Tag: British Columbia

British Columbians Displeased with Politicians on Opioid Crisis

British Columbians Displeased with Politicians on Opioid Crisis

By Mario Canseco

One-in-five of the province’s residents (20%) personally know someone who died after using opioid drugs.

Vancouver, BC [June 2, 2023] – Many British Columbians remain concerned about the use of prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs in their community, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 61% of British Columbians describe the situation as a “major problem”, down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2018.

More than half of British Columbians (56%, +14) think Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Canadian Federal Government have done a “bad” or “very bad” job coming up with solutions to deal with the use of prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs.

Pluralities of British Columbians are also dissatisfied with how their Member of Parliament (48%, +17), Premier David Eby and the provincial government (45%), their mayors and councils (44%, +9), and their member of the Legislative Assembly (43%, +13) have handled this issue.

More than two thirds of British Columbians support three ideas to address the use of prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs in their community: creating more spaces for drug rehabilitation (81%, -9), launching more education and awareness campaigns about drug use (76%, -14) and reducing the prescription of opioids by medical professionals (69%, -9).

Most British Columbians are also in agreement on establishing safe supply programs where alternatives to opioids, can be prescribed by health professionals (63%) and setting up more harm reduction strategies, such as legal supervised injection sites (58%, -8). Fewer of the province’s residents are in favour of decriminalizing all drugs for personal use (40%, -5).

“More than half of British Columbians who voted for the BC Liberals in 2020 (55%) agree with safe supply programs,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The level of support is higher among those who cast ballots for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (68%) or the BC Green Party (73%) in the last provincial election.”

More than a third of British Columbians (36%) say they know someone in their community who has used prescription or non-prescription opioid drugs in the last year—including a friend or member of their extended family (17%), someone they know from work, school, neighbourhood or place of worship (13%) or a  family or household member (12%).

One-in-five British Columbians (20%) personally know someone who died after using prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs in their community—a proportion that rises to 27% in the Fraser Valley and to 25% in both Northern BC and Southern BC.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from May 17 to May 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 Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.5 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: Andrew Raun

Almost Three-in-Five British Columbians Say Crime is Rising

Almost Three-in-Five British Columbians Say Crime is Rising

By Mario Canseco

The proportion of residents who have been the victims of a crime that merited a call to the police has been stable since 2018.

Vancouver, BC [May 24, 2023] – The proportion of British Columbians who hold negative perceptions about public safety has risen markedly, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 59% of British Columbians say the level of criminal activity in their community has increased in the past four years, up eight points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2022.

Just under one-in-five British Columbians (18%, =) say they have been victims of a crime involving the police (such as an assault or a car break-in) in their community.

“The perceptions of British Columbians on criminal activity have worsened every year since we started asking these questions in 2018,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “During the same period, there has been little movement when residents of the province are asked if they were victims of a crime that merited a police report.”

When asked about which factors are to blame “a great deal” for the current situation regarding crime and public safety in their community, a majority of British Columbians mention addiction and mental health issues (59%, +8).

Other factors that British Columbians blame “a great deal” are gangs and the illegal drug trade (41%, +4), an inadequate court system (39%, +7), poverty and inequality (34%, +2), lack of values and improper education for youth (28%, +1), a bad economy and unemployment (22%, -2), insufficient policing and a lack of resources to combat crime (also 22%, =) and immigrants and minorities (11%, +3).

More than half of British Columbians (52%, +4) say they fear becoming victims of crime in their community “a great deal” or “a fair amount”—a proportion that rises to 72% among those aged 18-to-34.

More than a third of British Columbians (36%, +2) say they would feel “moderately unsafe” or “very unsafe” walking alone in their own neighbourhood after dark, including 47% in the Fraser Valley and 45% in Northern BC.

Support for establishing a provincewide police force in British Columbia is up significantly, going from 39% in June 2022 to 51% in May 2023.

More than half of residents of Northern BC (54%) and Metro Vancouver (also 54%) favour the creation of a provincewide police force. Support is lower in the Fraser Valley (49%), Vancouver Island (45%) and Southern BC (43%).

At least four-in-five British Columbians voice support for banning military-style assault weapons (82%, =) and handguns (80%, +5) in their municipality.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from May 14 to May 16, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. 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 3.5 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

BC NDP Extends Advantage in British Columbia’s Political Scene

BC NDP Extends Advantage in British Columbia’s Political Scene

By Mario Canseco

Crime and public safety rise markedly as issues of concern for residents, going from 5% in February to 14% in May.

Vancouver, BC [May 9, 2023] – Public backing for the governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) has increased over the past three months in British Columbia, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 46% of decided voters would support the BC NDP candidate in their constituency if an election took place today, up two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February.

BC United is in second place with 33% (-3 since the previous survey as BC Liberals), followed by the BC Green Party with 16% (=) and the Conservative Party of BC with 4% (+2).

“Female decided voters in British Columbia pick the BC New Democrats over BC United by a two-to-one margin (50% to 24%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The two parties are practically tied among male decided voters (42% for the BC NDP and 41% for BC United).”

Respondents to this survey were asked if they would consider voting for each of the four main parties if they ran a candidate in their constituency in the next provincial election. The BC Conservatives featured candidates in 10 of 87 constituencies in the 2017 provincial election, and in 19 of 87 ridings in the 2020 ballot.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (61%) say they would “definitely” or “probably” consider casting a ballot for the BC NDP candidate in their riding. The rating is lower for BC United (46%), the BC Greens (37%) and the BC Conservatives (25%).

Premier and BC NDP leader David Eby maintains an approval rating of 59% across the province. The numbers are lower for BC Greens leader Sonia Furstenau (40%, -2), BC United leader Kevin Falcon (38%, -6) and BC Conservative leader John Rustad (18%).

Just under a third of British Columbians (32%, -2) select housing, homelessness and poverty as the most important issue facing the province, followed by health care (28%, -1), crime and public safety (14%, +9), the economy and jobs (12%, -1) and the environment (4%, -2).

Housing, homelessness and poverty is the prevalent concern for residents of the Fraser Valley (41%), Southern BC (35%) and Metro Vancouver (33%). Health care is the main worry for residents of Vancouver Island (32%), while the economy and jobs dominates in Northern BC (28%).

Public safety is a greater concern for residents of Metro Vancouver (16%), Vancouver Island (15%) and Southern BC (12%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from May 1 to May 3, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. 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 3.5 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 Back Housing Action to Alleviate Homelessness

British Columbians Back Housing Action to Alleviate Homelessness

By Mario Canseco

More than half of the province’s residents are dissatisfied with how all three levels of government have managed this issue.

Vancouver, BC [May 3, 2023] – Sizeable proportions of British Columbians believe specific housing measures would reduce homelessness across the province, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than four-in-five British Columbians (82%) agree with Increasing temporary housing options for people experiencing homelessness, up two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2022.

More than three-in-four British Columbians (77%, -1) favour offering incentives to developers if they focus on building affordable housing units, and two thirds (67%, =) agree with devoting tax money to build units to house homeless residents.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (62%, +2) favour changing zoning laws to allow property owners to build more units on standard lots.

Most British Columbians believe three levels of government have done a “bad” or “very bad” job coming up with solutions to deal with homelessness: federal (64%, +3), provincial (59%, +3) and municipal (57%, +2).

Almost four-in-five British Columbians (78%, +5) believe homelessness in the province is a major problem. Fewer feel the same way about homelessness in their municipality (52%, =) or in their neighbourhood (24%, -3).

Two-in-five British Columbians (40%, -2) believe that homelessness has increased in their neighbourhood over the past three years. Almost two thirds (64%, +1) think there has been a surge in their municipality, and four-in-five (80%, +1) report a worsening situation in the province.

Residents of British Columbia remain divided when asked if the problem can be eradicated. Half (50%, +3) think this goal can be reached with the proper funding and policies, while 48% (+2) state that homelessness will always be a problem.

“Only 33% of British Columbians aged 55 and over foresee the eventual termination of homelessness in the province,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (53%) and aged 18-to-34 (74%) are more hopeful.”

A majority of British Columbians (63%, +3) think addiction and mental health issues are to blame “a great deal” for the current situation regarding homelessness in British Columbia.

Fewer of the province’s residents share the same view on other possible causes, including a lack of affordable housing (47%, -6), poverty and inequality (34%, -7), personal actions and decisions (31%, +1) and bad economy and unemployment (19%, -5).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from April 23 to April 25, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. 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 3.5 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

Majority of British Columbians Reject Return of COVID Restrictions

Majority of British Columbians Reject Return of COVID Restrictions

By Mario Canseco

Satisfaction with how various levels of government have handled the pandemic has dropped since March 2021.

Vancouver, BC [February 22, 2023] – More than three-in-five residents of British Columbia believe it would not be advisable to return to the restrictions and mandates that were implemented in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than three-in-five British Columbians (62%) think we are in a different moment and there is no need for additional public health measures related to COVID-19.

Almost one-in-five British Columbians (18%) want to have stricter public health measures in place right now to stop the spread of COVID-19, while 9% think COVID-19 was a hoax and we never should have altered our lives.

The appetite for a return to stricter regulations across the province  is highest in Metro Vancouver (20%), followed by Vancouver Island (19%), Southern BC (15%), the Fraser Valley (13%) and Northern BC (11%).

Almost seven-in-ten British Columbians (69%) think COVID-19 is a real threat, down 12 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in March 2021.

When asked if it would be justified to re-introduce specific measures, about one-in-four British Columbians (23%) would welcome the return of “Proof of Vaccination” certificates (or “Vaccine Passports”) to access specific venues and locations.

Fewer British Columbians believe three other actions would be justified: mask mandates (21%), capacity restrictions for worship services, concerts and sporting events (17%) and banning travel from British Columbia to other Canadian provinces (6%).

Support for the re-implementation of “Vaccine Passports” reaches 28% among British Columbians aged 55 and over and 30% among residents of Vancouver Island.

Almost four-in-five British Columbians (79%, -4 since March 2021) are satisfied with the way their family has handled the COVID-19 pandemic, while 71% (-2) feel the same way about their friends.

Majorities of British Columbians are satisfied with the way municipal governments (56%, -2) and the provincial government in Victoria (55%, -5) have managed the pandemic. The rating is lower for the federal government in Ottawa (49%, -4), the official opposition in Ottawa (36%, +4) and the official opposition in Victoria (35%, +3).

Almost half of British Columbians (49%, -3) are satisfied with the performance of non-governmental associations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fewer residents feel the same way about unions (39%, -4) and trade associations (36%, +2).

More than half of British Columbians (52%, -11) say they are satisfied with the way television news has handled the pandemic. The rating also fell this month for radio news (48%, -9) and newspapers (also 48%, -7).

“British Columbians who would like to see stricter guidelines to deal with the pandemic are more likely to be satisfied with the performance of news organizations on television (69%), radio (66%) and print (62%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Those who consider COVID-19 a hoax provide significantly lower marks.”

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on February 10 to February 12, 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

Most British Columbians Foresee an Early Election in 2023

Most British Columbians Foresee an Early Election in 2023

By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five of the province’s residents who voted for the BC Liberals in 2020 like the name BC United.

Vancouver, BC [February 15, 2023] – A majority of British Columbians think voters will be asked to select the members of the Legislative Assembly before the end of the year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 53% of British Columbians think it is “very likely” or “moderately likely” that the province will have an election in 2023.

“Expectations of an early provincial election in British Columbia are highest among residents who voted for the BC Liberals in 2020 (61%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer BC New Democratic Party (NDP) and BC Green Party voters (52% and 48% respectively) see themselves casting ballots in 2023.”

The BC Liberals will change their name to BC United in 2023. More than a third of British Columbians (36%) say they like the new name for the political party that formed the government from 2001 to 2017—a proportion that rises to 62% among those who voted for the BC Liberals in the last provincial election, held in October 2020.

If an early election indeed takes place in 2023, more than half of British Columbians (53%) predict a win for the BC NDP, while 28% believe the BC Liberals / BC United will emerge victorious.

The survey also gauged the opinion of British Columbians on the people who have served as full time or interim leaders of the three main provincial political parties in this century.

Almost two thirds of British Columbians (64%) have a favourable opinion of John Horgan, who led the BC NDP from 2014 to 2022 and served as premier from 2017 to 2022. The rating is lower for Adrian Dix (46%), Carole James (40%), Ujjal Dosanjh (also 40%) and Joy MacPhail (31%).

Horgan’s favourability rating is 87% among BC NDP voters in the 2020 provincial election.

When British Columbians ponder the previous leaders of the BC Liberals, about two-in-five hold favourable views on the two who headed the provincial government: Gordon Campbell (41%) and Christy Clark (39%). The rating is significantly lower for Shirley Bond (27%), Andrew Wilkinson (24%) and Rich Coleman (22%).

The favourability rating for Campbell and Clark is almost identical among BC Liberal voters in 2020 (65% and 66% respectively).

Across British Columbia, Andrew Weaver (36%) has the highest favourability rating among former leaders of the BC Green Party, followed by Adriane Carr (32%), Adam Olsen (23%) and Jane Sterk (18%).

Weaver’s favourability rating reaches 57% among BC Green Party voters in the 2020 provincial election.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on February 4 to February 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. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Governing BC NDP Stays Ahead of BC Liberals in British Columbia

Governing BC NDP Stays Ahead of BC Liberals in British Columbia

By Mario Canseco

Two-in-five residents think David Eby is a better leader than Kevin Falcon to tackle housing and health care.

Vancouver, BC [February 10, 2023] – The BC New Democratic Party (NDP) maintains a high level of support under new leader David Eby, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 44% of decided voters would cast a ballot for the BC NDP candidate in their constituency if an election were held today, unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2022, when John Horgan was premier.

The BC Liberals are in second place with 36% (+1), followed by the BC Green Party with 16% (+1) and the BC Conservative Party with 2% (-2).

“Support for the BC NDP remains strong in Vancouver Island (59%), while the BC Liberals dominate in Southern BC (53%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The New Democrats have smaller leads over the BC Liberals in Northern BC (47% to 43%), Metro Vancouver (44% to 38%) and the Fraser Valley (39% to 26%).”

Almost three-in-five British Columbians (59%) approve of the way Eby has performed as premier and leader of the BC NDP. The rating improved this month for both BC Liberals leader Kevin Falcon (44%, +8) and BC Greens leader Sonia Furstenau (42%, +7).

More than a third of British Columbians (34%, -4) say housing, homelessness and poverty is the most important issue facing the province. Health care is a close second (29%, +1), followed by the economy and jobs (13%, +2) the environment (6%, =) and crime and public safety (5%, -3).

Respondents to this survey were asked to choose which of the two main party leaders is best suited to manage eight different issues. Eby has small leads over Falcon on three broad themes: crime and public safety (31% to 27%), energy (also 31% to 27%) and the economy and jobs (34% to 28%).

Eby’s advantage over Falcon is more decisive on five other issues: housing, poverty and homelessness (40% to 21%), health care (40% to 24%), the environment (37% to 18%), education (37% to 22%) and accountability (35% to 22%)

A separate question gauged whether the leaders of the BC NDP and the BC Liberals possess specific characteristics that can be found in politicians.

Majorities of British Columbians think Eby is a good speaker and communicator (56%) and has a vision for the future of British Columbia (54%).

At least two-in-five residents of the province think the current premier understands their problems (47%), is in touch with the problems British Columbians face in their daily lives (43%), is a strong and decisive leader (42%), inspires confidence (41%) and generally agrees with people on issues they care about (40%).

Fewer British Columbians believe Eby is honest and trustworthy (39%), shares their values (36%), is a good economic manager (35%) and is patronizing (27%).

More than a third of British Columbians think Falcon is good speaker and communicator (46%), has a vision for the future of British Columbia (42%) and is a strong and decisive leader (37%).

Fewer residents say the leader of the BC Liberals inspires confidence (33%), understands the problems of residents (32%), is a good economic manager (also 32%), is patronizing (31%), is in touch with the problems British Columbians face in their daily lives (30%), generally agrees with people on issues they care about (28%), shares their values (27%) and is honest and trustworthy (26%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on February 4 to February 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. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

British Columbians Back LNG Expansion, Split on Nuclear Power

British Columbians Back LNG Expansion, Split on Nuclear Power

By Mario Canseco

The possibility of rising energy costs for households is a prevalent concern for half of the province’s residents.

Vancouver, BC [February 3, 2022] – A majority of British Columbians endorse the expansion of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector in the province, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 55% of British Columbians support the provincial government allowing for further development of the LNG industry, while 29% are opposed and 17% are undecided.

Support for the expansion of LNG development is highest in Southern BC (67%), followed by the Fraser Valley (56%), Metro Vancouver (also 56%), Northern BC (55%) and Vancouver Island (41%).

Two other ideas related to energy are more contentious. While 43% of British Columbians are in favour of allowing nuclear power (small modular reactors) for electricity generation, 40% disagree.

The notion of the provincial government banning the use of natural gas (on stoves and/or heaters) in new buildings is supported by 39% of British Columbians and opposed by 45%.

Half of British Columbians (50%) say they are “very concerned” about energy costs for households becoming too expensive.

Fewer residents are particularly worried about the effects of climate change in the world (48%), the effects of climate change in Canada (45%), energy shortages leading to measures such as rationing and rolling blackouts (31%) and energy costs for businesses becoming too expensive (28%).

The provincial government will require all car and passenger truck sales to be zero-emission by 2035. Seven-in-ten British Columbians (70%) support this goal, while 21% oppose it and 8% are not sure.

“There are some regional differences in British Columbia on the impending move to electric vehicles,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. ”Opposition to the goal is highest in Southern BC (37%), followed by Northern BC (30%), the Fraser Valley (22%), Metro Vancouver (20%) and Vancouver Island (15%).”

Among those who support the zero-emission goal established by the provincial government, 32% believe it is achievable and 38% think it is not achievable.

British Columbians are split on the current pace of the move to electric vehicles, with 26% saying the change is being implemented too quickly, 38% thinking it is happening at the right pace and 23% thinking it is taking place too slowly.

Methodology:Results are based on an online study conducted on January 9 to January 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

British Columbians Optimistic About New Housing Regulations

British Columbians Optimistic About New Housing Regulations

By Mario Canseco

Almost half of the province’s residents think the actions will be effective in making housing more affordable.

Vancouver, BC [January 27, 2022] – Practically half of British Columbians think the housing measures recently announced by the provincial government will help residents, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 48% of British Columbians believe the actions will be effective in making housing more affordable, up seven points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2021.

Just over two-in-five British Columbians (41%, -2) believe the actions of the provincial government will be ineffective, while 11% (-5) are undecided.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians agree with three policies related to housing recently outlined by the provincial government: building more modular supportive homes in areas where people are experiencing homelessness (78%), implementing a three-business-day protection period for financing and home inspections (71%) and capping rent increases in 2023 at 2% (also 71%).

Majorities of British Columbians are also in favour of two other recent measures: ending most strata age restrictions (64%) and removing strata rental restrictions (59%).

Support remains high for the policies implemented by the provincial government before 2022, such as increasing the foreign buyers tax from 15% to 20% (77%, +2), expanding the foreign buyers tax to areas located outside of Metro Vancouver (75%, =) and introducing a “speculation tax” in specific urban areas targeting foreign and domestic homeowners who pay little or no income tax in BC, and those who own second properties that aren’t long-term rentals (72%, +2).

Most British Columbians also continue to agree with the introduction of a tax of 0.2% on the value of homes between $3 million and $4 million, and a tax rate of 0.4% on the portion of a home’s value that exceeds $4 million (68%, -1) and with the decision to increase the property transfer tax from 3% to 5% for homes valued at more than $3 million. The 5% portion only applies to the value greater than $3 million (65%, -2).

Just over seven-in-ten British Columbians (71%) support the federal government’s decision to ban non-Canadians (with exclusions for international students and temporary residents) from purchasing residential properties in Canada for the next two years.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (61%) think the federal government should tie immigration numbers to affordable housing targets and new housing starts.

“There is no political divide in British Columbia on the idea that housing and immigration should go hand-in-hand,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Sizeable majorities of residents who voted for the BC Liberals (63%), the BC Green Party (62%) and the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (59%) in the 2020 provincial election want the federal government to do its part.”

A majority of British Columbians (57%) call on the provincial government to implement a $400 renters’ rebate for households earning up to $80,000 a year. This proposed measure is particularly popular among those who currently rent (72%).

Only 30% of British Columbians would consent to the cancellation of the home owner grant, which reduces the amount of property tax people pay for their principal residence. Among respondents who own their primary residence, support for this policy stands at 23%.

Three-in-five British Columbians (60%) agree that municipal governments should immediately dismantle any encampment or “tent city” located within their municipality—a proportion that rises to 66% among those aged 55 and over.

Almost half of British Columbians (49%, -6 since a Research Co. survey conducted in December 2021) trust the provincial government under the BC NDP to deliver affordable housing in British Columbia. The rating is lower for prospective provincial administrations headed by the BC Greens (39%, +6) or the BC Liberals (33%, -3).

At the federal level, confidence on affordable housing is highest for a potential federal government headed by the NDP (40%, -11) than administrations assembled by the Liberal Party (37%, -2) or the Conservative Party (31%, -1).

Trust in municipal governments to deliver affordable housing stands at 46% in British Columbia this month (-1). Confidence remains higher for not-for-profit developers (49%, =) than for for-profit developers (21%, +2).

Methodology:Results are based on an online study conducted on January 9 to January 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

Single-Use Plastics Ban Welcomed by Most British Columbians

Single-Use Plastics Ban Welcomed by Most British Columbians

By Mario Canseco

The proportion of residents who rely on re-usable bags when they go grocery shopping has increased since December 2021.

Vancouver, BC [January 25, 2023] – The recently implemented federal ban on the manufacture and import of single-use plastics in Canada is endorsed by four-in-five British Columbians, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 80% of British Columbians support the federal government’s decision.

The federal government has banned the manufacture and import of single-use plastics, including grocery checkout bags, straws, stir sticks, six-pack rings, plastic cutlery and food takeout containers made from hard-to-recycle plastics.

Several municipalities in British Columbia have already implemented their own guidelines for specific items, such as grocery checkout bags.

“The highest level of support for the federal ban on single-use plastics is observed on Vancouver Island (84%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The prohibition is also supported by majorities of residents in Metro Vancouver (81%), the Fraser Valley (also 81%), Northern BC (77%) and Southern BC (73%).”

More than four-in-five British Columbians (85%, +9 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2021) say that they transport groceries out of a store after purchasing them using their own re-usable bag. Only 13% say they rely on bags provided or purchased at the store.

A sizeable proportion of British Columbians aged 55 and over (96%, +8) are relying on their own re-usable bag when they go grocery shopping. The numbers are lower among those aged 35-to-54 (85%, +12) and those aged 18-to-34 (69%, +7).

About half of British Columbians (49%, -2) claim to go out of their way to recycle “all of the time”, such as holding on to bottles and cans until they can be placed into a proper recycling bin.

Fewer British Columbians are actively partaking on other behaviours “all of the time”, such as limiting hot water usage in their home by taking shorter showers or running washing machines or dishwashers with full loads only (19%, -1), unplugging electrical devices in their home—such as TVs, computers and cell phone chargers—when they are not in use (12%, =), buying biodegradable products (9%, +4) or eating organic or home-grown foods (5%, =).

Methodology:Results are based on an online study conducted on January 9 to January 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

Financial Recovery Elusive for Two-in-Five British Columbians

Financial Recovery Elusive for Two-in-Five British Columbians

By Mario Canseco

More than four-in-five British Columbians say the price of groceries is now higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vancouver, BC [January 10, 2023] – A significant proportion of British Columbians acknowledge that their economic status is not as good as it was three years ago, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 45% of British Columbians say their household’s financial situation is worse now than before the COVID-19 pandemic, up 12 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in March 2022.

“Two-in-five British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (40%) say their household’s finances are not at the level they were in February 2020,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are higher among those aged 35-to-54 (47%) and aged 55 and over (46%).”

Almost half of British Columbians (48%, +5) say it is currently difficult to pay for necessities or “make ends meet”—a proportion that rises to 54% among women and 58% among residents of the Fraser Valley.

The increases are more pronounced on two other categories, with more than seven-in-ten British Columbians (71%, +7) saying they are finding it difficult to save money for retirement or a “rainy day” and two thirds (66%, +10) saying it is currently difficult to have money for leisure, such as dining out and entertainment.

Sizeable majorities of British Columbians report that two household expenses are higher now than before the COVID-19 pandemic: groceries (83%, +8) and transportation (73%, +19).

About half of British Columbians are also paying more than in February 2019 for housing (such as rent or mortgage) (49%, +5) and electronic entertainment (48%, +2).

Fewer British Columbians say they are paying more now for books (21%, +2), newspapers and magazines (16%, +1) and board games (13%, -3).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted on December 27 to December 29, 2022, 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 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 Call for Action to Revamp the Justice System

British Columbians Call for Action to Revamp the Justice System

By Mario Canseco

Fewer than one-in-five of the province’s residents give the justice system high grades.

Vancouver, BC [December 28, 2022] – Residents of British Columbia are not particularly satisfied with the justice system, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, only 19% of British Columbians rate the justice system with a grade of 8, 9 or 10, while a larger proportion (25%) rate it as a 1, 2 or 3.

Half of the province’s residents (50%) provide grades ranging from 4 to 7 to the justice system.

“More than one-in-ten British Columbians (13%) give the lowest grade available to the justice system,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “This includes 17% of British Columbians aged 55 and over and 23% of residents of Indigenous descent.”

More than four-in-five British Columbians (82%) think the justice system needs more resources because it takes too long to get cases dealt with.

Sizeable majorities of British Columbians who voted for the BC Liberals (88%), the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (85%) and the BC Green Party (73%) in the 2020 provincial election agree on calling for additional resources for the justice system.

Just under four-in-five British Columbians (79%) say the outcome of cases depends heavily on how good your lawyer is.

For almost three-in-four British Columbians (74%), the justice system is too soft on offenders when it comes to criminal cases—a proportion that jumps to 85% among those aged 55 and over.

Most British Columbians (58%) agree that the justice system has not done enough to address bias against Indigenous Canadians. Majorities of residents of Indigenous (72%), South Asian (61%), East Asian (60%) and European ancestry (51%) agree on this question.

Just under half of British Columbians (47%) have interacted with the justice system. One-in-ten (10%) went to small claims court, while more dealt with cases related to proceedings of criminal (17%), family (20%) or traffic and bylaw (22%) natures.

Majorities of British Columbians say the resolution during their last interaction with three components of the justice system was fair: traffic and bylaw (59%), small claims (53%) and family (also 53%).

British Columbians who interacted with the criminal justice system are split in their assessment of their last experience, with 46% calling the resolution fair and 45% deeming it unfair.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from December 16 to December 18, 2022, 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
 
Photo Credit: Wpcpey
Most British Columbians Eager to Experience Holiday Travel

Most British Columbians Eager to Experience Holiday Travel

By Mario Canseco

Willingness to embark on a trip in 10 different ways is significantly higher this year than in 2021.

Vancouver, BC [November 26, 2021] – Residents of British Columbia are more likely to be planning to spend time away from their homes during the holiday season than last year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 51% of British Columbians plan to take a holiday—or spend at least one night away from their current location—in the next three months, up seven points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2021.

“More than three-in-five British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (64%) are considering a holiday trip,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among British Columbians aged 35-to-54 (50%) and aged 55 and over (43%).”

More than half of British Columbians say they are willing to travel in two ways right now: on a ferry (56%, +10) and taking an airplane flight to another province (54%, +18).

More than two-in-five British Columbians are ready to travel using four other forms of transportation: a trip by car to the United States (48%, +21), an airplane flight within British Columbia (46%, +14), an airplane flight to a different continent (45%, +23) and an airplane flight to the United States (44%, +23).

Fewer British Columbians are willing to take a railway trip (37%, +14), a bus trip shorter than 3 hours (33%, +8), a trip on a cruise ship (26%, +15) or a bus trip longer than 3 hours (23%, +7).

Just over three-in-four British Columbians (76%, -1) say they are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about losing money due to cancelations.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%) are worried about getting infected with COVID-19 during their trip, down 12 points since late 2021.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from November 14 to November 16, 2022, 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 OK with Abandoning Winter Olympic Bid

British Columbians OK with Abandoning Winter Olympic Bid

By Mario Canseco

Agreement with the FIFA World Cup coming to Vancouver in 2026 has increased since June.

Vancouver, BC [November 21, 2022] – Most British Columbians think the provincial government made the right call in refusing to back a proposed bid to host the Winter Olympics again, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 57% of British Columbians agree with the provincial government’s decision to not support the 2030 Winter Olympics bid that was being explored by Four Host First Nations—Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Lilwat—and the municipal governments of Vancouver and Whistler.

Vancouver hosted the XXI Olympic Winter Games, from February 12 to February 28, 2010.

Only 29% of British Columbians disagree with the provincial government’s decision to abandon the proposed 2030 bid—a proportion that rises to 48% among respondents of First Nation or Indigenous descent.

“British Columbians of all political stripes believe this is not the best moment to consider hosting the Winter Games again,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of residents who voted in 2020 for the BC Liberals (66%), the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (63%) and the BC Green Party (58%) are in agreement.”

In previous surveys, support for exploring the possibility of holding the 2030 Winter Olympics in Vancouver fluctuated from 60% in January 2020 to 43% in October 2021 and to 54% in June 2022,

The notion of Vancouver hosting the Summer Olympics in 2036 remains contentious, with 42% of British Columbians (-6) thinking a bid should be launched and 45% (+5) disagreeing with this idea.

British Columbians aged 18-to-34 are more eager to entertain a Summer Olympics bid for 2036 (51%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (46%) and aged 55 and over (33%).

More than three-in-five British Columbians (62%, +7) agree with Vancouver being a host city during the FIFA (Soccer) 2026 Men’s World Cup, while one-in-four (24%, -10) disagree and 14% are undecided.

Satisfaction with the 2026 Men’s World Cup coming to Vancouver is particularly high in the Fraser Valley (65%), Southern BC (64%) and Metro Vancouver (63%).

Just over two-in-five British Columbians (41%, -6) hold positive views on the International Olympic Committee (IOC), while a smaller proportion (38%) feel the same way about FIFA.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from November 6 to November 8, 2022, 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
Rising Cost of Food Impacting the Habits of British Columbians

Rising Cost of Food Impacting the Habits of British Columbians

By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five of the province’s residents have reduced their visits to restaurants since September.

Vancouver, BC [November 15, 2022] – Residents of British Columbia are starting to take action to deal with increasing food prices, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 64% of British Columbians say they have cut back on dining out on the weekend over the past two months, and a slightly smaller proportion (61%) have cut back on buying or going out to lunch on a weekday.

More than half of British Columbians have also cut back on treats (59%) and visits to coffee shops (56%), while more than two-in-five (44%) have switched packaged food brands to lower priced alternatives.

“Only 14% of British Columbians have not made any adjustments to their food budget over the past two months,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “This includes 19% of male residents and 10% of female residents.”

More than four-in-five British Columbians (82%) say the price of groceries has increased since September, and practically seven-in-ten say lunch at a restaurant (69%) and dinner at a restaurant (71%) are more expensive now than they were two months ago.

Almost half of British Columbians (49%) also think the price of food delivery has increased—a proportion that rises to 60% among those aged 18-to-34.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (61%) say their diet has been healthy over the past two months, while just over a third (34%) describe it as unhealthy.

Women (39%), residents of Vancouver Island (40%) and British Columbians in the lowest income bracket (43%) are more likely to report that their diet has not been healthy since September.

More than three-in-five British Columbians who have not followed a healthy diet recently (61%) say an inability to afford healthier foods has negatively impacted their nourishment, while just over half (51%) blame the stress and pressures of daily life getting in the way of good eating habits.

Fewer British Columbians who claim their diet is unhealthy say they find it difficult to make lifestyle changes (38%), lack the time for food preparation at home (33%) or lack the time to buy groceries (16%).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from November 6 to November 8, 2022, 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
A Third of British Columbians Willing to Change Province’s Name

A Third of British Columbians Willing to Change Province’s Name

By Mario Canseco

Residents aged 18-to-34 are particularly supportive of a move to acknowledge the province’s Indigenous heritage.

Vancouver, BC [November 8, 2022] – While most British Columbians disagree with the notion of changing the province’s name, young adults believe this would be the correct course of action, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 53% of British Columbians disagree with changing the name of the province to acknowledge its Indigenous heritage, down seven points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2021.

A third of British Columbians (32%, +6) would like to go forward with a name change—a proportion that rises to 50% among those aged 18-to-34.

“More than a third of Vancouver Island residents (37%) would welcome changing British Columbia’s name,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Support is lower in Northern BC (32%), Metro Vancouver (31%), the Fraser Valley (30%) and Southern BC (26%).”

Just over three-in-five British Columbians (62%, -5) are not bothered by any component of the province’s name. About one-in-five are upset about the absence of an acknowledgement to Indigenous peoples (20%, +2) and the “British” part (19%, +4). Only 8% (=) are bothered by the presence of the word “Columbia”.

The numbers did not move much when British Columbians were asked if the provincial flag should be amended to remove the Union Jack. Just over three-in-ten (31%, +1) agree with this plan, while 46% (-3) disagree with it.

Only 24% of British Columbians aged 55 and over would consent to having a provincial flag that does not feature the Union Jack. Support is higher among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (30%) and aged 18-to-34 (43%).

In 2010, the Queen Charlotte Islands were renamed as Haida Gwaii. Most British Columbians (58%, +2) believe this was the right decision, while 20% (=) disagree and 23% (-1) are undecided.

More than seven-in-ten residents of Vancouver Island (71%) believe changing the name of the Queen Charlotte Islands was the correct course of action, along with majorities of residents of Southern BC (58%), the Fraser Valley (57%), Metro Vancouver (55%) and Northern BC (also 55%).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from October 29 to October 31, 2022, 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 Ponder Future Effect of BC NDP Leadership Race

British Columbians Ponder Future Effect of BC NDP Leadership Race

By Mario Canseco

Women are more likely to support the BC New Democrats if David Eby replaces John Horgan as leader.

Vancouver, BC [October 18, 2022] – The governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) remains ahead of the opposition BC Liberals in British Columbia’s political scene, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 44% of decided voters would support the BC NDP candidate in their constituency if a provincial ballot were held today, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February.

The BC Liberals are in second place with 35% (-3), followed by the BC Green Party with 15% (+2) and the BC Conservative Party with 4% (+2).

More than half of British Columbians (57%, -12) approve of the way Premier and BC NDP leader John Horgan has handled his duties. The numbers are lower for both BC Liberals leader Kevin Falcon (36%, -2) and BC Greens leader Sonia Furstenau (35%, -1).

The survey also asked about the two prospective candidates seeking to replace Horgan at the helm of the BC NDP. Just over two-in-five British Columbians (42%) approve of David Eby, while three-in-ten (30%) feel the same way about Anjali Appadurai.

Across British Columbia, a third of residents (33%) say it makes no difference to them who becomes the next leader of the BC NDP, while one-in-five (25%) are undecided. Eby is ahead of Appadurai among all residents of the province (30% to 12%) and among those who voted for the BC New Democrats in the 2020 provincial election (42% to 11%).

Respondents to this poll were asked about four different scenarios that could materialize upon the conclusion of the BC NDP leadership race.

In a match-up with Eby as leader, 43% of decided voters would support the BC NDP and 34% would back the BC Liberals. The race becomes much closer if Appadurai supplants Horgan: 38% for the BC NDP and 36% for the BC Liberals.

“The BC NDP would have an easier time connecting with female voters with David Eby as leader,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Support for the governing party among women stands at 51% with him and at 44% under Appadurai.”

The results are also different if either of the losing contenders in the BC NDP leadership race decided to create their own political parties.

With Eby as leader, the BC NDP would keep the upper hand over the BC Liberals (40% to 34%), with lower support for the BC Greens (15%), the BC Conservatives (6%) and a new political party led by Appadurai (3%).

An Appadurai-led BC NDP would be four points behind the BC Liberals (31% to 35%). The BC Greens would be third with 16%, followed by a new provincial party led by Eby (10%) and the BC Conservatives (6%).

When asked about the most important issue facing the province, almost two-in-five British Columbians (38%, +5) select housing, homelessness and poverty—a proportion that jumps to 43% among women and to 47% among those aged 18-to-34.

Health care is second on the list of concerns with 28% (+5), rising to 44% among British Columbians aged 55 and over. The economy and jobs is third on the list with 11% (-5), followed by crime and public safety (8%, +4) and the environment (6%, -4).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from October 9 to October 11, 2022, 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
Some British Columbians Keep Options Open to Work from Home

Some British Columbians Keep Options Open to Work from Home

By Mario Canseco

Only 11% of British Columbians who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic have returned to the office full time.

Vancouver, BC [October 7, 2002] – Employed British Columbians are still figuring out the new qualms of office life, and more than a third are not particularly thrilled with their current arrangements to work from home, a new Research Co. poll has found

In the online survey of a representative sample, more than three-in-five home workers in British Columbia (63%) say they are happy with their current arrangements to perform their duties away from the office. Similar proportions claim to be working from home more often (19%) or less often (18%) than they would like to.

Just over one-in-ten British Columbians who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic (11%) have returned to the office full time. About a third (32%) are working from home once or twice a week, while 25% are there three to four times a week and 31%  work from home five days a week.

“There is a significant generational divide when it comes to the home office in British Columbia,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While only 19% of home workers aged 18-to-34 are not commuting at all, the proportion rises to 35% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 47% among those aged 55 and over.”

More than half of British Columbians who worked from home during the pandemic (53%) say they are “very likely” or “moderately likely” to seek a different job if their current company does not allow them to work from home as often as they want. Just under one-in-ten (8%) have already left a position because of this reason.

Two thirds of home workers in British Columbia (66%, +2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in January 2022) say they are “very likely” or “moderately likely” to explore the possibility of switching to a different job that can be performed from home in their own metropolitan area.

Smaller proportions of home workers in British Columbia would consider switching to a different job that can be performed from home for a company headquartered in the province (59%, +2) or in a different Canadian province (45%, =).

Compared to January 2022, we see fewer employed British Columbians reporting an increase in virtual staff meetings (28%, -17) and virtual business development (21%, -24) at their workplace.

Conversely, employed British Columbians say that they have seen more in person staff meetings (27%, +13) and more in-person business development (21%, +6) than three months ago.

The change is not as pronounced on business travel, with 15% of employed British Columbians (+5) noticing more trips and 31% (-8) saying they are less common than three months ago. In addition, there is a slight reduction in the amount of virtual communications between offices (27%, -19).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from September 28 to September 30, 2022, among 700 adults who work 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 +/- 3.7 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
Positive Views on State of Health Care Drop in British Columbia

Positive Views on State of Health Care Drop in British Columbia

By Mario Canseco

Half of the province’s residents say a shortage of doctors and nurses is the biggest problem facing the system right now.

Vancouver, BC [September 30, 2020] – Just over three-in-ten British Columbians believe the province’s health care system requires a major overhaul, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 31% of British Columbians believe health care in the province has so much wrong with it that we need to completely rebuild it, up 20 points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in November 2020.

Only 13% of British Columbians (-9) think health care in the province works well, and only minor changes are needed to make it work better, while half (50%, -14) say there are some good things in health care in British Columbia, but some changes are required.

“Negative perceptions about the current state of the health care system in British Columbia increase with age,“ says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While only 22% of residents aged 18-to-34 call for a complete rebuild, the proportion rises to 30% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 40% among those aged 55 and over.”

Half of British Columbians (50%, +26) consider a shortage of doctors and nurses as the biggest problem facing the health care system right now. Long waiting times is a distant second on the list of concerns with 18% (-9), followed by bureaucracy and poor management (10%, =) and inadequate resources and facilities (7%, -6).

Two-in-five British Columbians (40%, =) say they would be willing to pay out of their own pocket to have quicker access to medical services that currently have long waiting times—a proportion that rises to 49% among those aged 18-to-34.

In addition, a third of British Columbians (33%, +6) would consider travelling to another country to have quicker access to medical services that currently have long waiting times.

In September 2020, a B.C. Supreme Court justice ruled that access to private health care is not a constitutional right, even if wait times for care under the public system are too long.

More than a third of British Columbians (37%, -9) agree with the decision taken by the B.C. Supreme Court justice, while 49% (+18) disagree and 14% (-9) are undecided.

British Columbians who voted for the BC Liberals and the BC Green Party in the 2020 provincial election are more likely to disagree with the justice’s decision (52% and 51% respectively) than those who supported the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (43%).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from September 23 to September 25, 2022, 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
Automated Speed Enforcement Still Favoured in British Columbia

Automated Speed Enforcement Still Favoured in British Columbia

By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five residents of the province agree with four different types of automated speed enforcement.

Vancouver, BC [September 16, 2022] – Sizeable majorities of British Columbians continue to endorse the use of technology to identify vehicles whose drivers choose not to abide by existing speed limits, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 76% of British Columbians approve of the use of fixed speed cameras, or cameras that stay in one location and measure speed as a vehicle passes, up four points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in 2021.

Automated speed enforcement works by using cameras or sensors to pick up a vehicle speeding. A ticket is then issued to the owner of the vehicle. Driver’s license points are not issued as the driver of the vehicle cannot be identified.

Majorities British Columbians have voiced support for automated speed enforcement in Research Co. surveys conducted in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%, +1) approve of the use of speed-on-green intersection cameras in the province. This type of enforcement entails using red light cameras to capture vehicles that are speeding through intersections.

“Women (74%) and British Columbians aged 55 and over (79%) are particularly supportive of speed-on-green intersection cameras,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The practice is also endorsed by majorities of British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (77%), the BC Liberals (75%) and the BC Green Party (69%) in the 2020 provincial election.”

Two thirds of British Columbians (66%, +2) are in favour of mobile speed cameras, or devices that can be moved from place to place to measure speed as a vehicle passes.

Just over three-in-five British Columbians (61%, +8 since 2021) favour the use of point-to-point speed enforcement, which relies on cameras placed at two or more distant points on a road. The average speed of vehicles that pass between points is calculated and tickets are issued to vehicles whose average speed over the distance was excessive.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online survey conducted from September 8 to September 10, 2022, 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