Author: By Mario Canseco

Economic Reconciliation Divides Views in British Columbia

Economic Reconciliation Divides Views in British Columbia

By Mario Canseco

More than two thirds of the province’s residents support promoting resources and education opportunities for Indigenous people.

Vancouver, BC [December 5, 2023] – While almost two thirds of British Columbians hold positive opinions on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, only half favour the concept of economic reconciliation, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 65% of British Columbians have a “very positive” or “moderately positive” view of reconciliation, defined as establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.

When British Columbians ponder the concept of economic reconciliation—or the process of making economic amends for historical injustices to Indigenous Peoples—the results are different. Half of the province’s residents (50%) have a positive opinion of the concept, while 38% hold negative views and 13% are undecided.

“Almost three-in-five British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (59%) favour economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (49%) and aged 55 and over (43%).”

A majority of British Columbians (55%) hold positive views on the concept of self-determination, or the right of Indigenous people to determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development, and to dispose of and benefit from their wealth and natural resources.

The concept of self-determination elicits positive opinions from 65% of British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) in 2020. The proportions are lower among those who cast ballots for the BC Green Party (54%) and the BC Liberals (46%) in the last provincial election.

Half of British Columbians (50%) hold positive views on self-government, or the existence of negotiated agreements that set out law-making authority in areas such as governance and economic development. Indigenous laws operate in harmony with federal and provincial laws.

Just over two thirds of British Columbians (68%) support promoting resources and education opportunities for Indigenous people across the province, while more than half (53%) would increase Indigenous representation on boards of directors.

Across British Columbia, majorities of residents agree that Indigenous communities should decide what type of housing projects can be built on their territories (62%) and if natural resource projects can be established on their territories (54%).

Just over half of British Columbians agree with the idea of creating an advocacy committee to advise the federal House of Commons (54%) and the provincial Legislative Assembly (also 54%) on policies affecting Indigenous people.

British Columbians are less enthused about establishing a specific number of candidates of Indigenous descent to run for the federal House of Commons (40%) or the provincial Legislative Assembly (41%).

About three-in-ten British Columbians believe their municipal (31%), provincial (30%) and federal (also 30%) governments need to do more to foster economic reconciliation.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from November 4 to November 6, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

Photo Credit: Jamfam1000

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Conservatives Close 2023 With 14-Point Lead in Canadian Politics

Conservatives Close 2023 With 14-Point Lead in Canadian Politics

By Mario Canseco

A third of Canadians (32%) say Pierre Poilievre would make the “Best Prime Minister”, with Justin Trudeau in second place (23%).

Vancouver, BC [November 30, 2023] – The opposition Conservative Party has extended its advantage in Canada’s political scene, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 38% of decided voters would vote for the Conservative candidate in their constituency if an election were held tomorrow, up one point since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September.

The governing Liberal Party is a distant second with 24% (-7), followed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) (21%, +3) the Bloc Québécois with 9% (+1), the Green Party with 4% (+1) and the People’s Party with 2% (+1).

The Conservatives are the most popular federal party in Alberta (58%), Atlantic Canada (47%), British Columbia (45%), Manitoba and Saskatchewan (44%) and Ontario (42%). In Quebec, the Liberals are first (34%), followed by the Bloc (29%).

“The Conservatives and the New Democrats are holding on to most of their supporters from the last federal election (93% and 81% respectively),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 66% of Liberal voters in 2021 are staying with the party.”

Just under two-in-five Canadians (39%,-2) approve of the performance of Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister and Liberal leader. The rating is higher for Official Opposition and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre (47%, +6) and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh (48%, =).

Just over a third of Canadians (34%, +2) are satisfied with the way Green Party leader Elizabeth May is handling her duties. The proportions are lower for Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (21%, +1) and People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (19%, -1).

When Canadians are asked which one of the six party leaders would make the best prime minister, 32% select Poilievre (+4) while 23% choose Trudeau (-5). Singh is third on this indicator with 18% (+1), followed by May (4%, +1) and Bernier (2%, +1).

Almost three-in-ten Canadians (29%, +4) say housing, homelessness and poverty is the most important issue facing the country right now—a proportion that rises to 34% in Ontario, 36% in British Columbia and 37% in Atlantic Canada.

The economy and jobs is second on the list of nationwide concerns (21%, +1), followed by health care (19%, -5), the environment (6%, -4) and immigration (6%, +3).

Almost half of Canadians (47%, +5) would be comfortable with Poilievre being in charge of Canada’s economy. Fewer than two-in-five (37%, -7) are comfortable with Trudeau at the helm.

Only 42% of Canadians (-2) are satisfied with what the Liberals and the NDP have accomplished since their March 2022 supply and confidence agreement—including 70% of Liberal voters in 2021 and 55% of NDP voters in the same federal election.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 25 to November 27, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

Photo Credit: Hutima

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

British Columbians Still Peeved by Hefty Mobile Phone Bills

British Columbians Still Peeved by Hefty Mobile Phone Bills

By Mario Canseco

Fewer than three-in-ten of the province’s residents think the federal and provincial governments will make things better.

Vancouver, BC [November 29, 2023] – More than seven-in-ten mobile phone users in British Columbia think they are paying too much for their service, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 72% of mobile phone users describe the costs of their plan as “expensive”, up two points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in September 2021.

Residents of Metro Vancouver are more likely to say that their mobile phone plan is “expensive” (75%) than their counterparts in Southern BC (72%), Northern BC (70%), the Fraser Valley (69%) and Vancouver Island (61%).

A monthly plan for a mobile phone in Canada with two gigabytes of data costs about $75. Practically three-in-five British Columbians (58%, +1) think a similar plan would be less expensive in the United States.

More than two-in-five British Columbians also believe that mobile phone costs would be cheaper in Australia (41%, +8) and Italy (43%, +9).

“British Columbians aged 55 and over are keenly aware of the cost of mobile services in the United States,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Three-in-four (76%) know that plans are less expensive in the neighbouring nation.”

In 2019, the federal Liberal Party campaigned on a promise to reduce the cost of mobile phone and internet bills for Canadians.

Only 24% of British Columbians (-1) think the federal government will “definitely” or “probably” achieve this promise.

Also in 2019, the provincial government appointed MLA Bob D’Eith to work with the federal government to explore more affordable and transparent mobile phone options.

Just 26% of British Columbians (-6) believe the provincial government’s actions will be successful.

British Columbians aged 55 and over are particularly scathing in their assessment of the political pledges related to mobile phone costs. Only 12% of them think the federal government will fulfill its promise, and just 18% feel the same way about the actions of the provincial administration.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from November 9 to November 11, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Speed-on-Green Cameras Remain Popular in British Columbia

Speed-on-Green Cameras Remain Popular in British Columbia

By Mario Canseco

Just over three-in-five of the province’s residents would like to see the speed limit reduced to 30 km/h on select residential streets.

Vancouver, BC [November 24, 2023] – More than seven-in-ten British Columbians are in favour of using red light cameras to also capture vehicles that are speeding through intersections, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 72% of British Columbians support the use of speed-on-green cameras, unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September 2022.

“The reliance on red light cameras to issue tickets for speeding is not politically contentious in British Columbia,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Sizeable proportions of residents who voted for the BC Liberals (76%), the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (74%) and the BC Green Party (73%) in 2020 agree with this approach.”

Almost three-in-four British Columbians (73%, -3) are in favour of fixed speed cameras, which stay in one location and measure speed as a vehicle passes.

Most British Columbians are also supportive of two other types of automated speed enforcement: mobile speed cameras, which can be moved from place to place (65%, -1), and point-to-point enforcement, which uses cameras at two or more distant points on a road to issue tickets to vehicles whose average speed over the distance was excessive (57%, -4).

More than two-in-five British Columbians (43%, +4 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2022) say they see a car that they perceive is circulating above the speed limit of 50 km/h “at least once a day” on the street where they reside—a proportion that rises to 47% in the Fraser Valley.

In 2019, Vancouver City Council unanimously passed a motion to establish a pilot project to reduce the speed limit to 30 km/h on select residential streets in the city. The pilot project was first implemented in the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood.

Almost seven-in-ten British Columbians (69%, -3) think Vancouver’s pilot project is a “very good” or “good” idea—including 71% of women, 73% of residents aged 18-to-34 and 76% of those who reside in Northern BC.

Just over three-in-five British Columbians (61%, -5) would personally like to see the speed limit reduced to 30 km/h on all residential streets in their own municipality, while keeping the speed limit on arterial and collector roads at 50 km/h.

Support for a reduced residential speed limit is highest in Northern BC (67%), followed by Vancouver Island (64%), Metro Vancouver (61%), the Fraser Valley (58%) and Southern BC (52%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from November 9 to November 11, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

B.C. Coastal Issues Poll Finds Strong Consensus on Future of Coastal Economy

B.C. Coastal Issues Poll Finds Strong Consensus on Future of Coastal Economy

By Mario Canseco
  1. A recent survey on coastal issues conducted by Research Co. finds marine conservation viewed as a priority for the future of the B.C. coastal economy.

Asked to rate the importance of various activities to the economic future of the B.C. coast, including commercial fishing, tourism, and oil & gas development, respondents across all regions and demographics put “marine conservation” on top. 

“Marine conservation” is rated by 93% as important to the future coastal economy, followed by “renewable energy” (86%), and “outdoor recreation” (82%). Rounding out the top five priorities are “small-scale community fisheries” (83%) and “ecotourism” (79%). At the bottom of the list are “fish farming” (69%) and “deep sea mining” (44%).

  1. On issues of concern to B.C. coastal communities, “declining fish stocks” tops the list, with 92% of British Columbians concerned, including 68% who are “very concerned”.

Reflecting a marked contrast between generations, respondents aged 65+ are 20 points more likely to say they are “extremely/very” concerned (77%) about declining fish stocks compared to those aged 18-34 (56%).

“Open-net fish farms” (90%) and “bottom trawling” (90%) are the second highest on the list of concerns, followed by climate change (84%). Residents of Vancouver Island, the Southern Interior, and respondents aged 65+ express the greatest concern about these issues, while residents in the North are significantly less worried. A strong majority of all party supporters are “very concerned” about open-net fish farms and bottom trawling, with supporters of the federal Conservatives and People’s Party being exceptions on the issue of climate change.

Lowest on the list of coastal concerns are “loss of commercial fishing jobs” (78%), “excessive government restrictions on fishing” (65%), and “too many seals and sea lions” (55%).

  1. The survey finds strong support for a plan by Ottawa, B.C., and coastal First Nations to establish a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in BC’s northern coastal waters.

Nearly eight in ten (79%) of B.C. residents support this collaborative inter-governmental project, which proposes to protect nearly one third of waters off the province’s north and central coast. Just 9% of British Columbians are opposed.

Politically, 78% of federal Conservative voters support the MPA network, versus 14% who oppose it. Among federal Liberals, there is 87% support, and among federal NDPers, there is 88% support.

MPAs are apparently one issue that transcends partisan politics in a province known for polarization.

  1. British Columbians have confidence in scientists and environmental groups as sources of information on marine issues. Confidence in the salmon farming industry and fishing companies is weak.

The general public has the most confidence in scientists (77%), environmental groups (67%), and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (61%) as sources of information on issues like marine protected areas (MPAs).

A majority also have confidence in local First Nations communities (54%), the provincial government (54%), and whale watching guides (51%).

British Columbians have the least confidence in the fishing industry (39%), the salmon farming industry (32%), and fishing companies like Jimmy Pattison’s Canfisco (25%).

Methodology: The findings reported here are based on a province-wide online survey of n=1,603 British Columbians conducted October 31 through November 8, 2023 by Research Co. The Bayesian credibility interval or margin of error equivalent for a sample of this size is ±2.4% 19 times out of 20.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Poutine is Undisputed Leader in Canadian Cuisine Preferences

Poutine is Undisputed Leader in Canadian Cuisine Preferences

By Mario Canseco

Across the country, appetite for pizza with pineapple has decreased from 73% in 2021 to 68% this year. 

Vancouver, BC [November 17, 2023] – More than four-in-five Canadians would consume one of the staples of Québécoise cuisine, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 82% of Canadians say they would “definitely” or “probably” eat poutine, up five points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2021.

Poutine is particularly popular among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (84%) and aged 18-to-34 (82%). More than three-in-four Canadians aged 55 and over (77%) would also try this dish.

Just over two thirds of Canadians (68%, -5) would eat pizza with pineapple, while 29% (+5) would not.

At least seven-in-ten residents of British Columbia (81%), Alberta (76%), Ontario (71%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (70%) would consume Hawaiian pizza. The proportions are lower in Atlantic Canada (62%) and Quebec (54%).

Just over half of Canadians (51%, +1) would try a plant-based hamburger patty—a proportion that rises to 57% among those aged 18-to-34 and to 63% among those who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2021 federal election.

Just over two-in-five Canadians (42%, -2) would consume a steak with ketchup, including 47% of British Columbians and 46% of Conservative Party voters in 2021.

The rating remains low for four other dishes. Fewer than three-in-ten Canadians would “definitely” or “probably” eat prairie oysters (27%, =), shark fin soup (20%, -1), cod tongues (also 20%, +1) and scrunchions (17%, -2).

“As was the case two years ago, Quebecers and Ontarians are particularly fond of prairie oysters (29% each),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The delicacy is not as popular in Alberta (21%) and Manitoba and Saskatchewan (19%).”

When Canadians were asked to select up to three ingredients to design their own pizza, more than half (53%, +2) chose pepperoni, while 39% (-8) favoured mushrooms.

About one-in-four Canadians (24%, +6) would add sausage to their pizza, while fewer selected other ingredients, including green pepper (22%, -2), onion (21%, -2), ham (17%, -1), chicken (16%, +3) and pineapple (also 16%, -4).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from November 10 to November 12, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Photo Credit: Jen Arrr

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Almost Half of Vancouverites Report Worsening Quality of Life

Almost Half of Vancouverites Report Worsening Quality of Life

By Mario Canseco

Just over half of the city’s residents (51%) approve of the performance of Ken Sim as Mayor.

Vancouver, BC [November 15, 2023] – While most residents of the City of Vancouver are pleased with the mayor, almost half say their quality of life has decreased over the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample, 51% of Vancouverites approve of the way Ken Sim is handling his duties as Mayor, while 29% disapprove and 21% are undecided.

More than seven-in-ten Vancouverites who voted for Sim in the 2022 mayoral election (73%) are satisfied with his performance, along with 49% of those who cast a ballot for Kennedy Stewart of Forward Together and 34% of those who voted for any one of the 13 candidates who finished with less than 10% of all cast ballots in 2022.

Vancouverites were asked about the “State of the City” by rating the way 11 different issues have been managed over the past year.

More than half of the city’s residents perceive no change on three issues: parks and facilities (58%), public recreation and activities (57%) and public schools (54%). More than two-in-five (44%) also think the situation is “about the same” as it was last year on fiscal responsibility.

About a third of Vancouverites (32%) believe three issues are now worse than they were a year ago: jobs and economic development, the cleanliness of streets and road maintenance, and the influence of developers.

On four other issues, significant proportions of Vancouverites believe things are worse now than a year ago: public safety (44%), policies to deal with homelessness (46%), quality of life (also 46%) and housing affordability (60%).

“Only 8% of Vancouverites say their quality of life in the city is better now than a year ago,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In contrast, 49% of those aged 35-to-54 and 59% of those who live Downtown say things are worse now.”

Almost half of residents of the City of Vancouver (48%) identify housing as the most important issue, followed by drug overdoses (12%), crime (9%) and property taxes (also 9%).

Fewer Vancouverites mention other issues, including poverty (8%), jobs (5%), climate change (4%), transit (2%) and congestion (1%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from November 4 to November 6, 2023, among 400 adults in the City of Vancouver. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in the City of Vancouver. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.9 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadians See Long Road Ahead to Achieve Gender Equality

Canadians See Long Road Ahead to Achieve Gender Equality

By Mario Canseco

Only 26% of the country’s residents think women and men in Canada are paid the same salary when working the same job.

Vancouver, BC [November 10, 2023] – Most Canadians believe more should be done to attain full gender equality in the country, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 57% of Canadians—and 62% of women—think that, in developed nations such as Canada, there is still a long way to go in order to achieve full gender equality.

Only 26% of Canadians—and 33% of men—believe developed nations such as Canada have already achieved full gender equality.

More than two-in-five Canadians (44%) believe the federal government should be doing more to improve gender equality in the country—a proportion that rises to 50% among women and 52% among Canadians aged 18-to-34.

Just over half of Canadians (53%) think that, compared to 20 years ago, the overall situation of women in Canada is better. Just over three-in-ten (31%) think there has been no change, while 11% claim the situation has worsened.

“Practically three-in-five men in Canada (59%) believe there has been progress on gender equality in the past two decades,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer than half of women in Canada (46%) concur.”

Just over one-in-four Canadians (26%) think women and men in Canada are paid the same salary when working the same job, while more than three-in-five (61%) disagree.

While one third of men (33%) believe gender pay equity already exists in Canada, only 19% of women share the same point of view.

Sizeable majorities of Canadians believe women generally have the same opportunities as men to get a university degree (86%) and be financially independent (74%). Agreement is lower on two other activities: becoming elected politicians (64%) and becoming CEOs of private companies or corporations (52%).

Just over one-in-twenty Canadians (6%) say that, generally speaking, they are less likely to vote for a woman running for political office. More than seven-in-ten (72%) say this fact would have no impact on their vote, while 15% are more likely to vote for female candidates.

Half of Canadians (50%) support establishing quotas so that a minimum mandatory number of women occupy seats in the House of Commons and the Senate, while 38% are opposed to this idea and 12% are undecided.

Support for gender quotas in Parliament is highest among women (58%), Canadians aged 18-to-34 (also 58%) and residents of Atlantic Canada (56%).

More than four-in-five Canadians (82%) support implementing policies to allow both mothers and fathers to take paid parental leave when having a child.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 20 to October 22, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Propensity for Activism Rises in Some Instances in British Columbia

Propensity for Activism Rises in Some Instances in British Columbia

By Mario Canseco

Local projects related to nuclear power, coal and oil would motivate one-in-four residents to actively protest.

Vancouver, BC [November 8, 2023] – Compared to 2022, fewer British Columbians would refrain from actively or passively protesting under specific circumstances, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than half of British Columbians would take no action if seven establishments were to seek a permit to set up within three blocks of their home: a hospital (68%, -7 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2022), a pub or bar (65%, -4), an entertainment complex (64%, -5), a mall (62%, -3), a recycling depot (58%, -5), a marijuana store (54%, -6) or a cell phone tower (53%, -1).

Perceptions are more nuanced on four other establishments that could be located within three blocks of a respondent’s home. Practically half would take no action against a low-income housing project (49%, -9), while fewer feel the same way about a composting site (38%, -5), a homeless shelter (36%, -7) or a sewage or wastewater treatment plant (28%, -3).

“Just over one-in-four British Columbians (26%) would actively protest if a homeless shelter was considered in the vicinity of their homes,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Residents of the Fraser Valley (30%) and Southern BC (28%) are more likely to say they would donate to opponents or attend town halls in this instance.”

When asked about specific establishments that could be located within the boundaries of their municipality, more than half of British Columbians would take no action against wind turbines (63%, -4), a recycling plant (61%, -3), a casino (also 61%, -1) or a military base (58%, +1).

More than two-in-five British Columbians would not actively or passively protest a natural gas pipeline (47%, +4) or an oil pipeline (43%, +4) in their municipality.

Fewer than two-in-five British Columbians would openly welcome six other establishments to their municipality: an incinerator for waste treatment (38%, =), a prison (also 38%, -3), a landfill site for waste disposal (37%, =), an oil refinery (36%, +2), a nuclear power plant (34%, +4) or a coal terminal (32%, +1).

About one-in-four British Columbians say they would actively protest if a nuclear power (27%), a coal terminal (26%) or an oil refinery (24%) were considered for their municipality.

When British Columbians are asked if they have done certain things over the course of their lives, the two highest responses are using social media to protest or support an issue (25%) and donating money to an organization that supports or opposes an issue (23%).

Fewer than one-in-five British Columbians have participated in other activities, such as attending a public consultation meeting or process (17%) attending a protest (16%), joining a political party (9%), joining a political campaign (6%) or taking legal action against a development or project (4%).

Practically a third of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (32%) have used social media to protest or support an issue. A similar proportion of residents aged 55 and over (31%) have attended public consultations or meetings.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 12 to October 14, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Perceptions on Premiers Sour in Most Canadian Provinces

Perceptions on Premiers Sour in Most Canadian Provinces

By Mario Canseco

Fewer than three-in-ten Quebecers (28%) think their province would be better off as its own country.

Vancouver, BC [November 3, 2023] – Animosity towards sitting provincial heads of government is on the rise across Canada, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 58% of Canadians believe their province would be better off with a different premier at the helm, up seven points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in January 2023.

More than three-in-five residents of Ontario (64%, +4) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (61%, =) think they would do better under different premiers. The proportions are lower in Alberta (58%, +3), Atlantic Canada (56%, +8), Quebec (55%, +13) and British Columbia (47%, +7).

Just over half of Canadians (52%, =) think their province would be better off with a different prime minister in Ottawa. Half of Albertans (50%, -16) and Ontarians (50%, -2) express this view, along with 43% of Quebecers (+1).

Animosity towards Justin Trudeau is higher in British Columbia (55%, -2), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (59%, -6) and Atlantic Canada (67%, +13).

“More than half of men in Canada (55%, -3) think the country would be better off with a different prime minister,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion of women who feel the same way is slightly lower, but rising (49%, +4).”

Just under one-in-four Canadians (24%, -1) believe their province would be better off as its own country—a proportion that climbs to 28% in Quebec (-1) and 27% in both Alberta (-1) and British Columbia (+3).

Only 18% of Canadians think their province would be better off would be better off joining the U.S. and becoming an American state. In Alberta, 26% of residents (+5) feel this way.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 20 to October 22, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Trudeau and Harper Governments Split Views in British Columbia

Trudeau and Harper Governments Split Views in British Columbia

By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five (62%) think the allegations made by the current prime minister on India are believable.

Vancouver, BC [November 1, 2023] – More than half of British Columbians appear dissatisfied with the current federal administration, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 36% of British Columbians think the province has been treated “very well” or “well” by the federal government under Justin Trudeau, while more than half (52%) consider it has been treated “poorly” or “very poorly”.

When asked about the previous federal government, 40% of British Columbians believe the province was treated “very well” or “well” when Stephen Harper served as prime minister, while the same proportion (40%) claim it was treated “poorly” or “very poorly”.

“More than half of British Columbians aged 35-to-54 (53%) think the province has been treated poorly by the current prime minister,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 34% of them feel the same way about the previous head of government.”

The federal government currently features four ministers who represent constituencies in British Columbia.

About a third of British Columbians (32%) approve of the performance of Harjit Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness & Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada. The proportions are lower for Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources (29%), Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity (28%) and Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services (24%).

The survey also assessed the perceptions of British Columbians on bilateral relations between Canada and India. Over the past month, 58% of the province’s residents have followed news stories related to this topic “very closely” or “moderately closely”—including 75% of those of South Asian origins.

In September, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that Canadian intelligence services were investigating “credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India” and the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (62%) think the allegations made by Trudeau are “believable”, while 17% consider them “not believable” and 20% are undecided.

Majorities of British Columbians who voted for the Liberal Party (73%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (68%) and the Conservative Party (57%) in the 2021 federal election think Trudeau’s claims are “believable.”

Majorities of British Columbians express concern about the well-being of Canadians living in and travelling to India (58%), believe India should be included in the recently announced Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions (55%) and say their opinion of India has worsened as a result of these allegations (53%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 12 to October 14, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Under Legal Cannabis, Canadians Endorse Drug Tests and Pardons

Under Legal Cannabis, Canadians Endorse Drug Tests and Pardons

By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five Canadians continue to agree with the legalization of marijuana. 

Vancouver, BC [October 27, 2023] – Almost three-in-five Canadians think companies should be able to administer drug tests to any employee now that marijuana is legal, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 58% of Canadians think these drug tests should “definitely” or “probably” be allowed, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2022.

Almost seven-in-ten Canadians (69%, +5) are in favour of the federal government providing expungement orders to people convicted of possession of cannabis for personal use with no intent to traffic.

In Canada, an expungement order compels police forces, federal departments or agencies to destroy or remove any judicial record of a conviction.

The notion of pardons for people convicted of possession of cannabis for personal use with no intent to traffic is more popular in Ontario (72%), followed by Saskatchewan and Manitoba (71%), Alberta (70%), Quebec (68%), Atlantic Canada (65%) and British Columbia (also 65%).

Across the country, 64% of Canadians (-2) agree with marijuana being legal, while three-in-ten (31%, +1) disagree.

“Support for the legalization of marijuana is highest among Canadians aged 55 and over (66%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among those aged 35-to-54 (56%) and those aged 18-to-34 (48%).”

Fewer than one-in-eight Canadians believe it is time to legalize other substances, such as ecstasy (12%, +2), powder cocaine (also 12%, +2), heroin (10%, =), crack cocaine (also 10%, +2), methamphetamine or “crystal meth” (9%, +1) or fentanyl (also 9%, +1).

More than half of Canadians (53%) claim to have never consumed marijuana in the country. A third (33%) say they tried cannabis before legalization, while 13% only used it after it became legal in October 2018.

Canadians who have consumed marijuana after legalization where asked where they bought their product. Almost half (48%) state that “all” of their cannabis was acquired at a licensed retailer. Fewer than one-in-five (17%, -3) say “none” of it came from a licensed retailer.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on October 11 to October 13, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

British Columbians Divided on Future of Provincial Carbon Tax

British Columbians Divided on Future of Provincial Carbon Tax

By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five (62%) say the carbon tax has negatively affected the finances of their household, up 26 points since 2020.

Vancouver, BC [October 25, 2023] – Residents of British Columbia are split on what should happen to the provincial carbon tax in the event of a Conservative Party victory in the next Canadian federal election, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The carbon tax was implemented in British Columbia by the provincial government—headed by Gordon Campbell of the BC Liberals—in July 2008, a decade before the federal government brought in a federal carbon tax. The federal Conservative Party has pledged to abolish the federal carbon tax if it forms the government after the next election.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 43% of British Columbians think the provincial carbon tax should be scrapped if the federal version is abandoned, while 40% would prefer to keep it.

Support for keeping the provincial carbon tax is highest among British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (54%), but drops among those aged 35-to-54 (44%) and those aged 55 and over (36%).

Fewer than three-in-ten British Columbians (28%) think the introduction of the carbon tax has led people to be more mindful of their carbon consumption and change their behaviour, down nine points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2020.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (62%, +26) say that the carbon tax has negatively affected the finances of their household.

“The notion of the British Columbia carbon tax causing financial strife is more prevalent in Northern BC (65%), Metro Vancouver (64%) and the Fraser Valley (also 64%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are slightly lower in Southern BC (56%) and Vancouver Island (also 56%).”

At least two thirds of British Columbians say they are personally concerned about four environmental problems: global warning or climate change (71%, +8), the pollution of rivers, lakes and reservoirs (70 %, +4), the pollution of drinking water (69%, +4) and air pollution (66%, +1).

Majorities of British Columbians are also personally worried about six other problems: the contamination of soil and water by toxic waste (64%, +4), the extinction of plant and animal species (63%, +5), deforestation (62%, +4), the maintenance of the supply of fresh water for household needs (also 62%, +7), the depletion of fish stocks through overfishing (61%, +3) and the loss of tropical rain forests (58%, +3).

More than two-in-five British Columbians believe three levels of government are not paying enough attention to the environment: federal (46%, +5), municipal (44%, +6) and provincial (43%, +8).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 12 to October 14, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Perceptions on Immigration Harden Considerably in Canada

Perceptions on Immigration Harden Considerably in Canada

By Mario Canseco

Vancouver, BC [October 20, 2023] – The proportion of Canadians who regard immigration with pessimism has increased markedly in the past year and a half, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 38% of Canadians believe immigration is having a mostly negative effect in the country, up 12 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February 2022.

More than two-in-five Canadians (45%, -9) think immigration is having a mostly positive effect, while 17% (-2) are not sure.

Just over a third of Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in the 2021 federal election (34%, -12) think immigration is having a mostly positive effect in Canada. The proportions are larger among those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (57%, -12) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) (50%, -10) two years ago.

Just under two-in-five Canadians (39%, +14) think the number of legal immigrants who are allowed to relocate in Canada should decrease, while 37% (-2) would maintain the current levels and 17% (-8) would increase them.

“Half of Albertans (50%) think fewer legal immigrants should be allowed into Canada,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer residents feel the same way in Atlantic Canada (45%), Ontario (42%), British Columbia (41%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (36%) and Quebec (28%).”

Almost two thirds of Canadians (65%, =) believe immigrants should only be allowed in Canada if they adopt Canadian values, while three-in-four (75%, =) think the hard work and talent of immigrants makes Canada better.

Canadians are deeply divided when asked to choose between two concepts related to immigration. While 45% (+2 since July 2021) believe Canada should be a “mosaic” where cultural differences are valuable and preserved, 42% (+7) prefer a “melting pot”, where Immigrants assimilate and blend into society.

The concept of the “mosaic” is more popular in Atlantic Canada (51%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 51%), followed by Alberta (47%), Ontario (also 47%), British Columbia (45%) and Quebec (39%).

The “melting pot” is preferred by almost half of Quebecers (48%), but drops in Alberta (44%), Ontario (43%), British Columbia (41%), Atlantic Canada (35%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (34%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on October 11 to October 13, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Photo Credit: Alexandre Moreau

Workplaces in British Columbia Failing to Meet Everyone’s Needs

Workplaces in British Columbia Failing to Meet Everyone’s Needs

By Mario Canseco

A third of the province’s residents who live with a disability face attitudinal and systemic barriers “all” or “most” of the time.

Vancouver, BC [October 18, 2023] – British Columbians who face barriers or difficulties with their daily activities, or whose activities are limited because of a disability or long-term physical, mental or health condition, are particularly dissatisfied with the current state of workplaces, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 60% of British Columbias say they are “satisfied” with how workplaces are equipped to assist people with disabilities. Among British Columbians who live with a disability, the level of satisfaction drops to 46%.

Most British Columbians who live with a disability are satisfied with the way universities (52%), parks and beaches (53%), their municipality (54%), stores and malls (57%), Canada (also 57%) and the province (60%) are equipped to handle their needs.

British Columbians who live with a disability were asked about the types of barriers that they experience in their daily lives.

More than one-in-five British Columbians who live with a disability say they experience three barriers “all of the time” or “most of the time”: technological (such as devices or technological platforms not being accessible to those who require assistive devices) (23%), information or communications (lacking consideration for individuals with sensory disabilities, such as hearing, seeing or learning) (27%) and architectural or physical (such as elements of buildings or outdoor spaces that create barriers to persons with disabilities) (28%).

At least a third of British Columbians who live with a disability experience two barriers “all of the time” or “most of the time”: organizational or systemic (such as policies, procedures or practices that unfairly discriminate and can prevent individuals from participating fully in a situation) (33%) and attitudinal (such as behaviours, perceptions and assumptions that discriminate against persons with disabilities) (34%).

“More than half of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 who live with a disability (53%) say they experience attitudinal barriers all or most of the time,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 15% say they never face these barriers.”

A third of British Columbians who live with a disability (34%) recall having been negatively stereotyped or judged by colleagues because of their disability, while more than one-in-five (22%) had difficulty entering a workplace or school because of improper facilities.

More than a quarter of British Columbians who live with a disability (27%) had access to quiet areas in a workplace or school when needed, and 22% were provided with special supports to complete their work or studies.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from September 17 to September 19, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Liberal-NDP Merger Would Not Hurt Conservatives in Canada

Liberal-NDP Merger Would Not Hurt Conservatives in Canada

By Mario Canseco

Half of Canadians disagree with the two centre-left parties joining forces before the next election to the House of Commons.

Vancouver, BC [October 13, 2023] – A merged political organization encompassing the Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party (NDP) would still trail the Conservative Party in a Canadian federal campaign, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative national sample asked Canadians to ponder their options in a federal election if the Liberals and the New Democrats merged into a single party.

If the new party contested the election under current Prime Minister and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, the Conservatives would be in first place among decided voters with 42%, followed by the new party (36%), the Bloc Québécois (8%), the Green Party (also 8%) and the People’s Party (2%).

In this scenario, the merged Liberal-NDP party trails in Ontario (38% to 43%) and British Columbia (35% to 49%). In Quebec, the new party has a six-point lead over the Bloc (39% to 33%, with the Conservatives at 21%).

If the new party were headed by current NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, the Conservatives would still be ahead nationally (43%), followed by the merged Liberal-NDP party (36%), the Bloc (9%), the Greens (7%) and the People’s Party (2%).

Once again, the Conservatives have an advantage over the new party in Ontario (44% to 38%) and British Columbia (50% to 35%), but are third in Quebec (21%, with the new party at 36% and the Bloc at 35%).

“Canadians aged 35-to-54 are particularly unenthused about the prospect of a merged Liberal-NDP party contesting the next federal election,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Among these voters, support for the new entity stands at 35% with Trudeau and at 31% with Singh.”

The survey also gauged three ideas that could materialize before the next federal election. Half of Canadians (50%) oppose a full merger between the Liberals and the NDP, while 36% are in favour.

Support for a true merger between the two parties stands at 56% among Liberal voters in the last federal election and at 36% among those who cast ballots for NDP candidates in 2021.

The notion of the Liberals and the NDP only running candidates from one of the two parties in every riding in Canada is backed by 35% of Canadians and rejected by 49%. Conservative voters in 2021 are particularly opposed to this idea (70%).

Just under half of Canadians (48%) would support a formal agreement between the Liberals and the New Democrats to share power in a coalition government, while 43% disagree and 10% are undecided.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on October 6 to October 8, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadians Divided on what Artificial Intelligence Will Bring

Canadians Divided on what Artificial Intelligence Will Bring

By Mario Canseco

While 46% regard the new technology as “a threat”, 40% see it as “an opportunity” for humanity.

Vancouver, BC [October 11, 2023] – The future of artificial intelligence (AI) is splitting views across Canada, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 46% of Canadians think AI is “a threat”, while 40% consider it “an opportunity” for humanity.

On a regional basis, belief in AI as an opportunity for humanity is highest in Alberta (45%), followed by British Columbia (44%), Quebec (also 44%), Ontario (41%), Atlantic Canada (40%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (30%).

“More than a third of Canadians in the lowest income bracket (36%) think of artificial intelligence as an opportunity,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are significantly higher among respondents in the other income brackets (each at 44%).”

Three-in-five Canadians (60%) have followed news stories about AI “very closely” or “moderately closely” over the past year—including 67% of those aged 18-to-34 and 66% of those aged 35-to-54.

At least seven-in-ten Canadians are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about three issues: AI causing an event that leads to the loss of human life (70%), AI leading to less intelligent students at schools of universities (73%) and AI taking over jobs currently performed by humans (77%).

The notion of AI eventually producing less intelligent students is a concern for 75% of women, 77% of Canadians aged 55 and over and 79% of Conservative Party voters in the 2021 federal election.

At this stage, Canadians are not particularly confident in politicians to develop and manage AI. Only 34% trust the federal government. The rating is similar for provincial governments (33%) and lower for international governments (22%).

About three-in-five Canadians express confidence in doctors and nurses (62%) and universities (59%) to develop and manage AI. The rating is lower for tech executives (40%) and business executives and CEOs (24%).

Most Canadians (55%) are currently in favour of slowing down the development of AI. Smaller proportions would prefer to continue to develop AI as quickly as possible (20%) or abandon its development altogether (13%).

Methodology:Results are based on an online study conducted on September 27 and September 28, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Emergency Preparedness Slowly Getting Better in British Columbia

Emergency Preparedness Slowly Getting Better in British Columbia

By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-four of the province’s residents are concerned about being personally affected by a fire or an earthquake.

Vancouver, BC [October 6, 2023] – Compared to 2021, the proportion of British Columbians who have taken action in order to face an emergency has increased slightly, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 41% of British Columbians have bought or prepared an emergency kit with supplies they might need in case of a natural disaster, a serious accident, or an incident caused by human error, up two points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in August 2021.

Just over three-in-ten British Columbians (31%, +3) have put together an emergency plan that includes how to get in touch with family or friends in case of an emergency, and just under one-in-four (24%, +2) have established a meeting place with family or friends in case of an emergency.

“Only 36% of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 and aged 35-to-54 admit to lacking an emergency kit, an emergency plan and a meeting place,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Among their counterparts aged 55 and over, the proportion rises to 48%.”

The two emergencies that British Columbians are concerned the most about are a fire (81%, +1) and an earthquake (76%, +4).

At least three-in-five British Columbians are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about high winds (66%, +8), intense rainfall (65%, +12), a flood (63%, +12) or heavy snowfall (60%, +13) personally affecting them. The rating is lower for a toxic spill (56%, +9), a tsunami (51%, +9), a landslide (50%, +11) and a terrorist attack (46%, =).

There are some striking regional differences on some of these concerns. Just under three-in-five residents of Vancouver Island (58%) are worried about facing a tsunami, while three-in-four residents of the Fraser Valley (75%) are worried about being personally affected by floods.

Just over half of British Columbians (55%) “definitely” or “probably” have confidence in the ability of their neighbours to successfully deal with an emergency. The rating is similar for the provincial government (57%, -9) and their municipal government (56%, -7), but decidedly lower for the federal government (49%, -10).

Just over three-in-four British Columbians (75%, +1) believe it is likely that an earthquake strong enough to damage buildings will occur in British Columbia in the next 50 years.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from September 17 to September 19, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

How Manitoba Voted: A Provincial “Exit Poll”.

How Manitoba Voted: A Provincial “Exit Poll”.

By Mario Canseco

A third of NDP voters cited “change” as the main motivator behind their decision. “Stability” was important for only 19% of PC voters.

Vancouver, BC [October 6, 2023] – In the democratic processes held in Ontario and Quebec in 2022, it was apparent by the mid-way point of each campaign that the governing parties would be returned to power. Alberta in 2023 was different, as the televised debate enabled a premier who had not been tested at the ballot box to ultimately succeed in courting voters.

In Manitoba, the Progressive Conservatives also had an opportunity to re-connect with the electorate. The televised debate, however, did not help Heather Stefanson. In our final poll, we saw virtually no movement on her approval numbers from what was observed in mid-September. There was also an increase in the proportion of likely voters who regarded New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Wab Kinew as the “Best Premier” for the province.

It is usual for voters in a provincial election to be primarily drawn by the ideas and policies of contending parties. Manitoba was not different in this regard, with 44% of PC voters and 40% of NDP voters saying that “ideas and policies” were the most important factor in their decision.

The significant discrepancy arrives on two other indicators. One third of NDP voters (33%) say their main motivation was a “desire for change”, while just under one-in-five PC voters (19%) mentioned a “desire for stability”. Other issues, such as the party’s leader (NDP 12%, PC 10%) and the party’s candidate in their riding (NDP 6%, PC 9%) did not register as much.

The three previous provincial elections saw the same premiers returned to power. In Quebec, “desire for change” was the main motivator for 20% of Québec solidaire voters. The numbers on this indicator were decidedly lower in Ontario (14% and 12% respectively among NDP and Liberal voters) and Alberta (9% among NDP voters). Opposition voters may have been upset with the status quo, but found it difficult to imagine their respective provinces under a different head of government.

Our “Exit Poll” in Manitoba shows that almost seven-in-ten voters in the province (69%) thought it was time for a change of government. In addition, two-in-five (40%) claim to be “very upset” because the NDP will be in charge of the provincial administration once more. There is some resistance among PC voters who look at their party in opposition for the first time since 2016, but not overwhelming animosity towards the provincial NDP.

Research Co.’s province-wide prediction was within the margin of error advertised for all parties. While our final survey was correct in foreseeing a majority of voters in Winnipeg casting a ballot for the NDP, it fell short in pinpointing the final level of support the Progressive Conservatives would garner in the remaining constituencies.

Finally, more than seven-in-ten voters in Manitoba claim to have voted to support policies they like (72%) and for a candidate or party they liked (74%). The electorate appears more fractured on a separate item, in which 66% of voters claim that the province will be “in a bad place” under a specific governing party. The proportions are practically the same among PC and NDP voters. The difference lies on how many more Manitobans cast ballots for one of these parties.

Find our data tables here.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on October 3 and October 4, 2023, among 500 adults in Manitoba who voted in the 2023 provincial election. The margin of error — which measures sample variability — is +/- 4.4 percentage points for the sample of decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

British Columbians Reject Return of Grizzly Bear Trophy Hunt

British Columbians Reject Return of Grizzly Bear Trophy Hunt

By Mario Canseco

Most are opposed to hunting grizzly bears for sport / trophy and want to pass a law to ensure the existing ban remains in place.

Vancouver, BC [October 4, 2023] – Across the province, 84% of British Columbians disapprove of the sport / trophy hunting of grizzly bears, a new Research Co. poll conducted in partnership with Pacific Wild Alliance has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 70% of British Columbians disagree with the Government of British Columbia reinstating the grizzly bear sport / trophy hunt, that was banned by the provincial government in 2017.

Opposition to the return of the grizzly bear trophy hunt is highest on Vancouver Island (79%), followed by Southern BC (75%), the Fraser Valley (74%), Northern BC (70%) and Metro Vancouver (66%).

More than three-in-four British Columbians (77%) think it is time for the provincial government to pass a law ensuring that the ban on the trophy/sport hunting of grizzly bears implemented in December 2017, remains in place.

“The notion of enshrining the ban on grizzly bear trophy hunting in legislation is popular across the political spectrum,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “At least two thirds of British Columbians who voted for the BC Liberals (66%), the BC Greens (68%) and the BC NDP in 2020 (73%), support this idea.”

More than three-in-four British Columbians (76%) agree that decisions about the stewardship of grizzly bears should remain in the hands of the provincial government, with grizzly bears held in trust for all British Columbians.

“Grizzly bears, like countless other transboundary species, need a coordinated conservation strategy at the provincial and national level working with Indigenous governments,” says Karen McAllister, the executive director of Pacific Wild, “The B.C. government appears to be going in the opposite direction, preferring to offload its wildlife management responsibilities to regional and local committees.”

More than four-in-five British Columbians think it is inappropriate for humans to hunt four different species for sport / trophy in the province: grizzly bears (84%), wild cats (also 84%), black bears (83%) and wolves (81%).

Just under three-in-four British Columbians (74%) disagree with the notion that natural predators (such as bears, cougars and wolves), should be killed to decrease competition with hunters for moose, deer and elk.

The B.C. government is currently seeking feedback on its draft Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework with a deadline of October 6th. Pacific Wild Alliance is encouraging people to let the government know—either by filling out the survey or contacting government directly—that the ban on grizzly hunting should be continued and legislated.

For more information on the Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework visit www.pacificwild.org.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from September 23 to September 25, 2023, among 1,000 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Karen McAllister, Executive Director, Pacific Wild.

250-957-7400

[e] karen@pacificwild.org

Photo Credit: Ian McAllister