Lifestyle – Page 7 – Research Co.

British Columbians Skeptical About Move to “Zero Emission” Cars

January 18, 2024January 30, 2024By Mario Canseco

Half of the province’s drivers (50%) foresee their next vehicle being electric, down nine points since April 2022.

Vancouver, BC [January 18, 2024] – More than half of British Columbians question whether the new goal of the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act will ultimately be met, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In May 2019, the Government of British Columbia passed the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act, which sought to ensure that, by the year 2040, all light-duty cars and trucks sold in the province will be “zero emission.” In October 2023, the provincial government amended the legislation, which now calls for the sale of gas-powered light-duty cars and trucks to be phased-out by 2035—five years earlier than originally proposed.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, only 37% of British Columbians think the goal of ensuring that, by the year 2035, all light-duty cars and trucks sold in the province will be “zero emission” is achievable, down 16 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2022.

More than half of British Columbians (54%, +15) think the new goal is not achievable—a proportion that reaches 66% among those aged 55 and over and 69% in Southern BC.

A majority of British Columbians (57%, -16) agree with the provincial government’s decision to ensure that, by the year 2035, all light-duty cars and trucks sold in the province will be “zero emission”, while one third (34%, +14) disagree and 9% (+3) are undecided.

Half of British Columbians who drive their own cars in (50%, -9) say it is “very likely” or “moderately likely” that the next vehicle they acquire for themselves or their household will be electric.

“Most drivers in Metro Vancouver (58%, -6) continue to believe that their next car will be electric,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among drivers who reside in the Fraser Valley (49%, -13), Southern BC (48%, -6), Vancouver Island (45%, -8) and Northern BC (42%, +6).”

More than half of drivers in British Columbia (58%, -1) say they would be less likely to purchase an electric vehicle because it is too expensive compared to non-electric options.

At least two-in-five drivers in British Columbia cited three other possible deterrents: fear of becoming stranded if they are unable find a charging station (47%, -7), not having enough places to charge the vehicle in the areas where they usually drive (45%, -5) and not having a place to charge the vehicle where they currently live (such as a strata) (40%, -4). Significantly fewer drivers (15%, +2) mention the “feel” of the vehicle compared with a non-electric option.

Compared to 2022, the proportion of drivers in British Columbia aged 18-to-34 and aged 35-to-54 who express a fear of becoming stranded as a possible reason to avoid purchasing an electric vehicle has dropped, from 44% to 35% among those aged 18-to-34 and from 55% to 45% among those aged 35-to-54.

There is little change in the proportion of drivers aged 55 and over who express a fear of becoming stranded as a possible reason to avoid purchasing an electric vehicle, going from 60% in 2022 to 59% in 2024.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from January 8 to January 10, 2024, 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.

Positive Perceptions of National Economy Decline in Canada

January 12, 2024January 12, 2024By Mario Canseco

More Canadians trust Pierre Poilievre to do the right thing to help the economy (42%) than Justin Trudeau (38%).

Vancouver, BC [January 12, 2024] – Just over a third of Canadians think the country’s finances are doing well at the start of 2024, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 35% of Canadians rate the economic conditions in Canada as “very good” or “good”, down six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2023.

Just over three-in-five Canadians (61%, +5) think the national economy is in “bad” or “very bad” shape.

“More than seven-in-ten Albertans (72%) are dissatisfied with the state of the Canadian economy,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities feel the same way in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (66%), British Columbia (63%), Atlantic Canada (62%), Ontario (59%) and Quebec (55%).”

More than a third Canadians (37%, +5) expect the nation’s finances to decline over the next six months. Only 14% (+2) predict a recovery, while 41% (-4) foresee no changes.

More than two-in-five Canadians (43%, +7) trust federal Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre to do the right thing to help the economy, while 38% (-5) feel the same way about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The rating is lower for Governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem (34%, +1).

Trudeau’s best numbers as an economic manager are observed in Quebec (48%), Ontario (38%) and Atlantic Canada (34%). Poilievre fares best in Alberta (56%) and British Columbia (47%) and Ontario (44%).

A majority of Canadians (54%, +2) rate their own personal finances today as “very good” or “good”, while 42% (-4) consider them as “poor” or “very poor.”

Concerns about inflation are slightly lower now than they were in 2023, with more than three-in-five Canadians expecting to pay more for a week’s worth of groceries (74%, -5), gasoline (65%, -8) and a new car (63%, -3) in the next six months. Fewer Canadians predict higher prices for real estate (51%, -4) or a new television set (47%, -4).

Fewer than half of Canadians say they have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” in the past couple of months about the safety of their savings (47%, =), the value of their investments (46%, -2), being able to pay their mortgage or rent (34%, =), themselves or someone in their household becoming unemployed (34%, =) or their employer encountering serious financial trouble (28%, +1).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 6 to January 8, 2024, 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.

Canadian Social Media Users Report a Worsening Experience

January 10, 2024January 9, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than a third encountered “fake news” and more than one-in-four found racist comments or content in their feed.

Vancouver, BC [January 10, 2024] – Recent changes to social media platforms have not resulted in Canadian users having a better time online, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, three-in-ten Canadian users of X (formerly known as Twitter) (30%) say their overall experience on the platform has worsened over the past year.

Almost one-in-four Canadian users of Facebook (23%) say they are having a worse time on the platform. The proportion of dissatisfied Canadian social media users is lower for Snapchat (19%), TikTok (18%) and Instagram (15%).

In an open-ended question, Canadian social media users reported four main reasons for their worsening experience: extremism (14%), “fake news” (also 14%), toxicity (12%) and advertising (also 12%).

Other reasons cited by dissatisfied Canadian social media users include racism (6%), bad updates (5%), Elon Musk (also 5%), news from Canada being inaccessible (also 5%), algorithms (4%) and scams (also 4%).

More than a third of Canadian social media users (37%, -2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2021) say they found links to stories on current affairs that were obviously false (sometimes referred to as “fake news”) over the past year.

Significant proportions of Canadian social media users encountered content or comments on their social media feed that they considered racist (27%, =), homophobic (22%, +3) or offensive to people with disabilities (19%, -1). Still, fewer than one-in-four Canadian social media users (23%, =) reported another user for offensive content or comments.

About a third of Canadian social media users (32%, +5) posted something that they deleted after thinking it over twice. Smaller proportions claim to have lost a friend (or to have stopped talking to a friend) over a social media conversation (14%) or recall making a comment on social media that was used against them in a different conversation (8%) over the past year.

Seven-in-ten Canadian social media users (70%, -1) say it is difficult to discern which social media accounts are real and which ones are fake—a proportion that rises to 83% among those aged 55 and over.

Almost two thirds of Canadian social media users (65%, -4) believe “anonymous” social media accounts should be banned and want people to only comment and post if they use their real name and likeness.

More than three-in-five Canadian social media users (62%, -3) think “creeping” on social media should be dealt with and want social media platforms to always allow users to see who has viewed their profiles, photos and posts.

Three-in-five Canadian social media users (60%, =) believe politicians who have a social media account should not be able to block users from engaging with them.

More than half of Canadian social media users who voted for the Liberal Party in the last federal election (56%) think politicians should not resort to blocking social media users. The proportions are higher among Canadian social media users who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (65%) or the Conservative Party (71%) in 2021.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from December 26 to December 28, 2023, among 838 adults in Canada who are users of social media platforms, such as Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and Snapchat and TikTok. 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 +/- 3.4 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

British Columbians Are Getting More Foreign Calls and Messages

January 3, 2024January 2, 2024By Mario Canseco

The proportion of mobile phone users who have received “scam” phone calls has dropped from 50% in 2022 to 42% now.

Vancouver, BC [January 3, 2024] – Practically three-in-five British Columbians have been targeted by a specific type of unsolicited phone call or message in the past two months, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of British Columbians, 59% of mobile phone users have received phone calls and/or phone messages where an individual speaks Cantonese or Mandarin, up eight points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2021.

Practically seven-in-ten mobile phone users in Metro Vancouver (69%) have received phone calls or messages in a foreign language over the past two months. The proportions are lower in the Fraser Valley (55%), Vancouver Island (45%), Southern BC (42%) and Northern BC (27%).

The incidence of “scam” phone calls and messages fell in late 2023 compared to late 2021. Across British Columbia, 42% of mobile phone users (-8) say they received phone calls and/or phone messages from an individual purporting to represent a government agency (such as the Canada Revenue Agency) over the past two months.

Residents of the Fraser Valley are more likely to have received these “scam” phone calls or messages over the past two months (50%) than those who live in Vancouver Island (44%), Northern BC (42%), Metro Vancouver (41%) and Southern BC (34%).

Fewer than one-in-five mobile phone users in British Columbia (18%, =) have received text messages asking them if they support a specific party or policy sent by an individual they do not know.

“Mobile phone users in British Columbia aged 55 and over are more likely to receive calls or messages in a foreign language (63%) than their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (53%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Conversely, about one-in-four mobile phone users in British Columbia aged 18-to-34 (24%) have dealt with messages of a political nature over the past two months.”

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from December 8 to December 10, 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.

Potential Return of NBA Welcomed by Most British Columbians

December 29, 2023December 28, 2023By Mario Canseco

A third of NBA fans would stop rooting for their current team to support a new Vancouver franchise.

Vancouver, BC [December 29, 2023] – Most British Columbians would be happy with the return of professional basketball to Vancouver more than two decades after the city lost its team, a new Research Co. poll has found.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently commented on the possibility of adding new franchises to the league. The Vancouver Grizzlies played in the NBA from 1995 to 2001.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 59% of British Columbians believe it would be a “good idea” to have an NBA team in Vancouver.

More than three-in-five residents of Northern BC (63%), Metro Vancouver (62%) and the Fraser Valley (also 62%) would welcome having an NBA franchise in Vancouver. Support is lower in Vancouver Island (52%) and Southern BC (50%).

Just under one-in-four British Columbians (23%) recall attending a Vancouver Grizzlies game—a proportion that rises to 28% in Metro Vancouver.

In the event an NBA team is established in Vancouver, one-in-five British Columbians (20%) say they are “very likely” to attend at least one home game a year.

“In Metro Vancouver, about one-in-four residents (24%) are very likely to go to at least one home game if an NBA franchise is established in Vancouver,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In this region, 5% of residents would seriously consider purchasing season tickets.”

Across the province, just over one-in-five British Columbians (22%) are “very likely” to watch the Vancouver team’s NBA games at home (22%) while fewer (13%) would watch them at a bar or a pub.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (71%) do not possess any merchandise or apparel from NBA teams. The leaders in this category are the Toronto Raptors (14%) and the Vancouver Grizzlies (12%).

Just under three-in-five British Columbians (59%) are not currently rooting for any NBA franchise right now. The Raptors are the most popular team (25%), followed by the Los Angeles Lakers (9%), the Golden State Warriors (4%), the Boston Celtics (2%) and other franchises (also 2%).

One third of NBA fans (32%) say they are “very likely” to stop rooting for their current team to support the franchise from Vancouver—including 36% of male fans and 35% of fans aged 55 and over.

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

Almost Half of Canadians Keep Tight Holiday Season Budget

December 13, 2023December 12, 2023By Mario Canseco

Egg nog remains a favourite beverage in every Canadian region, with the exception of Quebec.

Vancouver, BC [December 13, 2023] – Most Canadians do not plan to splurge excessively as the year draws to a close, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, almost half of Canadians (47%) say they will not personally spend more than $500 on gifts, food and decorations during this holiday season.

“Just over two-in-five Canadians (42%) say their expected expenditures during the holiday season will be higher than $500,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion climbs to 49% in British Columbia and to 58% in Atlantic Canada.”

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%) say they will be spending about the same amount on gifts, food and decorations as they did in 2022. Just under one-in-four (23%) plan to spend less than last year, while 13% expect to spend more.

Across the country, 56% of Canadians expect this year’s holiday season to be “more fun than stressful”, up four points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2022.

More than a quarter of Canadians (27%) believe this year’s holiday season will be “more stressful than fun”—including 32% of residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba and 29% of Ontarians.

More than three-in-five Canadians (61%, -3) select “Merry Christmas” as their preferred greeting for the season, while 21% (=) choose “Happy Holidays” and 18% (+3) are not sure or do not care either way.

Almost three-in-ten Canadians aged 18-to-34 (28%) prefer “Happy Holidays” as a greeting. The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (22%) aged 55 and over (13%).

As was the case in 2022, three traditional dishes of the season remain popular across the country. More than four-in-five Canadians (83%, -1) like turkey, while majorities also enjoy cranberry sauce (65%, +1) and Brussels sprouts (60%, =).

Almost three-in-five Canadians (58%, +3) like fruit cake, while the rating is lower for mince pies (50%, +2) and plum pudding (47%, -5). Egg nog (56%, +1) is a more popular holiday beverage than mulled wine (37%, +1).

In Quebec, only 41% of residents like egg nog. Preferences are significantly higher in Ontario (56%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 56%), Atlantic Canada (61%), British Columbia (65%) and Alberta (67%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from December 1 to December 3, 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.

No Change on the Importance of Religion Across Canada

December 8, 2023December 7, 2023By Mario Canseco

More than a third of Canadians (37%) say they are agnostic, atheist or profess no religion.

Vancouver, BC [December 8, 2023] – Religion is not regarded as a major component of life by three-in-four Canadians, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, one-in-four Canadians (25%) say religion is personally “very important” to them, unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2022.

The proportion of Canadians who consider religion as “very important” is highest in Ontario (29%) and Atlantic Canada (28%). The proportions are lower in Alberta (25%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 25%), Quebec (20%) and British Columbia (also 20%).

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (73%, -8) say family is personally “very important” to them. The rating is lower for friends (49%, -11), country (45%, -2), career (32%, -4) and affluence (13%, -1).

More than a quarter of Canadians aged 55 and over (27%, +5) say religion is “very important” to them personally. The numbers are similar for those aged 18-to-34 (26%, -1) and lower among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (21%, -4).

As was the case in 2022, about half of Canadians (49%, +1) describe their religion as Christian. Just over a third (34%, -3) say they are agnostic, atheist or profess no religion.

“British Columbia is home to the largest proportion of Canadians (41%) who do not participate in any religion,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The numbers are also particularly high in Alberta (40%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (38%) and Quebec (36%)”.

Across the country, more than one-in-five Canadians (22%, +7) say they attend religious gatherings at least once a week. One third (33%, -7) only do so for special events, such as weddings, funerals or baptisms, and three-in-ten (30%, -2) never visit a church, temple or synagogue.

Almost three-in-ten Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in 2021 (28%) attend religious services once a week or more often. The proportions are lower among those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (22%) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) (19%) in the last federal election.

More than half of Canadians (55%, +2) describe themselves as “very spiritual” or “moderately spiritual”—a proportion that rises to 58% among women and to 59% among Canadians aged 18-to-34.

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

Economic Reconciliation Divides Views in British Columbia

December 6, 2023December 6, 2023By 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

British Columbians Still Peeved by Hefty Mobile Phone Bills

November 29, 2023November 28, 2023By 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.

Speed-on-Green Cameras Remain Popular in British Columbia

November 24, 2023November 23, 2023By 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%).

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

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

November 22, 2023November 22, 2023By Mario Canseco

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%).

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%).

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.

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.

Poutine is Undisputed Leader in Canadian Cuisine Preferences

November 17, 2023November 17, 2023By 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.

Canadians See Long Road Ahead to Achieve Gender Equality

November 10, 2023November 9, 2023By 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.

Propensity for Activism Rises in Some Instances in British Columbia

November 8, 2023November 7, 2023By 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.

Under Legal Cannabis, Canadians Endorse Drug Tests and Pardons

October 27, 2023October 27, 2023By 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

Perceptions on Immigration Harden Considerably in Canada

October 20, 2023October 20, 2023By 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%).

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

October 18, 2023October 17, 2023By 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

Canadians Divided on what Artificial Intelligence Will Bring

October 11, 2023October 24, 2023By 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

October 6, 2023October 5, 2023By 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

British Columbians Reject Return of Grizzly Bear Trophy Hunt

October 4, 2023October 4, 2023By 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