British Columbia – Page 4

Making Ends Meet a Feat for Almost Half of British Columbians

March 13, 2024March 11, 2024By Mario Canseco

Majorities of residents, although at a lower rate than in late 2022, are paying more for groceries, transportation and housing.

Vancouver, BC [March 13, 2024] – While the proportion of British Columbians who report higher prices for certain items has dropped since late 2022, almost half of the province’s residents continue to say it is hard to “make ends meet”, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 48% of British Columbians say it is currently “very difficult” or “moderately difficult” to pay for necessities, unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2022.

“More than three-in-five residents of Southern BC (63%) say it is hard to make ends meet right now,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower in Metro Vancouver (47%), the Fraser Valley (47%), Vancouver Island (46%) and Northern BC (43%).”

Almost two thirds of British Columbians (65%, -6) say it is hard at this point to save money for retirement or for a “rainy day”.

British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (73%) and aged 35-to-54 (74%) are more likely to find it difficult to save money than their counterparts aged 55 and over (51%).

Almost three-in-five British Columbians (59%, -7) say it is hard right now to have money for leisure, such as dining out and entertainment—a proportion that reaches 74% among those in the lowest household income bracket.

The proportion of British Columbians who think their household’s financial situation is worse now than before the COVID-19 pandemic fell from 45% in December 2022 to 40% this month.

A third of British Columbians (33%, =) say their financial situation is about the same as it was before the pandemic, while 23% (+2) believe it is better now than before COVID-19.

Sizeable majorities of British Columbians believe their household expenses on three categories are higher now than before the pandemic: groceries (78%, -5), transportation (67%, -6) and housing (57%, +8). Practically half of the province’s residents (49%, -1) think electronic entertainment is now more expensive than in 2019.

Fewer British Columbians believe prices are higher now than before COVID-18 for books (27%, +6), newspapers and magazines (25%, +9) and board games (18%, +5).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on March 4 to March 6, 2024, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Most British Columbians Remain Satisfied with Housing Guidelines

February 28, 2024February 27, 2024By Mario Canseco

Majorities are in favour of new rules related to short-term rentals, as well as the extension of the federal foreign ownership ban.

Vancouver, BC [February 28, 2024] – Two measures recently implemented by the provincial government to deal with short-term rentals are supported by most of the province’s residents, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 69% of British Columbians agree with raising the fines for short-term rental hosts who break local municipal by-laws to $3,000 per day per infraction.

Just under three-in-five British Columbians (58%) are in favour of 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.

Two thirds of British Columbians (66%) agree with the decision to cap rent increases in 2024 at 3.5%—a proportion that rises to 74% among those who are currently renting their primary residence.

Majorities of British Columbians also agree with building more modular supportive homes in areas where people are experiencing homelessness (75%, down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in January 2023), implementing a three-business-day protection period for financing and home inspections (69%, -2), ending most strata age restrictions (60%, -4) and removing strata rental restrictions (52%, -7).

More than two thirds of British Columbians continue to hold favourable views on three other policies: increasing the foreign buyers tax from 15% to 20% (74%, -3), expanding the foreign buyers tax to areas located outside of Metro Vancouver (71%, -4) and introducing a “speculation tax” in specific urban areas targeting foreign and domestic homeowners who pay little or no income tax in BC, and those who own second properties that aren’t long-term rentals (69%, -3).

More than three-in-five British Columbians are also in favour of the decisions to increase the property transfer tax from 3% to 5% for homes valued at more than $3 million (62%, -3) and to introduce 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 (also 62%, -4).

Across the province, 41% of British Columbians (-7) think the actions of the provincial government will be effective in making housing more affordable in British Columbia. Almost half (47%, +6) believe they will be ineffective.

More than two-in-five British Columbians “completely” or “moderately” trust the provincial government under the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (46%, -3) and their municipal government (42%, -4) to deliver affordable housing in British Columbia. The rating is lower when residents ponder provincial administrations headed by the BC Greens (35%, -4), the Conservative Party of BC (32%) or BC United (29%, -4).

At the federal level, the level of confidence is the same for governments headed by the Liberal Party (35%, -2) and the Conservative Party (also 35%, +4), and higher for the NDP (40%, =).

As was the case last year trust is significantly higher for not-for-profit developers (49%, =) than for for-profit developers (22%, +1).

Seven-in-ten British Columbians (70%, -1) support the federal government’s decision to ban non-Canadians (with exclusions for international students and temporary residents) from purchasing residential property in Canada until 2027.

Almost two thirds of British Columbians (65%, +4) believe the federal government should tie immigration numbers to affordable housing targets and new housing starts.

“More than seven-in-ten British Columbians aged 55 and over (73%) want the federal and provincial governments to work together to ensure local residents and immigrants have a place to live in,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (59%) and aged 18-to-34 (65%) share the same view.”

Just over three-in-five British Columbians (62%, +2) think municipal governments should immediately dismantle any encampment or “tent city” located within their municipality. Support for this course of action is highest in the Fraser Valley (66%), followed by Vancouver Island (62%), Metro Vancouver (59%), Northern BC (57%) and Southern BC (51%).

Practically half of British Columbians (49%) think the provincial government was right to implement a $400 renters’ rebate for households earning up to $80,000 a year—a proportion that rises to 65% among renters.

Conversely only 29% of British Columbians—and just 20% of home owners—would like the provincial government to cancel the home owner grant, which reduces the amount of property tax people pay for their principal residence.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on February 8 to February 10, 2024, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Most British Columbians Worried About Protests and Antisemitism

February 26, 2024February 26, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five of the province’s residents agree with Canada’s decision to suspend funding for UNRWA.

Vancouver, BC [February 26, 2024] – A significant proportion of British Columbians express concerns about the local ramifications of the recent conflict in the Middle East, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than two thirds of British Columbians are concerned about aggressive behaviour by protestors at pro-Palestine rallies (70%) and antisemitism, or rising prejudice against Jewish Canadians (69%).

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%) are also worried about protestors targeting Jewish neighbourhoods and Jewish-owned businesses in Canada.

“A rise in antisemitism in Canada is a concern for more than seven-in-ten residents of Vancouver Island (77%), the Fraser Valley (74%) and Southern BC (71%),” says Mario Canseco. “Majorities of those who live in Northern BC (70%) and Metro Vancouver (65%) are also worried.”

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is a United Nations group created to provide aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

After evidence was found showing some UNRWA staff participated in the atrocities of October 7 and the holding of hostages, several nations—including Canada—suspended their funding for UNRWA.

Across British Columbia, 64% of residents agree with Canada’s decision to suspend funding for UNRWA, while 14% disagree and 22% are undecided.

Majorities of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (60%), aged 35-to-54 (61%) and aged 55 and over (70%) think Canada’s federal government made the correct call in suspending funding to UNRWA.

Late last year, Langara College professor Natalie Knight was suspended after describing the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel that killed more than 1,300 Israelis and started the current violent conflict as “amazing and brilliant” at a Free Palestine rally in Vancouver.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%) agree with Langara’s decision to suspend the professor, while 20% disagree and 18% are not sure.

Agreement with Langara’s original course of action includes majorities of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (58%), aged 35-to-54 (58%) and aged 55 and over (71%).

In January, Langara College dismissed Knight permanently. More than half of British Columbians (53%) think that, by celebrating the terrorism of October 7 at a public rally, and not apologizing, the professor created an unsafe climate for Jewish students and showed she cannot be trusted as a teacher in our colleges or universities.

About one-in-four British Columbians (24%) believe that, regardless of how a person feels about what she said, the professor was within her rights to academic freedom and freedom of speech and should have her job back.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on February 9 to February 11, 2024, among 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.

Photo Credit: Michal Klajban

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

Even After Court Ruling, British Columbians Back Plastics Ban

February 14, 2024February 13, 2024By Mario Canseco

Just under half of the province’s residents say they go out of their way to recycle “all of the time”.

Vancouver, BC [January 14, 2024] – Most British Columbians remain in favour of a ban on single use plastics, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The ban—which includes grocery checkout bags, straws, stir sticks, six-pack rings, plastic cutlery and food takeout containers made from hard-to-recycle plastics—was originally introduced by the federal government in December 2022.

In November 2023, the Federal Court overturned the ban, considering the policy “unreasonable and unconstitutional.”

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 71% of British Columbians support banning single-use plastics in Canada, while 24% are opposed and 6% are undecided.

Two thirds of residents of Northern BC (66%) are in favour of the ban on single use plastics. The proportions are higher in the Fraser Valley (69%), Metro Vancouver (70%), Vancouver Island (71%) and Southern BC (72%).

Across British Columbia, more than four-in-five residents (81%) say they transport groceries out of a store after purchasing them in their own re-usable bag, down four points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in January 2023.

“About two thirds of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (65%) rely on re-usable bags at the grocery store,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are higher among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (78%) and aged 55 and over (95%).”

When it comes to other behaviours, just under half of British Columbians (48%, -1) say they go out of their way to recycle “all of the time”, such as holding on to bottles and cans until they can be placed into a proper recycling bin.

Just over one-in-five British Columbians (21%, +2) claim to limit hot water usage in their home “all the time” by taking shorter showers or running washing machines or dishwashers with full loads only.

Fewer British Columbians always unplug electrical devices in their home—such as TVs, computers and cell phone chargers—when they are not in use (15%, +3), eat organic or home-grown foods (9%, +4) or buy biodegradable products (9%, =).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on February 5 to February 7, 2024, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Conservatives Second, BC NDP Stays Ahead in British Columbia

January 31, 2024January 30, 2024By Mario Canseco

Only 41% of BC Liberal voters in 2020 say they would cast a ballot for BC United if an election were held today.

Vancouver, BC [January 31, 2024] – The governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) keeps a double-digit lead over its closest competitor in British Columbia, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 46% of decided voters would support the BC NDP candidate in their riding if a provincial election took place today, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September 2023.

The Conservative Party of BC Is in second place with 25% (+6), followed by BC United with 17% (-3) and the BC Green Party with 11% (-1), while 2% of decided voters (+1) would back other parties or independent candidates.

The proportion of undecided voters across British Columbia fell from 18% in September to 13% this month.

“More than four-in-five voters who supported the John Horgan-led BC NDP in 2020 (83%) are staying with the party under a new leader,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 41% of voters who backed the BC Liberals under Andrew Wilkinson would cast a ballot for BC United.”

The BC NDP remains particularly popular in Vancouver Island (52%) and Metro Vancouver (47%). The BC New Democrats hold smaller leads over the BC Conservatives in the Fraser Valley (39% to 32%) and Southern BC (37% to 27%). In Northern BC, the two parties are virtually tied (BC Conservatives 40%, BC NDP 39%).

The BC NDP is leading across all three age groups in British Columbia. Among the opposition parties, the BC Conservatives do better with voters aged 18-to-34 (28%) and aged 35-to-54 (29%), while BC United is connecting well with voters aged 55 and over (27%).

As was the case in September, 39% of British Columbians (=) select housing, homelessness and poverty as the most important issue facing the province, followed by health care (22%, =), the economy and jobs (17%, +5), crime and public safety (5%, -1) and the environment (4%, -2).

The approval rating for Premier and BC NDP leader David Eby stands at 53% (+1) this month. The proportions are lower for BC Greens leader Sonia Furstenau (34%, -2), BC Conservative leader John Rustad (32%, +7) and BC United leader Kevin Falcon (31%, +2).

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

Just over two-in-five British Columbians (41%, +4) would consider supporting the BC Conservatives. This rating is lower than what is observed for the governing BC NDP (54%, +3), but higher than the proportions of residents currently willing to vote for the BC Greens (34%, -1) and BC United (33%, +1).

About a third of British Columbians (32%, =) would like to see BC United and the Conservative Party of BC merging into a single party before this year’s provincial ballot, while 45% (+2) disagree and 23% (-2) are undecided.

A merger between the two centre-right parties would find the support of 56% of British Columbians who are planning to vote for BC United and 48% of those who are planning to back the BC Conservatives.

When British Columbians assess the leaders of the Conservative Party of BC and BC United, slightly more believe Falcon is better suited than Rustad to serve as official opposition leader after the next election (23% to 19%). The two contenders are practically tied when it comes to forming the provincial government (Rustad 20%, Falcon 19%).

Rustad is seen as the best option to attract five types of voters to his party: male voters (24%), voters aged 35-to-54 (23%), voters aged 55 and over (29%) and residents of Northern BC (26%) and the Fraser Valley (23%).

Falcon is ahead on five other categories: women (19%), voters aged 18-to-34 (21%), and residents of Metro Vancouver (25%), Southern BC (21%) and Vancouver Island (20%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from January 22 to January 24, 2024, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

British Columbians Skeptical About Move to “Zero Emission” Cars

January 18, 2024January 30, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from January 8 to January 10, 2024, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

British Columbians Are Getting More Foreign Calls and Messages

January 3, 2024January 2, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from December 8 to December 10, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Potential Return of NBA Welcomed by Most British Columbians

December 29, 2023December 28, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Willingness to Pay for Health Care Access Rises in British Columbia

December 15, 2023December 14, 2023By Mario Canseco

Two-in-five British Columbians say a shortage of doctors and nurses is the biggest problem facing the system right now.

Vancouver, BC [December 15, 2023] – The proportion of British Columbians who are ready to explore different options in health care has grown over the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 46% of British Columbians say they would be willing to pay out of their own pocket to have quicker access to medical services that currently have long waiting times, up six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September 2022.

Just under two-in-five British Columbians (38%, +5) would consider travelling to another country to have quicker access to medical services that currently have long waiting times.

“Just over half of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (51%) would consider paying for specific medical services,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Almost half (46%) are willing to travel abroad to access them.”

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

Almost half of British Columbians (49%, =) disagree with the decision of the B.C. Supreme Court justice, while more than a third (36%, -1) agree and 15% (+1) are undecided.

Most British Columbians (55%, +5) think there are some good things in the province’s health care system, but some changes are required. Three-in-ten (30%, -1) say health care in the province has so much wrong with it that we need to completely rebuild it, while one-in-ten (10%, -3) believe health care in the province works well, and only minor changes are needed to make it work better.

Two-in-five British Columbians (40%, -10) identify a shortage of doctors and nurses as the biggest problem facing the health care system right now, followed by long waiting times (22%, +4). Only two other issues reach double digits: bureaucracy and poor management (12%, +2) and inadequate resources and facilities (10%, +3).

Residents of Vancouver Island (54%) and Southern BC (50%) are more likely to select a shortage of doctors and nurses as the most pressing health care concern than their counterparts in the Fraser Valley (44%), Northern BC (41%) and Metro Vancouver (35%).

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

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

Photo Credit: waferboard

Economic Reconciliation Divides Views in British Columbia

December 6, 2023December 6, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo Credit: Jamfam1000

British Columbians Still Peeved by Hefty Mobile Phone Bills

November 29, 2023November 28, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speed-on-Green Cameras Remain Popular in British Columbia

November 24, 2023November 23, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 22, 2023November 22, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Propensity for Activism Rises in Some Instances in British Columbia

November 8, 2023November 7, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

British Columbians Divided on Future of Provincial Carbon Tax

October 25, 2023October 24, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Workplaces in British Columbia Failing to Meet Everyone’s Needs

October 18, 2023October 17, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Emergency Preparedness Slowly Getting Better in British Columbia

October 6, 2023October 5, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

British Columbians Reject Return of Grizzly Bear Trophy Hunt

October 4, 2023October 4, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Karen McAllister, Executive Director, Pacific Wild.

250-957-7400

[e] karen@pacificwild.org

Photo Credit: Ian McAllister

BC NDP First, Tight Race for Second Place in British Columbia

September 26, 2023November 28, 2023By Mario Canseco

Housing, homelessness and poverty is the most important issue for practically two-in-five of the province’s residents.

Vancouver, BC [September 26, 2023] – The governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) remains ahead of all challengers in British Columbia’s political scene, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 48% of decided voters would cast a ballot for the BC NDP candidate in their riding if an election took place today, up two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in May.

Two political parties are virtually tied for second place in the province: BC United with 20% (-13) and the Conservative Party of BC with 19% (+15). The BC Green Party is fourth with 12% (-4), while 1% of decided voters (=) would support other parties or independent candidates.

The BC NDP is in first place across all five major regions of the province, with higher support in Metro Vancouver (51%) and Vancouver Island (48%). The BC Conservatives are now second in the Fraser Valley (26%) and Northern BC (23%), while BC United is behind the BC NDP in Southern BC (29%).

“Almost one-in-five British Columbians (18%) do not know who to vote for in a provincial election,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In our February and May surveys, only 10% of respondents were undecided.”

More than a third of British Columbians (37%, +12) say they would consider casting a ballot for the BC Conservatives. The rating on this question is lower for the BC Greens (35%, -2) and BC United (32%, -14), but higher for the BC NDP (51%, -10).

Just over half of British Columbians (52%, -7) approve of the way Premier and BC NDP leader David Eby is handling his duties. More than a third (36%, -4) feel the same way about BC Greens leader Sonia Furstenau, while the proportions are lower for BC United leader Kevin Falcon (29%, -9) and BC Conservative leader John Rustad (25%, +7).

Just under two-in-five British Columbians (39%, +7) think housing, homelessness and poverty is the most important issue facing the province right now, followed by health care (22%, -16), the economy and jobs (12%, =), crime and public safety (6%, -8) and the environment (also 6%, +2).

About a third of British Columbians (32%) would like to see BC United and the Conservative Party of BC merging into a single party before the next provincial election, while 43% disagree and 25% are undecided.

The notion of a merger between BC United and the BC Conservatives is more popular among men (38%), residents of Northern BC (also 38%), British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (42%) and BC Liberal voters in the 2020 provincial election (54%).

When pondering the leaders of BC United and the Conservative Party of BC, more than one-in-five British Columbians believe Falcon is better suited than Rustad to form the government after the next election (21%) and serve as official opposition leader (22%).

Falcon is currently regarded as better suited to attract six types of voters to BC United: women (20%), voters aged 18-to-34 (19%), voters aged 35-to-54 (22%) and residents of Metro Vancouver (24%), the Fraser Valley (20%) and Southern BC (also 20%).

Rustad is seen as better suited to attract male voters (20%), voters aged 55 and over (24%) and residents in Northern BC (20%) to the BC Conservatives.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

British Columbians See “Fake News” and Polarization as Threats

September 20, 2023September 25, 2023By Mario Canseco

About two thirds of residents also think the state of democracy in Canada is endangered by low voter turnout in elections.

Vancouver, BC [September 20, 2023] – Three-in-four residents of British Columbia are concerned about the effect of two issues in Canada, a new Research Co. poll conducted in partnership with the “Strengthening Democracy” initiative has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 76% of British Columbians think “fake news” featured on social media and online publications is “definitely” or “probably” a threat to the state of democracy in Canada, while 75% feel the same way about polarization, or political attitudes becoming more extreme.

More than two thirds of British Columbians also deem three other issues as threats to democracy in Canada: racism and discrimination (70%), low engagement from citizens on important issues (68%) and low voter turnout in democratic processes (67%).

Majorities of British Columbians are also preoccupied with the actions of government being perceived as limiting personal freedom (60%) and hyper partisanship, or political parties disagreeing intensely with each other (59%). Only 32% of the province’s residents believe immigration endangers the state of democracy in Canada.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%) rate the state of democracy in Canada as “very good” or “good”, while 29% consider it “bad” or “very bad.”

“More than a third of British Columbians aged 35-to-54 (35%) are not pleased with the state of democracy in Canada right now,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (27%) and aged 55 and over (26%).”

The survey also gauged support for five ideas related to municipal politics in British Columbia.

Majorities of the province’s residents agree with three proposals: allowing permanent residents who have lived in a municipality for at least six months to vote in municipal elections (62%), compelling media outlets to provide a specific number of minutes (in the case of radio and television) or articles (in the case of print and online journalism) solely devoted to municipal issues (59%) and having elected councillors who represent a specific portion of the municipality (also known as wards), instead of voting for several at-large councillors (56%).

Two other ideas are more contentious, with 50% of British Columbians agreeing with abolishing political parties or “slates” and having every candidate for mayor, council or school board run as independents, and 47% agreeing with making voting mandatory for all citizens in municipal elections.

Majorities of British Columbians think their municipal governments (53%) and the provincial government (also 53%) are very responsive” or “moderately responsive” to their needs and the needs of other residents. The rating is significantly lower (40%) for the federal government.

Over the past year, only 31% of British Columbians have engaged directly with their municipality on a specific issue, such as reporting a problem, seeking a permit or obtaining a business license. More than half of these residents (54%) are satisfied with the way their issue was dealt with by their municipality, while 43% are dissatisfied.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from September 4 to September 6, 2023, among 813 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca