countries (France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States) Canada was chosen in the top three 68 per cent of the time, up from 65 per cent in 2023, placing it ahead of Norway and the United States.
Canada also saw a rise in the number of G7 respondents ranking it as their top oil supplier, climbing from 19 per cent to 21 per cent.
In comparison, the United States dropped sharply, with only 34 per cent including it in their top three (down from 60 per cent) and just 11 per cent ranking it first (down from 22 per cent).
Ipsos conducted the online survey with 14,019 adults in G20 countries, excluding Russia.
The margin of error is ± 3.5 percentage points for samples of 1,000 respondents.
Amidst growing geopolitical instability and global shifts in energy preferences, Canada’s stable democracy, environmental standards, and reliable supply appear to be resonating with respondents.
The poll suggests Canada’s oil industry may be best positioned to differentiate itself from other producers, such as the U.S., which is facing a decline in global favourability.
Canada’s position also improved within North America, with 76 per cent of regional respondents ranking it in the top three, up from 71 per cent.
Almost half, 49 per cent, named Canada their top choice, a significant jump from 37 per cent last year.
The Middle East saw notable gains globally and among G7 respondents.
In G7 countries, 12 per cent more respondents placed the region in their top three compared to last year.
Ipsos attributes the Middle East’s growing appeal to its central role in global energy markets and increased involvement in initiatives such as the BRICS+ expansion.
The 2025 G7 summit will be held in Kananaskis, Alberta, where Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to continue trade negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump.