British Columbia – Page 12

British Columbians Tout Unique Views in Canadian Landscape

August 7, 2019September 27, 2019By Mario Canseco

Two thirds feel they have more in common with the people of Seattle and Portland than with those in Toronto or Montreal.

Vancouver, BC [August 7, 2019] – Most residents of British Columbia believe they have a distinctive outlook when compared to other areas of Canada, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, almost three-in-five British Columbians (59%) think their views “are different from the rest of the country”—including 89% of Green Party voters in the 2017 provincial election.

Two thirds of British Columbians (66%, unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2018) think they have more in common with the people of Seattle and Portland than with those in Toronto or Montreal.

Significant proportions of residents are very proud of the province they live in (86%, -1), believe they will stay in British Columbia for the rest of their lives (74%, -3), and disagree with the idea that British Columbia would be better off as its own country (74%, unchanged).

“There is a generational divide when British Columbians are asked if they will be lifelong residents of the province,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While 85% of those aged 55 and over say they will stay in British Columbia for the rest of their lives, the proportion drops to 74% among those aged 35-to-54 and 64% among those aged 18-to-34.”

About one-in-five respondents (19%) say they consider themselves “British Columbians first, and Canadians second”—a proportion that rises to 24% among residents of the Fraser Valley.

Conversely, two thirds of respondents (67%) say they are “Canadians first, and British Columbians second.”

Practically two-in-five British Columbians (44%) are undecided when asked who they think has been the best Premier of the province since August 1986. Only three leaders reached double digits: John Horgan (14%), Gordon Campbell (12%) and Christy Clark (11%).

When asked who they believe has been the worst recent premier, 27% of British Columbians select Clark, followed by Campbell (11%) and Horgan (10%).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from July 23 to July 25, 2019, 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 full data set 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

Support Still Strong for Automated Speed Enforcement in BC

July 10, 2019September 27, 2019By Mario Canseco

The use of red light cameras to catch vehicles speeding at intersections is backed by two thirds of British Columbians.

Vancouver, BC [July 10, 2019] – Most British Columbians are in favour of a specific type of automated speed enforcement that will be present in some municipalities this summer, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of British Columbians, seven-in-ten residents (68%, -2 since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in August 2018) approve of using speed-on-green cameras, or red light cameras that also capture vehicles that speed through intersections.

Support for the use of speed-on-green cameras is highest among women (74%) and British Columbians aged 55 and over (76%).

“Seven-in-ten British Columbians who do not drive (72%) are in favour of relying on speed-on-green cameras,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In addition, about three-in-five residents who drive five days a week or more (66%), three or four times a week (74%) and once or twice a week (64%) are also in favour of this measure.”

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.

Earlier this year, the provincial government announced that 35 existing red light cameras will begin capturing vehicles that are speeding through intersections this summer. The cameras are located in 14 municipalities: Abbotsford, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Kelowna, Langley, Maple Ridge, Nanaimo, North Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Richmond, Surrey and Vancouver.

Just over half of British Columbians (52%, -3 since August 2018) approve of point-to-point speed enforcement, which uses cameras 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.

More than three-in-five British Columbians approve of two other types of automated speed enforcement: 69% (-2 since August 2018) for fixed speed cameras, or cameras that stay in one location and measure speed as a vehicle passes, and 63% (-2 since August 2018) for mobile speed cameras, which can be moved from place to place and measure speed as a vehicle passes.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from June 22 to June 26, 2019, 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 full data set 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 Agree with Ottawa’s Pipeline Decision

July 3, 2019July 25, 2019By Mario Canseco

Three-in-five residents are unconvinced that the re-approved expansion will bring lower gas prices to the province.

Vancouver, BC [July 3, 2019] – A majority of British Columbians believe the federal government made the right call in re-approving the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion, but a similar proportion voice dissatisfaction with Ottawa’s overall performance on this file, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 56% of British Columbians (+4 since May 2018) agree with the federal government’s decision to re-approve the pipeline expansion.

One third of British Columbians (33%) disagree with the decision, and 11% are undecided.

Agreement with Ottawa’s course of action is highest among men (66%), British Columbians aged 55 and over (also 66%), residents of the Southern Interior (67%) and BC Liberal voters in the 2017 provincial election (72%).

Almost three-in-five British Columbians (59%) say they are disappointed with the way the federal government has handled the expansion.

“As expected, dissatisfaction with the way Ottawa handled this issue is practically universal among strong opponents (95%) and moderate opponents (73%) of the project,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “But 50% of British Columbians who moderately or strongly support the expansion are also unhappy with the federal government.”

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (71%) think the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline will create hundreds of local jobs.

Respondents are evenly divided on whether the pipeline expansion threatens the health and safety of British Columbians, with 46% agreeing with the statement and 44% disagreeing with it. Two-in-five (41%) believe the provincial government should do anything necessary to ensure that the expansion does not happen.

Only 30% of British Columbians recall seeing advertisements in favour of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion over the past few weeks. Among those who were exposed to the ads, 32% said they made them “more likely” to support the expansion.

Only 39% of British Columbians think gas prices will be lower in the province now that the expansion has been re-approved—one of the key messages of the ad campaign undertaken by the Government of Alberta. Three-in-five residents (61%) either disagree with this thought (33%) or are not sure (28%).

Methodology:

Find our full data set 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 Support More Action on Child Care

June 13, 2019July 25, 2019By Mario Canseco

Nine-in-ten consider the investments to build a quality affordable child care system as “very important” or “moderately important.”

Vancouver, BC [June 13, 2019] – In an online survey of a representative provincial sample, 76% of British Columbians think the province should move more quickly to achieve the established goals of more affordable parent fees, more spaces, and better wages and education for those who work in child care settings, a new Research Co. poll conducted on behalf of the $10aDay Child Care Plan has found.

When parents who currently have a child enrolled in child care were asked about their experience, 64% said the current government investments are having a positive impact on their situation.

There is still more to be done, as 70% of parents report that their return to work was delayed because of lack of access to child care.

“British Columbians of all ages, regions and political allegiances agree that children, parents and employers benefit when there’s access to quality affordable child care,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co.

Two thirds of British Columbians (66%) believe the provincial government should continue to put a priority on public funding for child care, to make it more affordable and available for families.

“Some parents are experiencing benefits of new investments in child care, but many families are still struggling when it comes to cost, finding a licensed space, and educators are still earning low wages—BC need further investments,” says Sharon Gregson, spokesperson for the $10aDay Child Care Plan.

Across the province, almost two-in-five parents who currently have a child in child care (38%) say they waited at least five months before a space became available for their child. Three-in-four parents (76%) say the cost of child care has put a financial strain on their families.

Four-in-five British Columbians (81%) believe that, when child care is affordable and available to parents, more mothers work and pay taxes. An even larger proportion of residents (86%) agree with the notion that having children today costs a lot more than it did 40 years ago.

About the $10aDay Child Care Plan

Since 2011, supporters across the province have advanced the $10aDay Child Care Plan as the solution to BC’s child care chaos calling for parent fees of no more than $10aDay, access to licensed spaces for all families who choose child care, and fair wages for early childhood educators.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from May 9 to May 12, 2019, 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 full data set 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

Sharon Gregson, $10aDay Child Care Plan.
604.505.5725
[e] info@10aday.ca

Most British Columbians Want Slower Speeds on Residential Streets

June 7, 2019July 25, 2019By Mario Canseco

Two-in-five residents say they perceive a car going over the speed limit on the street where they live “at least once a day.”

Vancouver, BC [June 7, 2019] – A sizeable proportion of British Columbians would like to see changes to municipal speed limits, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 58% of British Columbians say they would “definitely” or “probably” 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 the implementation of this policy is highest among women (63%), British Columbians aged 35-to-54 (62%) and residents of Vancouver Island (60%).

Earlier this year, Vancouver City Council unanimously passed a motion to establish a pilot project that will see the speed limit reduced to 30 km/h on select residential streets in the city.

Two thirds of British Columbians (66%) believe the City of Vancouver’s pilot project is a “very good” or “good idea”, while 22% consider it “bad” or “very bad.”

“While many British Columbians are in favour of the City of Vancouver’s pilot project, there are some differences related to political allegiance,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) and the BC Green Party in the last provincial election are more supportive of the project (74% and 72% respectively) than those who voted for the BC Liberals in 2017 (60%).”

More than two-in-five British Columbians (42%) say they see a car that they perceive is circulating above the current speed limit on the street where they reside “at least once a day”, while only 16% say this “never” happens.

Residents of the Fraser Valley (54%), Northern BC (50%) and Southern BC (48%) are significantly more likely to perceive speeding vehicles on their street “at least once a day” than those who live in Vancouver Island (40%) and Metro Vancouver (39%).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from May 26 to May 28, 2019, 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 full data set 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

Class Sizes, Teacher Shortage Worry Parents in British Columbia

June 5, 2019September 27, 2019By Mario Canseco

Three-in-ten parents describe their own child’s class size as “too big”, while 60% say it is “about right.”

Vancouver, BC [June 5, 2019] – While a sizeable majority of parents in British Columbia are content with the education their children are receiving in school, certain concerns about the system persist, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of parents who have a child enrolled in K-12, 83% of respondents say the experience of their child with the education system has been “very positive” or “moderately positive.”

A majority of parents say they are “very satisfied” or “moderately satisfied” with the quality of instruction their child is getting in English (73%), Science (72%), Social Studies (also 72%), Math (68%), and French (60%).

In addition, half of parents (50%) are satisfied with what their child is learning in other languages, but 21% are either undecided or say this particular subject is not applicable to their child.

One-in-five parents (21%) identify “large class sizes” as the biggest problem facing the education system right now, while 16% mention a “shortage of teachers” and 15% say it is “lack of safety in schools and bullying”.

Other issues detected by parents as pressing concerns are an “outdated curriculum” (12%), “inadequate resources and facilities for children” (11%), “labour disputes between teachers and the government” (also 11%) and “bureaucracy and poor management” (9%).

“The education system faces different challenges across British Columbia,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Large class sizes are an enormous anxiety in Northern BC, while residents of Southern BC are more likely to point to bureaucracy and mismanagement.”

Across the province, three-in-ten parents (31%) say their child’s class sizes are or have been “too big” while 60% describe them as “about right.”

Parents in Northern BC are more likely to say that class sizes are or have been “too big” (43%), followed by those who reside in Southern BC (35%), Vancouver Island (33%), the Fraser Valley (30%) and Metro Vancouver (28%).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from May 20 to May 28, 2019, among 700 parents in British Columbia who have a child enrolled in Kindergarten, Elementary School (Grades 1 to 7) or High School (Grades 8 to 12). 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 full data set 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

Half of Drivers in British Columbia Are Considering Electric Vehicles

May 31, 2019July 25, 2019By Mario Canseco

Seven-in-ten residents agree with the goal of making all light-duty cars and trucks sold in the province “zero emission” by 2040.

Vancouver, BC [May 31, 2019] – A significant proportion of car drivers in British Columbia would consider acquiring a “zero emission” vehicle in the future, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 51% of British Columbians who drive their own vehicles say it is “very likely” or “moderately likely” that the next vehicle they acquire for themselves or their household will be electric.

Majorities of drivers in Metro Vancouver (55%) and Vancouver Island (52%) are likely to consider a “zero emission” vehicle as their next purchase. The proportion is lower in the Fraser Valley (43%), Southern BC (40%) and Northern BC (37%)

When asked about specific issues that might make them less likely to purchase an electric vehicle, 24% of drivers say that they are too expensive when compared to non-electric vehicles, 24% fear becoming stranded if they cannot find a charging station, and 23% say they do not have enough places to charge the vehicle in the areas where they usually drive.

“There are some significant regional differences when the concerns of potential electric vehicle owners are analyzed,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “More than a third of drivers who reside in Southern BC (35%) and Northern BC (45%) claim they lack places to charge electric vehicles, compared to just 20% among those who live in Metro Vancouver.”

Earlier this year, the Government of British Columbia passed legislation to ensure that, by the year 2040, all light-duty cars and trucks sold in the province will be “zero emission.” Seven-in-ten residents (70%) agree with this decision, while 21% disagree and 10% are undecided.

Almost half of British Columbians (49%) believe the goal established by the provincial government on “zero emission” vehicles is “achievable”, while 42% think it is “not achievable.”

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from May 20 to May 22, 2019, 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 full data set 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

NDP Ahead in British Columbia Two Years After Last Election

May 29, 2019June 14, 2019By Mario Canseco

Two-in-five residents identify “housing, homelessness and poverty” as the most important issue in the province.

Vancouver, BC [May 29, 2019] – The governing New Democratic Party (NDP) is the top choice in British Columbia’s current political landscape, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 39% of decided voters in British Columbia would cast a ballot for the BC NDP candidate in their riding if a provincial election were held tomorrow.

The BC Liberals are in second place with 30%, followed by the BC Green Party with 21% and the BC Conservative Party with 9%.

The New Democrats are ahead among female voters (42%, with the BC Liberals and the BC Greens tied at 24%), as well as voters aged 18-to-34 and 35-to-54 (40% among each group).

Among male voters, the BC Liberals and the BC NDP are practically tied (37% and 36% respectively), while the New Democrats enjoy a six-point edge among voters aged 55 and over (38% to 32%).

The BC Greens are particularly popular with women (24%) and voters aged 18-to-34 (25%)

“The BC NDP and the BC Green Party are holding on to more than four-in-five of the voters who supported them in the 2017 provincial election,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “For the BC Liberals, the number is slightly lower at 76%.”

Just over half of British Columbians (51%) approve of the performance of Premier and BC NDP leader John Horgan, while 34% disapprove.

Green Party leader Andrew Weaver’s approval rating stands at 42%, while the numbers are lower for BC Liberals leader Andrew Wilkinson (34%) and BC Conservatives leader Trevor Bolin (20%).

More than two-in-five British Columbians (42%) believe “housing, homelessness and poverty” is the most important issue facing the province today—a proportion that climbs to 49% among residents aged 18-to-34, 47% among Metro Vancouverites and 45% among women.

“Health care” and “the economy and jobs” are tied at 11%, followed by “the environment” at 10%, “energy and pipelines” at 9%, and “crime and public safety” at 7%.

Concerns about “housing, homelessness and poverty” are decidedly higher among residents who voted for the BC NDP (46%) and the BC Greens (44%) in 2017 than among BC Liberal supporters (29%).

Conversely, “energy and pipelines” is the second most important issue for BC Liberal supporters (17%, compared to 8% among BC NDP voters and 5% among BC Green voters).

Methodology:

Find our full data set here and download the press release here.

Photo Credit: Owen

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

British Columbians Endorse Money Laundering Public Inquiry

May 24, 2019June 14, 2019By Mario Canseco

More than a third (36%) would place the emphasis on “identifying solutions to help reduce the impact of money laundering.”

Vancouver, BC [May 24, 2019] – A sizeable majority of British Columbians voice satisfaction with the provincial government’s decision to call a public inquiry into money laundering in the province, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 86% of British Columbians “strongly agree” (55%) or “moderately agree” (31%) with this decision.

Victoria’s course of action is endorsed by 93% of residents who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2017 provincial election, as well as 86% of those who supported the BC Liberals and 80% of those who voted for the BC Green Party.

In surveys conducted by Research Co. in June 2018, August 2018 and February 2019, more than three-in-four British Columbians voiced support for a public inquiry into money laundering.

When asked about specific goals that the public inquiry should deal with, more than a third of British Columbians (36%) mentioned “identifying solutions to help reduce the current and future impact of money laundering in the province.”

“In Metro Vancouver, the proportion of residents who want the public inquiry to concentrate on solutions reaches 39%,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “This course of action is also slightly more popular among women (38%) than men (35%).”

Three-in-ten residents (30%) believe “finding out those responsible (in government and crown corporations) for allowing money laundering to become such a big problem” should be the main priority.

Fewer British Columbians would concentrate the public inquiry’s efforts on “recovering ill-gotten gains and assets from people who laundered money in British Columbia” (17%) or “figuring out how money laundering became such a big problem” (11%).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from May 16 to May 19, 2019, 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 full data set 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

Fewer Than Half of British Columbians Have an Emergency Kit

May 22, 2019June 7, 2019By Mario Canseco

Three-in-four residents think an earthquake strong enough to damage buildings is “likely” to occur in the next 50 years.

Vancouver, BC [May 22, 2019] – Many British Columbians expect to face a destructive earthquake, but most have not assembled an emergency kit, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 76% of British Columbians say it is “very likely” or “moderately likely” that an earthquake strong enough to damage buildings will occur in the province in the next 50 years.

When asked about their level of concern about specific emergencies they might face, British Columbians place “a fire” (79%), “an earthquake” (68%), “high winds” (65%) and “intense rainfall” (61%) at the top of the list.

Fewer than three-in-five British Columbians are worried about being personally affected by “a flood” (57%), “heavy snowfall” (56%), “a toxic spill” (55%), “a terrorist attack” (54%), “a tsunami” (46%) or “a landslide” (also 46%).

Only 46% of British Columbians acknowledge having purchased or prepared an emergency kit with supplies they might need in case of an emergency.

“In spite of the high level of concern expressed about an earthquake affecting the province, more than half of British Columbians have not put together an emergency kit,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Residents aged 35-to-54 are doing better on this particular matter (55% have an emergency kit) than those aged 18-to-34 (45%) and those aged 55 and over (39%).”

Across the province, two-in-five residents (39%) have prepared an emergency plan that includes how to get in touch with family or friends in case of an emergency, and just over a third (35%) have established a meeting place with family or friends in case of an emergency.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from May 2 to May 5, 2019, 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 full data set 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

Three-in-Five British Columbians Grow or Cultivate Plants at Home

May 17, 2019June 7, 2019By Mario Canseco

More than half of the province’s home gardeners focus primarily on ornamental plants, while 29% are mostly growing food.

Vancouver, BC [May 17, 2019] – A majority of British Columbians can be safely described as home gardeners, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, three-in-five British Columbians (59%) say they currently grow or cultivate plants in their home, either indoors or outdoors.

The largest incidence of home gardeners is observed among British Columbians aged 35-to-54 (64%), residents of Northern BC (68%) and BC Green Party voters in the 2017 provincial election (70%).

More than half of the province’s home gardeners (56%) say they focus mostly on plants for ornamental purposes, while three-in-ten (29%) prefer to grow or cultivate plants for consumption, such as vegetables, fruits and herbs.

“There are some age discrepancies when it comes to the type of plants British Columbia’s home gardeners are interested in,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Growing plants that can be consumed is more popular among those aged 18-to-34 (53%), but less so among those aged 35-to-54 (31%) and those aged 55 and over (21%).”

One-in-four of British Columbia’s home gardeners (25%) say they spend less than $50 each year on gardening tools, plants and/or seeds.

About two-in-five of British Columbia’s home gardeners (39%) allocate $50 to $100 a year for gardening, while more than a third (36%) spend more than $100 annually.

A majority of the province’s home gardeners (58%) say the plants they grow or cultivate are “about the same as most” in their neighbourhood, while 26% consider them “better” and 11% believe they are “worse.”

British Columbia’s home gardeners aged 18-to-34 (35%), men (30%) and those who reside in Southern BC (29%) are more likely to claim that their own plants are better than the ones grown by their neighbours.

Methodology:

Find our full data set 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 Love Coffee, Few Are Keen Travel Mug Users

May 9, 2019June 7, 2019By Mario Canseco

A third of British Columbians who consume coffee outside of their home never bring their own travel mug to the coffee shop.

Vancouver, BC [May 9, 2019] – Many British Columbians enjoy coffee when they are away from home, but only about one-in-five rely on travel mugs “all of the time”, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, only one-in-five British Columbians (20%) say they never have coffee outside of their home in a regular week.

About three-in-ten British Columbians (29%) have one or two cups of coffee outside of their home in a week, while a similar proportion (30%) consumes three to six cups.

More than one-in-five British Columbians (22%) drink seven or more cups of coffee outside of their home each week.

A third of British Columbians who consume coffee outside of their home (34%) say they never bring their own travel mug to the coffee shop, while about half (46%) say they do this “only a few times” or “some of the time.”

Only 19% of British Columbians who consume coffee outside of their home “always” rely on their travel mug when they visit a coffee shop.

“Three-in-five female coffee drinkers in the province (60%) acknowledge using their travel mug at a coffee shop at least a few times,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Among men, the proportion of travel mug users is actually higher, at 71%.”

Among British Columbians who consume coffee outside of their home, the favourite venue to visit is Tim Hortons (43%), followed by Starbucks (31%).

When asked about which stores they never visit, 20% of British Columbians who consume coffee outside of their home mentioned Tim Hortons, while 18% selected Starbucks. About a third (34%) say they do not have a place they would never go to in order to get coffee.

Almost two thirds of British Columbians who consume coffee outside of their home (65%) say they are part of a loyalty program (where they may receive merchandise, rewards, coupons, or free products) at their favourite coffee shop.

Membership in loyalty programs is higher among British Columbians who select Starbucks as their favourite coffee shop (77%) than among those who picked Tim Hortons (65%).

Methodology:

Find our full data set 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 Support Having Seatbelts in School Buses

May 7, 2019June 7, 2019By Mario Canseco

More than half of residents “strongly support” the measure, while a third express “moderate support.”

Vancouver, BC [May 7, 2019] – A sizeable majority of British Columbians would like to see a modification inside the school buses that currently operate in the province, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, almost nine-in-ten British Columbians (88%) support making seatbelts mandatory for school buses in the province.

The level of “strong support” for the proposal reaches 55%, while 33% of British Columbians “moderately support the idea.”

“There are very few British Columbians who voice opposition to the notion of installing seatbelts in the province’s school buses,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The level of support for the proposal is high across all regions.”

Earlier this year, federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced the creation of a task force that will study whether school buses operating in Canada should be retrofitted with seatbelts.

An online petition on change.org has garnered more than 95,000 signatures in support of making seatbelts in school buses mandatory in Canada.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from April 4 to April 7, 2019, 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 full data set 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

Job Responsibilities Dent Lifestyle for Employed British Columbians

April 30, 2019June 7, 2019By Mario Canseco

Two-in-five residents who are employed say their work has put a strain on their relationships with family and friends.

Vancouver, BC [April 30, 2019] – A majority of British Columbians who work part time or full time acknowledge putting their career ahead of their health, leisure, family and spirituality, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 53% of employed British Columbians say work is “definitely” (23%) or “probably” (30%) taking precedence over lifestyle.

One third of employed British Columbians (33%) claim to have a perfect balance between work and lifestyle, while 12% say their lifestyle is taking precedence over work.

Almost half of employed British Columbians (47%) acknowledge having to stay late after work over the course of the past six months, while about three-in-ten missed a “lifestyle” engagement (such as a family gathering or leisure activity) because of work (29%) or had to reply to a work-related e-mail while they were with family or friends (28%).

One-in-four employed British Columbians (25%) had to take a work-related call on the cell phone while they were with family or friends, while similar proportions had to work from home on a weekend (24%) or had to work from home at night (21%).

“There is a staggering age gap when it comes to work getting in the way of the lifestyle of British Columbians,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While 44% of those aged 55 and over say they did not experience any off-work interruptions, the proportion drops to 26% for those aged 35-to-54 and just 15% for those aged 18-to-34.”

More than two-in-five employed British Columbians (42%) say their work has put a strain on their relationships with family and friends, a proportion that reaches 48% among those aged 18-to-34 and 61% among those who live in Northern BC.

One-in-five employed British Columbians (19%) say it is easier for them to achieve a work-life balance than it was for their parents, while 41% believe that this undertaking is now harder.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from April 4 to April 7, 2019, among 646 adults in British Columbia who are employed full time or part time. 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 +/- 3.9 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our full data set 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

God Exists for British Columbians, But Few Attend Religious Services

April 18, 2019June 7, 2019By Mario Canseco

Two thirds of residents (67%) say they only attend on special occasions, such as weddings, baptisms and funerals.

Vancouver, BC [April 18, 2019] – Most residents of British Columbia believe or tend to believe that God is real, but significantly fewer actively participate in religious ceremonies, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 39% of British Columbians are “convinced” that God exists, while 22% “tend to believe” that God exists.

Conversely, 16% of residents are “convinced” that God does not exist, and 13% “tend to believe” that God does not exist.

Women are more likely to be “convinced” that God exists than men (43% to 35%). British Columbians aged 55 and over are also more likely to be “convinced” about God’s existence (45%) than those aged 35-to-54 (38%) and those aged 18-to-34 (32%).

Two thirds of British Columbians (67%) say they never attend religious services other than weddings, baptisms or funerals.

Only 3% of British Columbians attend services “at least once a week”, while 13% visit a church, temple or synagogue “at least once a month.”

Similar proportions of British Columbians acknowledge having meditated (27%) or prayed to God (24%) over the past 12 months.

Just over one-in-ten British Columbians (11%) visited a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist, and slightly fewer (7%) consulted with a “life coach” to help identify personal goals.

Only 2% of residents say they confessed or sought advice from a religious figure.

Methodology:

Find our full data set here and download the press release here.

Photo Credit: Colin Knowles

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Six Months Later, British Columbians Content with Legal Marijuana

April 16, 2019June 7, 2019By Mario Canseco

Across the province, 6% of adults say they tried cannabis for the first time after it was legalized.

Vancouver, BC [April 16, 2019] – Most British Columbians appear satisfied with both the legalization of marijuana and the framework to acquire cannabis in the province, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 63% of British Columbians agree with marijuana being legal in Canada, while 29% disagree.

Agreement with the legalization of cannabis in Canada is highest among British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (70%), as well as residents of Northern BC (72%) and Vancouver Island (also 72%).

More than two-in-five British Columbians (43%) acknowledge having consumed marijuana in Canada before it was legal, while 51% reveal they have never used cannabis in the country.

Just over one-in-twenty British Columbians (6%) say they used marijuana in Canada only after it became legal last year, including 10% of those aged 18-to-34.

When asked to review the decisions that the provincial government has taken to enable the legal sale of marijuana in British Columbia, practically four-in-five residents agree with two measures: establishing 19 years as the legal age to purchase, sell or consume marijuana in the province (79%) and restricting marijuana smoking to areas where tobacco smoking is allowed (also 79%).

In addition, two thirds of residents (67%) agree with authorizing adults to grow up to four cannabis plants per household, as long as the plants are not visible from public spaces off the property, and home cultivation is banned in homes used as day-cares.

A majority of respondents to the survey (57%) agree with establishing the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) as the wholesale distributor of non-medical marijuana in British Columbia, while 31% disagree.

In October 2018, a Research Co. survey found that British Columbians were split on having a marijuana shop a block away from their home.

More than three-in-four British Columbians disagree with legalizing ecstasy (78%), powder cocaine (79%), heroin (also 79%), crack cocaine (83%), methamphetamine or “crystal meth” (83%) and fentanyl (84%).

“There is little appetite from British Columbians to extend marijuana’s legal framework to other substances,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Few residents want to allow other drugs to be readily available for any adult who wants to access them.”

In some countries, including the United States, a company can administer “drug tests” to employees, even if they do not operate machinery (such as pilots, truck drivers or crane operators).

Three-in-five British Columbians (60%) think companies in British Columbia should be able to administer “drug tests” to any employee now that marijuana is legal—a proportion that rises to 68% among residents aged 55 and over.

Methodology:

Find our full data set 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 Would Like to Elect Their Next Senator

April 9, 2019September 27, 2019By Mario Canseco

Almost two thirds of residents would like to have a non-binding ballot similar to the ones that have taken place in Alberta.

Vancouver, BC [April 9, 2019] – Many British Columbians want to play a role in the selection of the province’s next representative in the Red Chamber, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 64% of British Columbians would agree to hold a non-binding election—similar to the ones that have taken pace in Alberta—to choose a nominee for appointment to the Senate.

In mid-November, British Columbia Conservative Senator Richard Neufeld will step down after reaching the age of mandatory retirement.

When asked which option they prefer for the Senate of Canada, more than a third of British Columbians (36%) say they would reform the Senate to allow Canadians to elect its members.

Smaller proportions of residents would prefer to abolish the Senate of Canada altogether (17%), have a selection committee that would appoint non-partisan Senators (14%) or have the sitting prime minister appoint members of the upper house (8%).

“The appetite for Senate reform in British Columbia is strongest among residents aged 55 and over,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The notion of an Independent Advisory Board that would take care of Senate appointments, which has been in place under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is not particularly popular.”

Only 11% of respondents correctly identified the fact that British Columbia has six seats in the 105-member Red Chamber.

A similarly low proportion (13%) was able to identify at least one of British Columbia’s current Senators: Mobina Jaffer, Larry Campbell, Yonah Martin, Richard Neufeld, Yuen Pau Woo and Bev Busson.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from March 28 to March 31, 2019, 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 full data set here and download the press release here.

Photo Credit: D. Gordon E. Robertson

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canucks First, But Whitecaps Have Momentum in British Columbia

April 4, 2019June 7, 2019By Mario Canseco

Across the province, 16% of residents aged 35-to-54 are more interested in the Major League Soccer team than five years ago.

Vancouver, BC [April 4, 2019] – More than half of British Columbians relate to the Vancouver Canucks in an extremely positive way, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 53% of respondents say the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise is the sports team that most accurately represents British Columbia.

The BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) are second with 18%, followed by the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer (MLS) with 5%, the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League (WHL) with 2% and the Vancouver Canadians of Baseball’s Northwest League (NWL) with 1%.

Women (56%) are more likely to pick the Canucks as the team that best represents British Columbia than men (50%). The Lions fare better with residents aged 55 and over (22%) than with those aged 35-to-54 (14%) and those aged 18-to-34 (12%).

When asked if they have become more interested in each of these sports teams over the past five years, similar proportions of British Columbians select the Whitecaps (11%), the Canucks (10%) and the Lions (9%), while fewer mention the Giants (4%) and the Canadians (also 4%).

“Interest in the Canucks has increased more among British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (14%) and residents of the Fraser Valley (also 14%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The Whitecaps are being followed more closely now by Metro Vancouverites (16%) and those aged 35-to-54 (also 16%).”

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from March 8 to March 10, 2019, 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 full data set here and download the press release here.

Photo Credit: Ryan Adams

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Tough Road Ahead for Trudeau and Liberals in British Columbia

March 26, 2019June 7, 2019By Mario Canseco

More than half of British Columbians think that a different party leader would fare better as Canada’s Prime Minister.

Vancouver, BC [March 26, 2019] – A majority of British Columbians are looking at options beyond Justin Trudeau as the federal election nears, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 53% of British Columbians believe that “a different party leader would do things better in Ottawa as Prime Minister than Justin Trudeau.”

Men are more likely to believe that a different leader would fare better as Canada’s head of government (56%, compared to 50% for women).

One third (34%) of British Columbians who voted for the federal Liberal Party in the 2015 election also believe a different party leader would do things better in Ottawa than the incumbent.

“With a few months to go before the next federal campaign begins, animosity toward the current prime minister in British Columbia is strongest outside of Metro Vancouver,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of voters in the Fraser Valley (58%), Southern BC (57%) and Northern BC (55%) would prefer to have a different leader in charge.”

In addition, 50% of British Columbians think that “a different party would do things better in Ottawa as a government than the Liberals.” This group includes majorities of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (54%) and 55 and over (51%), as well as one-in-four (25%) federal Liberal voters from 2015.

When asked if they expect the Liberal Party to form the government again after the next federal election, 38% of British Columbians believe that this will be the case, while 44% disagree.

More than half of British Columbians report being “very familiar” or “moderately familiar” with the policies and ideas of the Liberal Party (78%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (72%), the Conservative Party (69%) and the Green Party (59%).

Only 16% of British Columbians are “very familiar” or “moderately familiar” with the policies and ideas of the People’s Party, while three-in-four (75%) say they are “not too familiar” or “not familiar at all” with them.

Methodology:

Find our full data set 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

Government’s Housing Taxes Remain Popular in British Columbia

March 19, 2019June 7, 2019By Mario Canseco

Four-in-five residents endorse the increase in the foreign buyers tax, and more than two thirds agree with the “speculation tax.”.

Vancouver, BC [March 19, 2019] – Most British Columbians endorse the provincial government’s housing-related fiscal policies, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 68% of residents agree with the implementation of 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.

In a survey conducted by Research Co. in June 2018, 62% of British Columbians called the “speculation tax” a “very good” or “good” idea.

“While some government policies tend to cause extraordinary differences between residents according to political allegiance, the ‘speculation tax’ is different,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Those who agree with the ‘speculation tax’ include 82% of British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2017 provincial election, 70% of those who voted for the Green Party and 55% of those who voted for the BC Liberals.”

Four-in-five British Columbians (80%) agree with the provincial government’s decision to increase the foreign buyers tax from 15% to 20%, and three-in-four (75%) agree with the decision to expand the foreign buyers tax to areas located outside of Metro Vancouver.

More than three-in-five British Columbians also agree with increasing the property transfer tax from 3% to 5% for homes valued at more than $3 million (64%) and introducing 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 (66%).

Across the province, 39% of residents think the actions of the provincial government will be “effective” in making housing more affordable in British Columbia, while almost half (47%) believe they will be “ineffective.”

Residents who voted for the BC NDP in the last provincial election (56%) are more likely to expect the hosing measures to be effective, while those who cast a ballot for the BC Liberals (64%) or the BC Greens (48%) are more likely to deem them as ”ineffective.”

Methodology:

Find our full data set 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