British Columbia – Page 2

British Columbians Back Mandatory Voting and Spring Ballots

July 24, 2025July 23, 2025By Mario Canseco

Only 37% of the province’s adult residents would grant voting rights to individuals who are 16 and 17 years old.

Vancouver, BC [July 24, 2025] – While most British Columbians would welcome specific changes to provincial electoral processes, the level of support for relying on a different system to elect the members of the Legislative Assembly is low, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than three-in-four British Columbians (77%) say it should be mandatory for candidates to attend at least one public debate in their riding with the candidates from other parties.

More than half of British Columbians are in favour of three other ideas: making voting mandatory in all BC provincial elections (61%), holding provincial elections in May (56%) and declaring provincial election day a public holiday (54%).

British Columbians elect the members of the Legislative Assembly through a system called First-Past-The-Post, where a candidate wins a constituency by receiving more votes than any others.

Almost two thirds of British Columbians (65%) say they are satisfied with the First-Past-The-Post electoral system, while 21% are dissatisfied and 13% are not sure.

Dissatisfaction with First-Past-The-Post is highest on Vancouver Island (29%), followed by Southern BC (24%), the Fraser Valley (also 24%) Metro Vancouver (20%) and Northern BC (15%).

The survey also asked British Columbians if they would like to see the implementation of three distinct electoral systems for provincial elections.

Almost half of British Columbians (47%) would like to elect all members of the Legislative Assembly through Party-List Proportional Representation. Public support is lower for two other systems: Single Transferable Vote system (43%) and Mixed Member Proportional Representation (40%).

Only 10% of British Columbians think people who don’t vote in provincial elections should be punished, through fines, while just under two-in-five (38%) believe those who do cast ballots in provincial elections should be rewarded, through tax incentives. Almost half of respondents (45%) think neither idea is appealing.

“Offering tax incentives to people who vote in provincial elections is an attractive idea for almost half of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (49%) and aged 35-to-54 (48%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Their counterparts aged 55 and over are decidedly more skeptical (21%).”

At this point, only Canadian citizens aged 18 and over can vote in provincial elections. More than half of British Columbians (57%) agree with allowing Permanent Residents—or individuals aged 18 and over who have been granted the right to live and work in Canada permanently, but are not yet Canadian citizens—to cast ballots in provincial elections.

Support is decidedly lower for extending voting rights to three other groups: British Columbians who would qualify as Canadian citizens under current regulations when they turn 18, but who are 16 and 17 years old (37%), Foreign Students (27%) and Temporary Workers (26%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from July 13 to July 15, 2025, among 814 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Most British Columbians Are Not Saving Enough for Retirement

July 10, 2025July 10, 2025By Mario Canseco

Two thirds of the province’s residents are “very worried” or “moderately worried” about their financial health.

Vancouver, BC [July 10, 2025] – Concerns about finances are extremely high across British Columbia, as most of the province’s residents admit that they are not saving for their later years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 68% of British Columbians say they are “very worried” or “moderately worried” about their financial health.

Fewer British Columbians are currently concerned about their physical health (55%) or their mental health (43%).

Majorities of British Columbians aged 55 and over (57%), aged 18-to-34 (73%) and aged 35-to-54 (76%) say they are currently worried about their financial health.

Mental health concerns are more prevalent among British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (60%) than among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (46%) and aged 55 and over (28%).

Just under a third of British Columbians (31%) expect their physical health to decline in the next decade, while fewer have similar expectations about their financial health (26%) or their mental health (18%).

“Almost half of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (47%) foresee their financial health getting better in the next 10 years,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only a third of those aged 35-to-54 (33%) share the same optimism.”

More than two thirds of British Columbians expect specific resources to be available to them as they get older, including health care (72%), mental health (69%), social services (also 69%) and social networks (also 69%).

Expectations on the availability of health care resources are highest among British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (77%), followed by their counterparts aged 55 and over (71%) and aged 35-to-54 (69%).

The notion of planning for retirement entails putting away a portion of every paycheque for future use. At this point, only 37% of British Columbians who have not retired say they are saving “enough” (29%) or “more than enough” (8%) for their later years.

More than three-in-five British Columbians who have not retired (63%) acknowledge “not saving enough:” (42%) or “saving nothing” (21%) at this stage.

On a regional basis, the proportion of British Columbians who have not retired and who are “saving nothing” for retirement is highest in Northern BC (33%), followed by Vancouver Island (29%), Southern BC (28%), the Fraser Valley (26%) and Metro Vancouver (14%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on May 20 and May 21, 2025, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to 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.

Little Change in British Columbia Politics, Even With New Parties

June 16, 2025June 13, 2025By Mario Canseco

The approval rating for David Eby is substantially higher (56%) than the numbers posted by John Rustad (37%).

Vancouver, BC [June 16, 2025] – The two most prominent political parties in British Columbia are virtually tied eight months after the last provincial election, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 43% of decided voters (down one point since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in March) would support the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in their constituency if an election were held today, while 42% (=) would back the Conservative Party of BC.

The BC Green Party is third with 8% (-3), followed by Centre BC with 2% and a political party featuring Dallas Brodie, Jordan Kealy and Tara Armstrong with 1%. The survey was conducted before Brodie and Armstrong announced the formation of OneBC on June 14.

The BC NDP continues to connect well with decided voters aged 55 and over (53%), while the BC Conservatives dominate among those aged 18-to-34 (49%). The two parties are virtually even among decided voters aged 35-to-54 (44% for the BC Conservatives and 43% for the BC New Democrats).

On a regional basis, the BC NDP holds the upper hand over the BC Conservatives in Metro Vancouver (47% to 41%) and Vancouver Island (43% to 34%). The BC Conservatives have extended their advantages in the Fraser Valley (53% to 34%) and Northern BC (52% to 29%). The race is tied in Southern BC (43% for each party).

The governing BC New Democrats also lead on vote consideration, with 54% of British Columbians (+1) saying they would “definitely” or “probably” consider voting for the party in the next provincial election. The rating is lower for the BC Conservatives (47%, +2), the BC Greens (33%, -6), Centre BC (19%) and a party featuring Brodie, Kealy and Armstrong (14%).

Housing, poverty and homelessness remains the most important issue facing the province (34%, -2), followed by the economy and jobs (22%, +2), health care (21%, =), crime and public safety (6%, =), accountability (4%, +1) and the environment (3%, =).

“More than two-in-five British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (41%) and more than a third of those aged 35-to-54 (37%) are primarily concerned about housing,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “More than a third of British Columbians aged 55 and over (34%) select health care as the most important issue.”

More than half of British Columbians (56%, +1) approve of the performance of Premier and BC NDP leader David Eby, Satisfaction is lower with Official Opposition and Conservative Party of BC leader John Rustad (37%, -3) interim BC Green Party leader Jeremy Valeriote (27%, -7) and Centre BC leader Karin Kirkpatrick (16%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from June 7 to June 9, 2025, among 803 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to 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.

The State of the Race in Cowichan—Malahat—Langford

April 20, 2025April 24, 2025By Mario Canseco

Eligible voters in this constituency are more likely to prefer a federal government headed by Mark Carney.

Vancouver, BC [April 20, 2025] – With a week left in Canada’s federal election campaign, the Conservative Party is ahead in the Vancouver Island riding of Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the mixed mode survey of a representative sample of eligible voters in this constituency, 36% of respondents say they will cast a ballot for Conservative candidate Jeff Kibble, while 29% would support incumbent MP Alistair MacGregor of the New Democratic Party (NDP).

Blair Herbert of the Liberal Party is third with 19%, followed by Kathleen Code of the Green Party with 5%. Just over one-in-ten eligible voters in Cowichan—Malahat—Langford (11%) are undecided.

Almost half of eligible voters in this riding (46%) say they would “definitely” (18%) or “probably” (28%) partake in strategic voting, while 45% say they would “probably not” (20%) or “definitely not” (25%) do so.

More than three-in-five eligible voters in Cowichan—Malahat—Langford (62%) approve of MacGregor’s performance as Member of Parliament, while just over three-in-ten (31%) disapprove.

The best ranked federal party leader in this constituency is Jagmeet Singh of the NDP (51%), followed by Mark Carney of the Liberals (48%), Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party (45%), Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault of the Greens (31%) and Maxime Bernier of the People’s Party (19%).

When eligible voters in Cowichan—Malahat—Langford are asked who they prefer to serve as Prime Minister of Canada after this year’s federal election, 40% choose Carney while 36% select Poilievre.

Carney leads among women (42%) and eligible voters aged 18-to-34 (45%) and aged 35-to-54 (42%), while Poilievre is ahead among men (45%) and eligible voters aged 55 and over (47%).

Methodology: Results are based on a mixed mode (telephone and online) survey conducted from April 15 to April 19, 2025, among 401 eligible federal voters in the Cowichan—Malahat—Langford federal constituency. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age and gender in the Cowichan—Malahat—Langford federal constituency. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.9 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Survey sponsor – David Campbell

Organization that conducted the survey – Research Co.

Dates or period during which the survey was conducted – April 15 to April 19, 2025

Population from which the sample of respondents was drawn – Eligible voters who reside in the Cowichan—Malahat—Langford federal constituency

Number of people who were contacted to participate in the survey – 401

Margin of error for the data – +/- 4.9 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Address of the website on which a report by the survey’s sponsor is published – https://researchco.ca/2025/04/20/cml/

The State of the Race in North Island—Powell River

April 20, 2025April 24, 2025By Mario Canseco

Eligible voters in this constituency are more likely to prefer a federal government headed by Pierre Poilievre.

Vancouver, BC [April 20, 2025] – With a week left in Canada’s federal election campaign, the Conservative Party is ahead in the Vancouver Island riding of North Island—Powell River, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the mixed mode survey of a representative sample of eligible voters in this constituency, 45% of respondents say they will cast a ballot for Conservative candidate Aaron Gunn, while 23% would support Tanille Johnston of the New Democratic Party (NDP).

Jennifer Lash of the Liberal Party is third with 13%, followed by Jassica Wegg of the Green Party with 2%, Paul Macknight of the People’s Party also with 2% and independent candidate Glen Staples with 1%. About one-in-six eligible voters in North Island—Powell River (15%) are undecided.

More than two-in-five eligible voters in this riding (44%) say they would “definitely” (14%) or “probably” (30%) partake in strategic voting, while 45% say they would “probably not” (21%) or “definitely not” (24%) do so.

Just over half of eligible voters in North Island—Powell River (51%) approve of Rachel Blaney’s performance as their Member of Parliament, while two-in-five (40%) disapprove. Blaney, who has represented the riding since 2015, is not running for re-election this year.

The best ranked federal party leader in this constituency is Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party (53%), followed by Mark Carney of the Liberals (42%), Jagmeet Singh of the NDP (41%), Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault of the Greens (27%) and Maxime Bernier of the People’s Party (19%).

When eligible voters in North Island—Powell River are asked who they prefer to serve as Prime Minister of Canada after this year’s federal election, 43% choose Poilievre while 37% select Carney.

Poilievre is ahead among men (53%), eligible voters aged 35-to-54 (48%) and eligible voters aged 55 and over (49%), while Carney leads among eligible voters aged 18-to-34 (45%). The two contenders are statistically tied among women (Carney 35%, Poilievre 34%).

Methodology: Results are based on a mixed mode (telephone and online) survey conducted from April 17 to April 19, 2025, among 402 eligible federal voters in the North Island—Powell River federal constituency. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age and gender in the North Island—Powell River federal constituency. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.9 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Survey sponsor – The David Suzuki Institute

Organization that conducted the survey – Research Co.

Dates or period during which the survey was conducted – April 17 to April 19, 2025

Population from which the sample of respondents was drawn – Eligible voters who reside in the North Island—Powell River federal constituency

Number of people who were contacted to participate in the survey – 402

Margin of error for the data – +/- 4.9 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Address of the website on which a report by the survey’s sponsor is published – https://researchco.ca/2025/04/20/nipr/

British Columbians Oblivious of Looming Food Security Challenges

March 27, 2025March 27, 2025By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five residents say they do not mind paying more for locally sourced fruits and vegetables.

Vancouver, BC [March 27, 2025] – Most British Columbians are not aware of how much Canada’s food supply relies on produce from the United States, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, only 36% of British Columbians correctly identify the proportion of fruits that come from the United States (36%, or somewhere between 21% and 40%).

Only about one-in-six of the province’s residents (16%) know that Canada imports somewhere between 61% to 80% of its vegetables (67%) from the United States.

When British Columbians are informed of the actual proportion of American imports, only 36% say they are “very confident” or “moderately confident” that Canada’s food supply and security will not be restricted by the current dispute over tariffs with the United States.

Most respondents (54%) are “very confident” or “moderately confident” that British Columbia’s food producers will be able to increase production if the food supply is ultimately restricted.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians say they have seen prices increase for fruits (78%), vegetables (75%), beef (73%) and chicken (71%) over the past six months, while majorities feel the same way about cereal (61%), bread (60%) and prepared frozen meals (also 60%).

When asked who is most responsible for items becoming more expensive, almost three-in-ten British Columbians (39%) point the finger at the actions of governments, while one-in-four (25%) blame global political conflicts affecting supplies.

Fewer British Columbias think the actions of supermarket retailers and grocery stores (18%), climate change (11%), the actions of product manufacturers and suppliers (9%), labour and supply setbacks (6%) or the actions of farmers and growers (3%) are primarily responsible for rising prices.

“British Columbians aged 55 and over are more likely to blame global strife for rising food costs (30%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “About a third of those aged 35-to-54 (33%) and aged 18-to-34 (32%) think governments are mostly responsible.”

If Canada had to look for non-American sources for food supply and security, just over a third of British Columbians (34%) would be willing to pay “less than 10% more” than now, while more than one-in-five (22%) are willing to pay “from 11% to 20% more.”

Fewer than one-in-five British Columbians (18%) would not be willing to pay more for non-American food sources—a proportion that rises to 22% among British Columbians aged 35-to-54 and 24% among Conservative Party of BC voters in last year’s provincial election.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (62%) say they do not mind paying more for fruits and vegetables if they originate in British Columbia, while just under three-in-four (74%) agree with making adjustments to the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) to allow for food processing on underused ALR parcels.

Sizeable majorities of British Columbians believe both the federal government (78%) and the provincial government (73%) can do a lot to help lower the price of groceries.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 15 to March 17, 2025, among 801 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to 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.

Most British Columbians Dismayed by Pro-Palestinian Protests

March 20, 2025March 19, 2025By Mario Canseco

Concerns about antisemitism remain high, as the public calls for the strict vetting of immigration applications from Gaza residents.

Vancouver, BC [March 20, 2025] – The post-October 7, 2023, conflict in Israel and Gaza is making British Columbians uneasy about issues related to public protests and immigration, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative provincial sample shows that most British Columbians are dissatisfied with the actions of Pro-Palestinian protestors, which have included the burning of Canadian flags and chants in support of groups identified by the Government of Canada as terrorist entities.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%) say these rallies go against Canadian values and should not be allowed, while just over two thirds (68%) think these actions are clearly illegal and those involved should be arrested.

British Columbians are divided on whether police and governments are doing enough to combat antisemitism (Agree 43%, Disagree 42%).

“More than half of BC Green Party voters in 2024 (51%) think police and governments are managing antisemitism properly,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (47%) or the Conservative Party of BC (45%) feel the same way.”

More than four-in-five British Columbians (82%) say that, based on the public handover ceremonies that have taken place in Gaza, the treatment of hostages is inhumane and makes them doubt there is a path to peace. More than half (53%) suggest that creating a state in Gaza will simply result in a new terrorist state being created.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%) want the federal government to have strict controls to ensure no Hamas members or supporters are allowed to come to Canada, and just over two thirds (68%) want immigration from Gaza to cease immediately, including in-process visas.

Only 37% of British Columbians believe the vetting of immigrants from Muslim nations is currently adequate, while majorities say that too many immigrants from Muslim nations are participants in the angry protests targeting Jewish Canadians and calling for the extermination of Israel (60%) and do not share or practice Canadian values (69%).

Four-in-five British Columbians (80%, +1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2024) are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about attacks, including gunfire and firebombs, on synagogues, Jewish schools and businesses.

More than three-in-four British Columbians are concerned about three other issues: aggressive behaviour by Pro-Palestinian protestors (78%, +4), protestors targeting Jewish neighbourhoods and Jewish-owned businesses (77%, +1) and rising prejudice against Jewish Canadians (antisemitism) (76%, +1).

Two thirds of British Columbians (67%, +1) believe that Canadian Jews are being unfairly targeted for what is happening in Israel and Gaza.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 10 to March 12, 2025, among 812 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.

British Columbians Outline Priorities for Official Opposition

March 13, 2025March 12, 2025By Mario Canseco

Almost half think the province needs a centre-right party to serve as an alternative to the BC NDP and the BC Conservatives.

Vancouver, BC [March 13, 2025] – Most British Columbians believe the Official Opposition in the Legislative Assembly should concentrate on four issues during the next four years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, four-in-five British Columbians want the Conservative Party of BC to focus on fostering economic growth in all areas of the province (80%) and getting the government to invest more on health care (also 80%).

Majorities of British Columbians call for the Official Opposition to work on developing a housing policy that rivals what the provincial government is doing (70%) and getting more pipelines built and more energy projects approved (59%).

Fewer British Columbians think the BC Conservatives should spend time banning transgender women from taking part in women’s sports leagues competitions (42%) or reverting the ban on plastic straws (35%).

Almost three-in-five British Columbians (59%) say they trust the governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) to stand up to the threats generated by Donald Trump. Just under half of the province’s residents (48%) trust the Conservative Party of BC for this same endeavour.

British Columbians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to express confidence in the BC NDP to manage the American president (64%) than the BC Conservatives (49%). Those aged 55 and over feel the same way about the two parties (51% each).

Almost half of British Columbians (48%) think the province needs a centre-right party to serve as an alternative to the BC NDP and the BC Conservatives.

Two-in-five British Columbians (40%) think the Conservative Party of BC is a “free enterprise coalition”, while just over a third (34%) refer to BC Conservative leader John Rustad as a “premier-in-waiting”.

“Residents of Northern BC (46%), Southern BC (44%) and the Fraser Valley (43%) are more likely to regard the BC Conservatives as a free enterprise coalition,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among those who live in Metro Vancouver (39%) and Vancouver Island (36%).”

British Columbians are split when comparing Rustad to the politicians who commanded the BC Liberals. About one-in-five respondents feel the BC Conservative leader is better than Gordon Campbell (19%), Christy Clark (21%), Andrew Wilkinson (19%) and Kevin Falcon (19%). Roughly three-in-ten British Columbians believe Rustad is worse than Campbell (32%), Clark (33%), Wilkinson (29%) and Falcon (29%).

Among British Columbians who voted for the BC Conservatives in last year’s provincial election, the perceptions are markedly better. More than a third believe Rustad is better than Falcon (40%), Clark (38%), Wilkinson (36%) and Campbell (36%).

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%) think the Conservative Party of BC resembles the current Conservative Party of Canada, while just over two-in-five (44%) think it is akin to the federal Progressive Conservative Party that existed from 1942 to 2003.

Significantly fewer British Columbians believe the BC Conservatives are similar to the federal Reform Party / Canadian Alliance (30%), the defunct provincial Social Credit Party (29%), the BC Liberals (29%) and the current federal Liberal Party (24%).

Respondents to this survey were also asked to choose a position that a political party should take based on five contrasting statements.

Three-in-four British Columbians (75%) prefer parties where all members are free to vote individually, while one-in-four (25%) prefer parties where all members vote as a group.

Seven-in-ten British Columbias (70%) prefer parties that acknowledge and help the less fortunate, while three-in-ten (30%) prefer parties that choose not to provide handouts when in power.

Two thirds of British Columbians (66%) side with parties that acknowledge Indigenous reconciliation instead of with those that do not (34%).

Majorities of the province’s residents prefer parties that are anti-American (64%) and that advocate for more economic and personal freedoms (also 64%) over those perceived as pro-American (36%) and that defend the status quo on economic and personal freedoms (also 36%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 3 to March 5, 2025, among 802 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to 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.

British Columbia’s Political Scene Remains Closely Contested

March 11, 2025March 11, 2025By Mario Canseco

The standing of the two major parties has not changed much since the October 2024 provincial election.

Vancouver, BC [March 11, 2025] – British Columbia’s main political parties hold similar levels of public support as the legislative session gets underway, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 44% of decided voters would back the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) if an election were held today, while 42% would support the Conservative Party of BC.

The BC Green Party is third with 11%, while 3% of decided voters would support other parties or independent candidates.

“More than half of decided voters aged 55 and over (54%) would back the BC NDP in a new provincial election,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Almost half of decided voters aged 35-to-49 (49%) are with the BC Conservatives.”

On a regional basis, the New Democrats are clearly ahead of the Conservatives in Vancouver Island (50% to 31%). The race is closer in Southern BC (BC NDP 49%, BC Conservatives 47%) and in Metro Vancouver (both parties tied with 44%). The BC Conservatives hold leads in the Fraser Valley (47% to 34%) and in Northern BC (44% to 39%).

The BC NDP is ahead on a separate question, with 53% of British Columbians saying they would “definitely” or “probably” consider voting for the party in the next provincial election. Consideration is lower for the BC Conservatives (45%) and the BC Greens (39%).

More than half of British Columbians (55%) approve of the performance of Premier and BC NDP leader David Eby, up two points from the final Research Co. election survey conducted in October 2024. Satisfaction is lower with Official Opposition and Conservative Party of BC leader John Rustad (40%, -2) and interim BC Green Party leader Jeremy Valeriote (34%).

A merger of the BC Green Party and the BC NDP is regarded as a “good idea” by 46% of British Columbians and a “bad idea” by 33%.

Just over a third of British Columbians (34%) think BC United merging with the Conservative Party of BC is a “good idea”, while two-in-five (40%) deem it a “bad idea”.

More than a third of British Columbians (36%, -4) say housing, poverty and homelessness is the most important issue facing the province, followed by health care (21%, -2), the economy and jobs (20%, +6), crime and public safety (6%, =), the environment (3%, -1) and accountability (3%, =).

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

One-in-Four British Columbians Say They Are “Canadians Second”

January 22, 2025January 22, 2025By Mario Canseco

More than a third of respondents aged 18-to-34 think the province would be better off as its own country,

Vancouver, BC [January 22, 2025] – British Columbia’s youngest adults are more likely to look favourably at the concept of sovereignty, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 28% of British Columbians (+8 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2023) think the province would be better off as its own country, while 60% (-12) disagree and 12% (+3) are not sure.

While only 16% of British Columbians aged 55 and over think the province would be better off as its own country, the proportion rises to 34% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 37% among those aged 18-to-34.

“British Columbians who voted for either the BC Conservatives or the BC Greens in last year’s provincial election are more likely to hold favourable views on sovereignty (36% and 34% respectively),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 23% of those who cast ballots for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) share this view.”

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (71%, -2) think they will stay in the province for the rest of their lives. Among those aged 18-to-34, the proportion is lower (60%, +1).

More than three-in-five British Columbians (62%, =) consider themselves “Canadians first, British Columbians second”, while 25% (+4) say they are “British Columbians first, Canadians second.”

Residents of Northern BC are more likely to say they are “British Columbians first, Canadians second” (34%) than their counterparts in Metro Vancouver (25%), Vancouver Island (also 25%), Southern BC (23%) and the Fraser Valley (18%).

Practically four-in-five British Columbians (79%, -1) say they are very proud of the province that they live in, while more than three-in-five (64%, +7) believe their views are different from the rest of Canada.

Three-in-five British Columbians (60%, +2) believe the province’s residents have more in common with the people of Seattle and Portland than with those in Toronto or Montreal.

When asked to select the best premier the province has had since August 1986, one-in-four British Columbians (25%, -5) choose John Horgan. Gordon Campbell is second on the list with 11% (+3), followed by Christy Clark (7%, =), David Eby (also 7%, +3) and Mike Harcourt (6%, =).

Just under one-in-four British Columbians (23%, +4) pick Christy Clark as the worst recent premier of the province, followed by Campbell (11%, -2), Eby (9%, +5), Bill Vander Zalm (7%, =) and Glen Clark (7%, -1).

More than half of British Columbians (52%) say they would not have liked to see Christy Clark as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada—including 61% of BC NDP voters and 51% of BC Conservative voters in last year’s provincial election.

Just over one-in-four British Columbians (26%) say they would consider voting for the federal Liberals with Clark as leader, while a majority (58%) would not.

This survey was conducted before Clark announced on social media that she would not pursue the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada at this time.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 10 to January 12, 2025, among a representative sample of 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.

British Columbians Would Lower Speed Limit on Residential Streets

December 13, 2024December 12, 2024By Mario Canseco

The use of speed-on-green intersection cameras is endorsed by more than seven-in-ten of the province’s residents.

Vancouver, BC [December 13, 2024] – More than three-in-five British Columbians would personally like to see the speed limit reduced to 30 km/h on all residential streets in their own municipality, while keeping the speed limit on arterial and collector roads at 50 km/h, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 63% of British Columbians are in favour of this directive, up two points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in November 2023.

Support for reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h on all residential streets, while keeping the speed limit on arterial and collector roads at 50 km/h, is highest in Metro Vancouver (65%), followed by the Fraser Valley (62%), Northern BC (61%), Vancouver Island (59%) and Southern BC (58%).

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

Just over two thirds of British Columbians (67%, -2) believe the pilot project in Vancouver is a “very good” or “good” idea—including 70% of Metro Vancouverites and 69% of residents of Southern BC.

Two-in-five British Columbians (40%, -3) see a car that they perceive is circulating above the speed limit of 50 km/h on the street where they live “at least once a day”, while 30% (+2) experience this “a few times a week”.

The survey also asked British Columbians about automated speed enforcement, which 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.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians approve of three kinds of automated speed enforcement: speed-on-green intersection cameras, or red light cameras that also capture vehicles that are speeding through intersections (72%, =), fixed speed cameras, which stay in one location and measure speed as a vehicle passes (71%, -2), and point-to-point enforcement, which uses cameras at two or more distant points on a road to issue tickets to vehicles whose average speed over the distance was excessive (also 71%, +14).

“The use of speed-on-green cameras, which is currently in place in British Columbia, remains popular across the province,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of residents aged 18-to-34 (72%), aged 35-to-54 (also 72%) and aged 55 and over (also 72%) are in favour of this type of automated speed enforcement.”

More than three-in-five British Columbians approve of one other kind of automated speed enforcement: mobile speed cameras, which can be moved from place to place (64%, =).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 27 to November 29, 2024, among a representative sample of 801 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.

Most British Columbians Targeted by “Phishing” Scams

November 27, 2024November 26, 2024By Mario Canseco

Compared to 2022, fewer of the province’s residents say their computer became infected with a virus while they were online.

Vancouver, BC [November 27, 2024] – More than three-in-five British Columbians recall receiving an email where somebody attempted to acquire personal information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 61% of British Columbians say they have received a “phishing” email, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2022.

More than half of British Columbians (54%, -4) received an email offering them money for their help and assistance, in what is usually referred to as the “Nigerian scam.”

Fewer of the province’s residents say their computer became infected with a virus while they were browsing the Internet (25%, -6), or endured hackers accessing their social media platform (15%, -1) or email address (15%, =).

More than three-in-four British Columbians participate in five activities online at least a few times per month: visiting websites or blogs (87%, -2), accessing banking information (also 87%, =), looking for deals on websites (78%, -3), using an instant messaging service (80%, +1) and looking for directions and/or maps to get to a destination (76%, +3).

Fewer British Columbians purchase goods from a website (59%, -1), post on social media (53%, -4), upload pictures or videos to the Internet (48%, -5) or use the Internet to place telephone calls (39%, =) at least a few times per month.

Roughly half of British Columbians have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” about having their personal information stolen over the Internet (50%, -1), computers and technology being used to invade their privacy (49%, -2) and somebody hacking into their own computer or smartphone (47%, +1).

Just over half of British Columbians (53%, -3) say they are “very” or “moderately” comfortable commenting on an online forum that requires an email address.

The level of comfort is significantly higher for other online activities, including making charitable donations (70%, -3), accessing banking information (86%, -1), shopping (86%, -3) and sending emails (90%, -4).

“Only 29% of British Columbians aged 55 and over are very comfortable shopping online,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are higher among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (47%) and aged 18-to-34 (50%).”

More than half of British Columbians (57%, -5) have typed their name on Google to see what has been posted about them online.

Among the province’s residents who googled themselves, 57% (-4) claim that the information that came up was “accurate”, while 13% (+1) think it was “inaccurate”. Three-in-ten of these residents (30%, +3) did not find information about themselves online.

Just over one-in-four British Columbians (26%, +4) only have one email address, while 41% (=) possess two and 33% (-4) have three or more.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 15 to November 17, 2024, among a representative sample of 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.

Most Canadians Still Regard Marijuana Legalization Favourably

October 23, 2024October 28, 2024By Mario Canseco

Only half of cannabis users are acquiring “all” of their product at licensed retailers in their provinces.

Vancouver, BC [October 23, 2024] – While most Canadians continue to endorse the legalization of marijuana, only half of consumers acknowledge that all of their product was acquired at a licensed retailer in the past six years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 62% of Canadians (-2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2023) agree with marijuana being legal in Canada, while 33% disagree and 4% are undecided.

Agreement with legal cannabis in Canada is highest in Quebec (66%), followed by Alberta (64%), Ontario (also 64%), British Columbia (60%), Atlantic Canada (56%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (53%).

Canadians of Indigenous or European origins are more likely to support the legalization of marijuana (75% and 67% respectively) than their counterparts of South Asian or East Asian descent (57% and 45% respectively).

“Over the past four years, the legalization of marijuana has consistently been endorsed by more than three-in-five Canadians,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In 2024, opposition has risen to 33% for the first time.”

More than half of Canadians (52%) say they have not consumed marijuana in Canada, while one third (33%) tried it before it was legal and 14% only did so after legalization.

Just over half of Canadians who have consumed marijuana since October 2018 (51%) say all of their product was acquired at a licensed retailer, while 40% say that “most”, “some” or “none” of their cannabis was bought this way.

More than half of marijuana consumers in Alberta (55%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 55%) and Ontario (53%) say all of their cannabis was bought at a licensed retailer. The proportions are lower in Quebec (49%), Atlantic Canada (47%) and British Columbia (39%).

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%, +5) think companies in Canada should be able to administer “drug tests” to any employee now that marijuana is legal.

The concept of “drug tests” at businesses is endorsed by 66% of Canadians aged 55 and over, 63% of those aged 18-to-34 and 60% of those aged 35-to-54.

Almost three-in-four Canadians (74%, +5) agree with the federal government providing expungement orders to people convicted of possession of cannabis for personal use with no intent to traffic.

Majorities of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (82%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (77%) and the Conservative Party (75%) in the 2021 federal election are in favour of the strategy to destroy or remove any judicial record of a conviction for possession of cannabis for personal use with no intent to traffic.

As was the case last year, few Canadians are willing to legalize other drugs, including ecstasy (15%, +3), powder cocaine (14%, +2), heroin (12%, +2), crack cocaine (also 12%, +2), methamphetamine or “crystal meth” (also 12%, +3) or fentanyl (10%, +1).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from October 13 to October 15, 2024, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

How British Columbia Voted: A Provincial “Exit Poll”.

October 21, 2024October 31, 2024By Mario Canseco

Most voters knew who they were going to vote for before the official start of the campaign.

Vancouver, BC [October 21, 2024] – The 2024 British Columbia provincial election was close all the way. In the four surveys conducted by Research Co. in September and October—after BC United suspended its campaign—the totals for the three main parties, as well as the proportion of decided voters who were considering independents or other political organizations, fluctuated by three percentage points or less.

The province is now in a scenario similar to the one experienced in 2017. Nobody has enough seats to command the Legislative Assembly. The governing party is currently slightly ahead of the opposition challengers on both seats and vote totals.

Our “Exit Poll” helps explain the lack of movement in the final stages of the democratic process. More than half of voters in British Columbia (53%) told us they made up their minds on which party or candidate to vote for prior to the official start of the campaign on September 21. This includes majorities of those who supported the ruling BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (57%) and the upstart Conservative Party of BC (54%). Placing the spotlight on specific candidates for things they said or posted online in the final days of the campaign did not matter much.

On a regional basis, the two areas with the highest proportions of “late deciders” are the Fraser Valley (25%) and Metro Vancouver (23%). In stark contrast, almost two thirds of Northern BC voters (65%) were set on their choice before the campaign began, making things significantly more complicated for independent candidates.

Similar proportions of British Columbians made their choice in the first weeks of the campaign (19%) or after the televised debate (20%). A larger proportion of voters ultimately chose the BC Greens in the final stage (27%) than the BC NDP (21%) or the Conservatives (17%).

The key motivators for BC NDP voters were the party’s ideas and policies (48%), the party’s leader (24%), the party’s candidate in the riding (10%) and a desire for stability (also 10%). Supporters of the BC Conservatives were persuaded by the party’s ideas and policies (43%), a desire for change (22%), the party’s leader (21%) and the party’s candidate in the riding (10%).

This finding explains the current state of affairs. More than one-in-five Conservatives yearned for change, and just one-in-ten New Democrats voted for stability. On change as a fundamental motivator, the BC Conservatives are just between the Manitoba New Democrats in 2023 (33%) and the Alberta New Democrats in the same year (9%). One of these parties formed a majority government, and the other did not.

The province awaits in a polarized state. Voters are more likely to say they would welcome majority (52%) or minority (48%) governments headed by the BC NDP than majority (43%) or minority (34%) administrations headed by the BC Conservatives. They are also more likely to think the BC NDP ran a positive campaign (55%) than the BC Greens (51%) or the BC Conservatives (43%).

A different type of coalescing of the “free enterprise movement” would have had other ramifications. Only 30% of voters would have backed the Conservatives if Kevin Falcon had been their leader instead of John Rustad. The proportions are lower for Christy Clark (27%), the last leader of the BC Liberals who formed a government. Falcon receives a resounding “No” from voters aged 55 and over, with 54% “strongly disagreeing” that his leadership of the BC Conservatives would have enticed them.

As was the case in 2005, 2009 and 2017, two provincial parties in British Columbia each received more than 40 per cent of the vote. When we pose the scenario of future coalitions, the reaction is mixed. Only 35% of voters think the Conservative Party of BC and BC United should consider a formal merger into a single provincial political party, including 55% of those who cast a ballot for the BC Conservatives in this year’s election. Support is higher (44%) for a merger encompassing the BC NDP and the BC Green Party, an idea backed by 67% of New Democrats and 49% of Greens.

The 2017 election ultimately ended with the resignation of Premier Clark and the formation of a government headed by BC NDP leader John Horgan, with support from the BC Greens. At this point, British Columbians are ready to see what develops in the Legislative Assembly with two familiar faces. Similar minorities believe Eby and Rustad should resign as leaders (42% and 43% respectively) if they fail to form the government. Their bases, however, are staunchly behind them. Almost two thirds of NDP voters (65%) believe Eby should stay put, and a majority of BC Conservatives (53%) want Rustad to remain at the helm of his party.

Find our data tables here.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on October 19 and October 20, 2024, among 700 adults in British Columbia who voted in the 2024 provincial election. The margin of error — which measures sample variability — is +/- 3.7 percentage points for the sample of decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

No Major Movement in Final Stages of British Columbia Campaign

October 18, 2024October 27, 2024By Mario Canseco

The governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) is three points ahead of the opposition Conservative Party of BC.

Vancouver, BC [October 18, 2024] – The perceptions of likely voters in British Columbia did not go through a major shift in the final week of the provincial electoral campaign, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 44% of decided voters—as well as British Columbians who have already voted by mail or in the advance polls—support the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in their riding, while 41% back the Conservative Party of BC. The BC Green Party remains in third place with 12%, and 3% of decided voters would vote for independent candidates or other parties.

Compared to the previous Research Co. poll conducted in mid-October, the province-wide results see the New Democrats shedding one point and the Greens gaining one point.

On a regional basis, the New Democrats remain ahead of the Conservatives in Metro Vancouver (49% to 40%) and Vancouver Island (45% to 33%, with the Greens at 20%).

The Conservatives have the upper-hand over the New Democrats in Northern BC (53% to 29%) and are three-points ahead in Southern BC (44% to 41%). The race is extremely close in the 10 Fraser Valley ridings, where the two main partes are tied with 47% each.

“The final poll of British Columbia’s provincial campaign continues to show a noticeable gender gap,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Women prefer the BC NDP over the BC Conservatives (46% to 37%), while men choose the opposition party over the governing one (45% to 41%).”

Decided voters aged 55 and over favour the BC NDP (51% to 37%), while their counterparts aged 18-to-34 give the BC Conservatives the edge (46% to 35%). The two parties are tied with 42% among decided voters aged 35-to-54.

Most decided voters who supported the BC Liberals in the 2020 election (63%) are backing the BC Conservatives in 2024. However, just one-in-four of these voters (25%) are now favouring the BC New Democrats.

Housing, homelessness and poverty remains the most important issue for likely voters in British Columbia (40%, -1), followed by health care (23%, +1), the economy and jobs (15%, -1), crime and public safety (6%, -1) and the environment (4%, =).

At the end of the campaign, the approval rating for Premier and BC NDP leader David Eby stands at 53% (=). The numbers are lower for BC Greens leader Sonia Furstenau (50%, +5) and BC Conservative leader John Rustad (42%, =).

Furstenau once again posts a positive momentum score (+12), with 24% of likely voters saying their impression of her has improved since the start of the campaign, and 12% claiming it has worsened. The momentum scores remain negative for the other two leaders (Eby at -4 and Rustad at -10).

Eby remains ahead on the “Best Premier” question, with 40% of likely voters (=) picking him for the province’s top political job, with 32% (+1) selecting Rustad. Furstenau is third with 14% (=), while 14% of likely voters (-1) are not sure.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on October 17 and October 18, 2024, among a representative sample of 803 likely voters in British Columbia, including 753 decided voters in the 2024 provincial election. 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 for likely voters and +/- 3.6 percentage points for decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

NDP Steady, Conservatives Fall Behind in British Columbia

October 15, 2024October 18, 2024By Mario Canseco

Housing, homelessness and poverty is still identified as the most important issue facing the province.

Vancouver, BC [October 15, 2024] – The governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) is ahead of the Conservative Party of BC in the final stages of British Columbia’s electoral campaign, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 45% of decided voters (unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in early October) would support the BC NDP candidate in their constituency, while 41% (-3) would vote for the BC Conservatives.

The BC Green Party is third with 11% (+2), while 3% of decided voters (+1) would back other parties or independent candidates.

The governing BC NDP has extended its lead over the BC Conservatives in Metro Vancouver (50% to 40%) and Vancouver Island (45% to 33%). The two parties are virtually tied in the Fraser Valley (BC NDP 45%, BC Conservatives 44%) and Southern BC (BC Conservatives 43%, BC NDP 42%), while the BC Conservatives remain ahead in Northern BC (52% to 34%).

“The BC Conservatives keep the upper hand among men (45%) and voters aged 18-to-34 (44%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The BC NDP is first among women (50%) and voters aged 55 and over (53%).”

Just over two-in-five likely voters in British Columbia (41%, +1) point to housing, homelessness and poverty as the most important issue facing the province, followed by health care (22%, +3), the economy and jobs (17%, -1), crime and public safety (7%, -1) and the environment (4%, =).

More than half of likely voters in the province (52%, +1) approve of the way Premier and BC NDP leader David Eby is handling his duties. The rating improved for BC Greens leader Sonia Furstenau (45%, +3) and dropped for BC Conservative leader John Rustad (42%, -3).

Furstenau posts a momentum score of +8 (23% of likely voters say their impression of her has improved since the start of the campaign, while 15% say it has worsened). The momentum scores are negative for both Eby (-4) and Rustad (-10).

There was little movement on the “Best Premier” question, with 40% of likely voters (=) selecting Eby and 31% (-1) choosing Rustad. Furstenau is third with 14% (+2), while 15% of likely voters (-2) are not sure.

On issue management, Eby is preferred over Rustad to handle nine different issues: health care (41% to 27%), housing, homelessness and poverty (39% to 30%), creating jobs (38% to 34%), transportation projects (37% to 29%), education (37% to 26%), seniors care (36% to 26%), dealing with municipal governments (35% to 30%), accountability (35% to 30%) and child care (34% to 24%).

Rustad leads Eby on crime and public safety (37% to 34%), while the two main leaders are tied or virtually tied on the economy (37% each), energy (Eby 33%, Rustad 30%) and managing the province’s finances (Eby 35%, Rustad 33%). Furstenau is the top choice to handle the environment (40%, with Eby at 24% and Rustad at 20%).

The top four traits likely voters see in Eby are being a good speaker and communicator (57%, =), having a vision for the future (51%, =), understanding the problems of residents (50%, +2) and being a strong and decisive leader (48%, +1).

The most mentioned traits for Rustad are having a vision for the future (49%, +2), being patronizing (44%, +4), being a good speaker and communicator (42%, -4), being a strong and decisive leader (42%, -3) and understanding the problems of residents (42%, -2).

The top traits for Furstenau are being a good speaker and communicator (44%, +5), being honest and trustworthy (42%, +4), having a vision for the future (41%, +3) and understanding the problems of residents (40%, +5).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from October 12 to October 14, 2024, among a representative sample of 800 likely voters 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.

British Columbians Worried About Shortage of Doctors and Nurses

October 9, 2024October 9, 2024By Mario Canseco

Almost half of residents endorse the use of SOGI-Inclusive Education, while 77% agree with the K-12 mobile phone ban.

Vancouver, BC [October 9, 2024] – The concerns of British Columbians when pondering the health care system have not varied greatly over the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than two-in-five British Columbians (42%, +2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2023) say the biggest problem facing the health care system right now is a shortage of doctors and nurses, followed by long waiting times (23%, +1) and inadequate resources and facilities (11%, +1).

Fewer British Columbians cite other concerns, such as bureaucracy and poor management (9%, -3), lack of a wider range of services for patients (4%, =), little focus on preventive care (also 4%, -2), vague legal rights of patients (2%, +1) and insufficient standards of hygiene (also 2%, +1).

Health Care

Just under half of British Columbians (49%, -6) say there are some good things in health care in the province, but some changes are required. Smaller proportions of residents hold differing views: that health care in British Columbia has so much wrong with it that we need to completely rebuild it (31%, +1) or that health care in British Columbia works well, and only minor changes are needed to make it work better (16%, +6).

About two-in-five British Columbians say they would be willing to pay out of their own pocket (41%, -5) or travel to another country to have quicker access to medical services that currently have long waiting times (39%, +1).

“Almost half of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (49%) would consider paying for medical services,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (39%) and aged 55 and over (38%).”

Child Care

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%) think the provincial government should continue to invest in building a flexible child care system that costs families no more than $10 a day—a proportion that rises to 82% in Southern BC and to 80% in Vancouver Island.

Just under four-in-five British Columbians (78%)—and 90% of those aged 55 and over—agree that employers benefit from investments in child care because more parents can go to work.

Education

Some school districts in British Columbia have relied on “SOGI-Inclusive Education”, which raises awareness of and welcomes students of all sexual orientations, gender identities and family structures.

Just under half of British Columbians (49%) agree with the use of “SOGI-Inclusive Education” in the province, while 34% disagree and 16% are not sure.

Support for “SOGI-Inclusive Education” is highest among British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (61%) and residents of Metro Vancouver (52%).

More than three-in-four British Columbians (77%) agree with banning the use of mobile phones during instructional time in K-12 classrooms.

The policy is endorsed by majorities of British Columbians who voted for the BC Liberals (86%), the BC NDP (83%) or the BC Greens (78%) in the 2020 provincial election.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from September 5 to September 7, 2024, among a representative sample of 801 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.

No Clear Frontrunner in British Columbia’s Provincial Election

October 4, 2024October 4, 2024By Mario Canseco

David Eby holds an eight-point advantage over John Rustad when voters ponder who would make the “Best Premier”.

Vancouver, BC [October 4, 2024] – No political party has managed to amass a significant advantage at the midway point of the provincial election campaign in British Columbia, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 45% of decided voters (+1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in early September) say they would vote for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in their constituency, while 44% (+2) would cast a ballot for the Conservative Party of BC.

The BC Green Party is third with 9% (-1), while 2% of decided voters (-1) would vote for other parties or independent candidates.

The race has tightened across all regions, with the governing BC NDP leading the BC Conservatives in Metro Vancouver (49% to 44%) and Vancouver Island (42% to 37%). The opposition party is ahead of the governing party in the Fraser Valley (48% to 43%), Southern BC (47% to 42%) and Northern BC (47% to 36%).

As was the case last month, the BC NDP remains the most popular choice for women (50%) and decided voters aged 55 and over (52%). The BC Conservatives are ahead among men (49%) and voters aged 18-to-34 (47%).

“By a 2-to-1 margin, voters who supported the BC Liberals under Andrew Wilkinson in the 2020 provincial election are choosing the BC Conservatives (61%) over the BC NDP (32%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The retention rate for the BC New Democrats is 72%, while the BC Greens are holding on to 47% of their voters from the last provincial ballot.”

Two-in-five British Columbians (40%, -1) say housing, homelessness and poverty is the most important issue facing the province, followed by health care (19%, -2), the economy and jobs (18%, +4), crime and public safety (8%, +2) and the environment (4%, =).

There was little fluctuation in the approval ratings of the three party leaders. More than half of likely voters (52%, +1) are satisfied with the performance of Premier and BC NDP leader David Eby. The numbers are lower for BC Conservative leader John Rustad (45%, -3) and BC Greens leader Sonia Furstenau (42%, +1).

All three party leaders post negative momentum scores: -3 for Rustad (with 30% of likely voters saying their views on the BC Conservative leader have worsened since the start of the campaign) and -2 for both Furstenau and Eby.

Two-in-five likely voters (40%, +4) think Eby would make the Best Premier of British Columbia, with Rustad in second place with 32% (+5) and Furstenau at 12% (=). On this question, Eby reaches 43% in Metro Vancouver, while Rustad’s best showing is in Southern BC (37%).

On issue management, Rustad is ahead of Eby on being the best person to handle crime and public safety (38% to 32%), while Furstenau remains ahead on the environment (35%, with Eby at 27% and Rustad at 20%).

Eby maintains the upper hand over Rustad on health care (42% to 27%), the economy (40% to 33%), education (39% to 26%), housing, homelessness and poverty (38% to 31%), transportation projects (38% to 30%), accountability (37% to 31%), child care (36% to 24%) and seniors care (36% to 25%).

The two main leaders are practically even on three issues, where Eby edges Rustad by just three points: creating jobs (36% to 33%), energy (33% to 30%) and dealing with municipal governments (35% to 32%). Eby and Rustad are tied with 35% each on being the best person to manage the province’s finances.

The top four traits likely voters identify on Eby are being a good speaker and communicator (57%, -1 since September), having a vision for the future (51%, =), generally agreeing with people on issues (49%, +7) and understanding the problems of residents (48%, +1).

For Rustad, the top four traits are having a vision for the future (47%, -2), being a good speaker and communicator (46%, -1, being a strong and decisive leader (45%, +3) and understanding the problems of residents (44%, +1).

Furstenau’s top traits are being a good speaker and communicator (39%, +1), being honest and trustworthy (38%, -1), having a vision for the future (also 38%, =) and understanding the problems of residents (35%, -3).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from September 30 to October 2, 2024, among a representative sample of 801 likely voters 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.

Making Ends Meet Harder for Three-in-Four British Columbians

October 2, 2024October 1, 2024By Mario Canseco

Only 14% think their municipal government should reject the provincial government’s demand to build more housing units.

Vancouver, BC [October 2, 2024] – British Columbians head to this year’s provincial election voicing significant support for the current government’s housing plans, and severe dissatisfaction with economic matters, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample, 75% of British Columbians say it is “considerably harder” or “moderately harder” now to make ends meet than two years ago—a proportion that rises to 77% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 78% among renters.

More than half of British Columbians say four tasks are now harder than they were two years ago: finding a job (54%), paying for post-secondary education (59%), saving money for retirement (75%) and buying a house (79%).

“Sizeable majorities of British Columbians who reside in Metro Vancouver (59%) and Southern BC (58%) say finding a job is more complicated now than in 2022,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “More than four-in-five British Columbians aged 55 and over (82%) say it is harder now to save money for retirement.”

Most British Columbians remain supportive of the housing policies implemented during the tenure of John Horgan as Premier of British Columbia: increasing the foreign buyers tax from 15% to 20% (72%, -2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February 2024), expanding the foreign buyers tax to areas located outside of Metro Vancouver (69%, -2), 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 (66%, -3), 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 (62%, =) and increasing the property transfer tax from 3% to 5% for homes valued at more than $3 million (61%, -1).

The housing policies that came into place after David Eby became Premier of British Columbia are also endorsed my majorities of the province’s residents: building more modular supportive homes in areas where people are experiencing homelessness (75%, =), capping rent increases in 2024 at 3.5% (70%), raising the fines for short-term rental hosts who break local municipal by-laws to $3,000 per day per infraction (64%, -5), implementing a three-business-day protection period for financing and home inspections (63%, -6), ending most strata age restrictions (59%, -1), removing strata rental restrictions (56%, +4) and banning homeowners from operating a short-term rental business unless it is located on their principal residence and/or on a different unit on their property (53%, -5).

Just under three-in-four British Columbians (74%) think their municipal government should accept the provincial government’s demand to build more housing units, while 14% disagree and 12% are undecided.

Residents of the Fraser Valley are slightly more likely to support the provincial government’s call to build more housing units (78%) than their counterparts who reside in Vancouver Island (76%), Metro Vancouver (73%), Southern BC (72%) and Northern BC (also 72%).

British Columbians are evenly divided on what the actions of the provincial government will bring, with 43% (+2) thinking they will be “effective” in making housing more affordable, and 43% (-4) believing they will be “ineffective”.

More than half of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (55%) expect the provincial government to succeed in making housing more affordable. Fewer residents aged 35-to-54 (45%) and aged 55 and over (31%) share this point of view.

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

British Columbians Keen on Climate Change, Not on Carbon Tax

September 27, 2024September 26, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than half of the province’s residents (54%) think global warming is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions.

Vancouver, BC [September 27, 2024] – While most British Columbians believe climate change is real and human-made, support for keeping the provincial carbon tax in the event of a Conservative Party victory in Canada’s next federal election has dropped over the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample, just over half of British Columbians (52%) think the provincial government should scrap the provincial carbon tax if the federal Conservatives follow through with their pledge to abolish the federal carbon tax upon forming the government, up nine points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2023.

Just over a third of British Columbians (35%, -5) would keep the provincial carbon tax even if the federal version is abandoned, while 13% (-3) are not sure.

“Most British Columbians who voted for the BC Green Party in 2020 (54%) would retain the provincial carbon tax,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer residents who cast ballots for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (44%) or the BC Liberals (30%) four years ago feel the same way.”

Just under two-in-five British Columbians (39%, +11) think the introduction of the carbon tax has led people to be more mindful of their carbon consumption and change their behaviour—a proportion that reaches 55% among those aged 18-to-34.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%, +1) say the carbon tax that was introduced in July 2008 has negatively affected the finances of their household.

Residents of the Fraser Valley (75%) and Northern BC (67%) are more likely to report a detrimental impact from the carbon tax than their counterparts in Metro Vancouver (62%), Vancouver Island (60%) and Northern BC (58%).

More than half of British Columbians (54%) think climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities. Fewer of the province’s residents believe climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by natural changes (25%) or a theory that has not yet been proven (13%).

More than two-in-five British Columbians (44%) believe we all need to do “much more” to deal with climate change, while just over three-in-ten (31%) feel the community needs to do “a bit more” to address it.

Fewer than one-in-five British Columbians (17%) think we do not need to do anything to deal with climate change—a group that includes 23% of men, 19% of British Columbians aged 35-to-54 and 23% of BC Liberal voters in the 2020 provincial election.

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