British Columbia – Page 8

Support for “Vaccine Passports” Rises in British Columbia

August 26, 2021August 26, 2021By Mario Canseco

Only 21% of the province’s residents would be willing to attend a live sporting event as spectators right now.

Vancouver, BC [August 26, 2021] – Favourable views on the idea of a “Vaccine Passport” have increased in British Columbia over the past five months, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 67% of British Columbians think it is a good idea to rely on a “Vaccine Passport” to be able to go to live sporting events as spectators, up five points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in March 2021.

“Vaccine Passports” would essentially amount to “Proof of Vaccination” certificates for people who have been inoculated against COVID-19.

Two thirds of British Columbians (66%, +4) are supportive of a “Vaccine Passport” to be able to go to live concerts—including 74% of respondents aged 55 and over.

More than three in five British Columbians endorse the concept of a “Vaccine Passport” to be able to visit a gym or fitness facility (63%, +1), to be able to work at an office (also 63%, +5) and to be able to go to the theatre or cinema (62%, +6).

While 61% of British Columbians (+1) are in favour of relying on a “Vaccine Passport” for travel inside their own province, support for the idea is higher for travel to other Canadian provinces (69%, +5) and for travel to other countries (77%, +4).

British Columbians are not particularly eager to embark on a wide range of activities as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Fewer than three-in-ten of the province’s residents say they are willing to visit a gym or fitness facility (28%), a music venue (23%) or a live sporting event (20%) in their municipality right now.

“In spite of the high vaccination rates in British Columbia, residents of the province are not particularly prepared to attend crowded spaces,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 29% of those aged 18-to-34 are willing to go to a concert or dance right now.”

Just over a third of British Columbians would be willing to ride on the bus (37%), ride on SkyTrain (also 37%) or visit a Community Centre (34%) at this stage.

More than half of British Columbians are currently willing to visit a library (53%), a barbershop or salon (54%), a restaurant, pub or bar where they can only eat indoors (56%) or a restaurant, pub or bar where they can eat outside (like a patio) (70%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 19 to August 21, 2021, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Most British Columbians Proud of Province, Intend to Stay Put

August 24, 2021August 19, 2021By Mario Canseco

Just under three-in-five residents of British Columbia express sympathy towards their counterparts in Seattle and Portland.

Vancouver, BC [August 24, 2021] – A significant proportion of British Columbians believe they will have a chance to live out their days in the province, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 75% of British Columbians believe they will stay in the province for the rest of their lives, while 12% disagree and 12% are undecided.

While 90% of British Columbians aged 55 and over foresee remaining in the province, the proportion drops to 72% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 61% among those aged 18-to-34.

Across British Columbia, 84% of residents say they are very proud of the province that they live in, up three points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in 2020.

While 90% of British Columbians who live in the Fraser Valley are very proud of their province, the numbers are lower in Metro Vancouver (84%), Southern BC (82%), Vancouver Island (78%) and Northern BC (also 78%).

A majority of British Columbians (57%, -7) say their views are different from the rest of the country, and a slightly larger proportion (59%, +1) think they have more in common with the people of Seattle and Portland than with those in Toronto or Montreal.

Fewer than one-in-five British Columbians (18%, -9) believe British Columbia would be better off as its own country. Just over three-in-five respondents (61%, -2) say they consider themselves “Canadians first, and British Columbians second”, while 22% (-3) say they are “British Columbians first, and Canadians second.”

“Three-in-ten residents of the province who voted for the BC Greens in the 2020 provincial election (30%) consider themselves British Columbians first,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The numbers are lower among those who supported the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (25%) and the BC Liberals (21%) in last year’s ballot.”

Just under three-in-ten British Columbians (29%, +7) think John Horgan has been the province’s best head of government since 1986, followed by Christy Clark (9%, =), Mike Harcourt (6%, -1), Gordon Campbell (also 6%, -1) and Bill Vander Zalm (5%, -9).

One-in-five British Columbians (21%, +6) regard Christy Clark as the worst recent premier, followed by Campbell (11%, =), Glen Clark (9%, +1) and Horgan (8%, +3).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from August 7 to August 9, 2021, 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

Liberals Ahead of NDP as British Columbians Ponder Federal Ballot

August 11, 2021August 12, 2021By Mario Canseco

A majority of British Columbians approve of the way Justin Trudeau and Jagmeet Singh are handling their duties.

Vancouver, BC [August 11, 2021] – The governing Liberal Party is currently the most popular federal political organization in British Columbia, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 37% of decided voters in British Columbia say they would cast a ballot for the Liberal candidate in their constituency if a federal election were held tomorrow.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) is second with 29%, followed by the Conservative Party with 23%, the Green Party with 8% and the People’s Party with 2%. Fewer than 1% of decided voters would support the Maverick Party or vote for another party or an independent candidate.

The Liberals are in first place in Metro Vancouver (40%) and Southern BC (32%). The races are tighter in the Fraser Valley (Liberals 34%, NDP 32%) and on Vancouver Island (Liberals 33%, NDP 32%).

“There is a significant gender gap when British Columbians assess Canada’s main opposition party,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While 27% of male decided voters in the province would back the Conservatives, only 19% of female decided voters share the same view.”

Just over half of British Columbians (51%) approve of the way Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau has performed in his job. The rating is slightly higher for NDP leader Jagmeet Singh (53%) and significantly lower for Conservative leader Erin O’Toole (29%), Green Party leader Annamie Paul (24%), People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (13%) and Maverick Party leader Jay Hill (9%).

A third of British Columbians (33%) believe Trudeau would make the best Prime Minister of Canada. Singh has a six-point edge over O’Toole (22% to 16%), with Paul and Bernier in the low single digits (3% and 2% respectively).

Housing, homelessness and poverty is the most important issue facing Canada for 26% of British Columbians, followed by the economy and jobs (20%), health care (19%) and the environment (13%).

Trudeau is regarded as the best party leader to manage foreign affairs (32%), the economy and jobs (31%), immigration (28%), crime and public safety (25%), the environment (also 25%) and accountability and leadership (also 25%).

Singh is seen as the best person to handle housing, homelessness and poverty (29%, with Trudeau at 21%).

Trudeau is virtually tied with O’Toole on energy and pipelines (23% to 21%) and with Singh on health care (26% to 28%).

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Photo Credit: Dllu

Most British Columbians Doing Poorly on Emergency Preparedness

August 10, 2021August 12, 2021By Mario Canseco

The number of residents who have an emergency kit, a plan and a meeting place is down markedly since 2019.

Vancouver, BC [August 10, 2021] – The proportion of British Columbians who have taken steps to prepare for an emergency has fallen over the past two years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 38% of British Columbians say they have purchased or prepared an emergency kit with supplies they might need in case of an emergency, down eight points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in May 2019.

Only 28% of British Columbians (-11) have prepared an emergency plan that includes how to get in touch with family or friends in case of an emergency and just 22% (-13) have established a meeting place with family or friends in case of an emergency.

“Fewer than half of British Columbians across all regions have purchased or prepared an emergency kit,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion is highest on Vancouver Island (45%), but drops in the Fraser Valley (41%), Metro Vancouver (39%), Southern BC (30%) and Northern BC (29%).”

British Columbians aged 18 to 34 are more likely to have both prepared an emergency plan (31%) and established a meeting place (27%) than their counterparts aged 55 and over (26% and 17% respectively).

Majorities of British Columbians have confidence in the ability of their provincial government (66%), their municipal government (63%) and the federal government (59%) to successfully deal with an emergency (such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, or incident caused by human error).

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

When asked about their level of concern about being personally affected by 10 different emergencies, majorities of British Columbians are worried about facing a fire (80%), an earthquake (72%), high winds (58%), intense rainfall (53%) or a flood (51%).

Fewer of the province’s residents are preoccupied with encountering a toxic spill (47%), heavy snowfall (also 47%), a terrorist attack (46%), a tsunami (42%) or a landslide (39%).

Methodology:Results are based on an online study conducted from July 31 to August 3, 2021, 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 Give Mixed Reviews to Horgan After Four Years

August 3, 2021August 2, 2021By Mario Canseco

Almost three-in-five residents (59%) think it has become harder for them to make ends meet in the province.

Vancouver, BC [August 3, 2021] – A significant proportion of British Columbians are concerned about affordability issues four years after the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) formed the provincial government, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 59% of British Columbians say it has become harder to make ends meet over the course of the past four years.

“The concerns about the high cost of living in British Columbia are significant across the political spectrum,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of residents who voted for the BC Green Party (70%), the BC NDP (59%) and the BC Liberals (55%) in last year’s provincial election state that making ends meet is more difficult now than in 2017.”

Almost three-in-four British Columbians (74%) think buying a house is now harder than it was in 2017, and more than three-in-five (63%) feel the same way about saving money for retirement.

Roughly half of British Columbians think paying for post-secondary education (52%) and finding a job (49%) are now more difficult than four years ago.

In a Canada-wide Research Co. survey conducted in June 2021, 14% of Canadians—and 19% of British Columbians—identified housing, homelessness and poverty as the most important issue facing the country.

Just over seven-in-ten British Columbians (71%) believe the housing situation in the province is worse now than it was in 2017, and a majority (53%) feel the same way about taxation.

Just under half of British Columbians (48%) think that public safety is worse now than it was four years ago.

More than two-in-five British Columbians believe there has been no change on four other government files: public schools (49%), health care (48%), the justice system (46%) and the environment (42%).

Half of British Columbians (50%) believe BC NDP leader John Horgan has performed “about the same” as they expected after he became the province’s premier in July 2017.

Similar proportions of British Columbians think Horgan has performed better (20%) or worse (19%) than they originally envisioned.

One third of British Columbians (33%) believe it is too early to judge Horgan’s accomplishments since he became premier, while 26% think he has done little and 21% say he has achieved much.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from July 17 to July 19, 2021, 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

Almost Half of British Columbians Back Territory Acknowledgments

July 27, 2021July 26, 2021By Mario Canseco

Just over two-in-five of the province’s residents have attended an event that featured a territory acknowledgement.

Vancouver, BC [July 27, 2021] – A significant proportion of British Columbians are in favour of territory acknowledgements, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 48% of British Columbians think territory acknowledgements should be adopted before ceremonies, lectures and public events held in the province, while 26% disagree and 26% are undecided.

Territory acknowledgements are usually worded this way: “I want to acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of [nation names].”

“There are some significant differences when it comes to the implementation of territory acknowledgements,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While more than three-in-five British Columbians of First Nations and South Asian origins endorse this course of action (62% and 61% respectively), the numbers are lower among respondents of East Asian and European descent (49% and 45% respectively).”

More than two-in-five British Columbians (44%) say they have attended a ceremony, lecture or public event that featured a territory acknowledgement—a proportion that rises to 60% in Northern BC.

British Columbians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to have been at a venue where a territory acknowledgement was made (58%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (40%) and aged 55 and over (37%).

A majority of British Columbians (54%) believe territory acknowledgments are a positive step towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, while 24% disagree and 22% are undecided.

Three-in-five British Columbians (60%) think territory acknowledgements do little to address the problems facing Indigenous peoples—a proportion that rises to 65% among male respondents and to 77% among residents of Vancouver Island.

Roughly the same proportions of British Columbians regard territory acknowledgements as a lip-service gesture (50%) and as a sincere and important practice (49%).

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 Split on Banning Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

July 13, 2021July 12, 2021By Mario Canseco

Half of the province’s residents worry “a great deal” or “a fair amount” about noise pollution associated with landscaping.

Vancouver, BC [July 13, 2021] – There is no consensus when residents of British Columbia are asked if the time has come to prohibit the use of a specific type of landscaping equipment, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 38% of British Columbians support their municipality enacting a by-law that would ban the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, while 40% oppose this course of action.

Support for prohibiting gas-powered leaf blowers reaches 48% on Vancouver Island, but drops to 39% in Metro Vancouver, 37% in Northern BC, 32% in Southern BC and 29% in the Fraser Valley.

One third of British Columbians (34%) are in favour of a municipal ban on gas-powered lawn mowers, while more than two-in-five (44%) are opposed.

Opposition to prohibiting gas-powered lawn mowers is strongest among British Columbians aged 55 and over (53%) and drops to 43% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 33% among those aged 18-to-34.

Fewer British Columbians are supportive of prohibiting electric leaf blowers (31%, with 48% opposed) and electric lawn mowers (27%, with 53% opposed) in their municipality.

Half of British Columbians (50%) say they worry about noise pollution associated with the use of landscaping equipment “a great deal” or “a fair amount”, while 44% feel the same way about air pollution.

“More than half of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (54%) and aged 35-to-54 (51%) are concerned about noise pollution from landscaping equipment,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion is lower among their counterparts aged 55 and over (45%).”

Almost two-in-five British Columbians (38%) say that a gas-powered lawn mower has been used on their property, while fewer recall the operation of electric lawn mowers (30%), electric leaf blowers (27%), gas-powered leaf blowers (20%) and reel lawn mowers (10%).

Reliance on gas-powered lawn mowers is more prevalent in Northern BC (58%), Southern BC (52%) and Vancouver Island (50%) than in the Fraser Valley (42%) and Metro Vancouver (30%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from June 18 to June 20, 2021, 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

Pandemic Curbs Interest in Pro Sports Across British Columbia

July 6, 2021July 5, 2021By Mario Canseco

About a quarter of the province’s residents are less interested in five different local professional sports teams.

Vancouver, BC [July 6, 2021] – Fewer British Columbians are paying attention to the province’s professional sports teams this year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than one-in-four British Columbians say they are currently less interested in the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) (28%), the Vancouver Canadians of High A-West baseball (27%) and the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League (WHL) (also 27%).

Slightly smaller proportions of British Columbians are paying less attention to the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer (MLS) (25%) and the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL) (23%).

Across the province, 15% of British Columbians say they are now more interested in the Canucks. The numbers are lower for the Whitecaps (8%), the Lions (also 8%), the Giants (5%) and the Canadians (4%).

“The loss of interest is more profound among male residents of British Columbia for all five professional sports franchises,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing teams to play their home contests either without fans or in the United States, the drop is understandable.”

More than a third of British Columbians (37%) say they own merchandise or apparel from the Canucks. The Lions are next on the list with 13%, followed by the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB) (11%).

Fewer than one-in-ten British Columbians own merchandise or apparel from the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL) (9%), the Whitecaps (7%), the Giants (5%), the Canadians (also 5%) and the Seattle Mariners of MLB (also 5%).

Ownership of merchandise or apparel from the NHL franchise reaches 37% among men and 46% among British Columbians aged 35-to-54. One-in-five residents of the Fraser Valley (20%) own merchandise or apparel from the Lions.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%) say the Canucks are the team that most accurately represents the province, up 10 points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in March 2019.

The Lions are a distant second on this question with 10%, followed by the Whitecaps with 4%, the Giants with 2% and the Canadians with 1%.

In a Research Co. survey conducted in June 2020, 61% of British Columbians thought it would be a “very good” or “good” idea to have an MLB team in Vancouver.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Photo Credit: Matt Boulton

Steady Support for Automated Speed Enforcement in BC

June 29, 2021June 29, 2021By Mario Canseco

More than two thirds of British Columbians have approved of the use of speed-on-green intersection cameras since 2018.

Vancouver, BC [June 29, 2021] – The concept of relying on red light cameras to capture vehicles that are speeding through intersections continues to be welcomed by a large proportion of British Columbians, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 71% of British Columbians are in favour of using speed-on-green intersection cameras in the province, while 20% disapprove and 8% are undecided.

More than two thirds of British Columbians have approved of this type of speed enforcement in Research Co. surveys conducted in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

“As was the case last year, support for the use of speed-on-green cameras is higher among women (74%) than men (69%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Residents aged 55 and over are also more likely to be in favour of this concept (78%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (68%) and aged 18-to-34 (67%).”

Sizeable majorities of residents who voted for the BC Green Party (78%), the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (76%) and the BC Liberals (70%) in the 2020 provincial election also back the use of speed-on-green cameras.

On a regional basis, support for the concept is highest in Northern BC (82%), followed by Vancouver Island (77%), the Fraser Valley (74%), Southern BC (73%) and Metro Vancouver (68%).

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

Majorities of British Columbians are also in favour of three other types of automated speed enforcement. More than seven-in-ten (72%, +1 since 2020) approve of the use of fixed speed cameras, or cameras that stay in one location and measure speed as a vehicle passes.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (64%, -4 since 2020) support the use of mobile speed cameras, which can be moved from place to place and measure speed as a vehicle passes.

A slim majority of British Columbians (53%, -5 since 2019) endorse the use of point-to-point speed enforcement, which relies on cameras placed at two or more distant points on a road. The average speed of vehicles that pass between points is calculated and tickets are issued to vehicles whose average speed over the distance was excessive.

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 Open to Major League Baseball in Vancouver

June 22, 2021June 21, 2021By Mario Canseco

More than half of Metro Vancouverites say they would attend at least one home game a year if a franchise is established.

Vancouver, BC [June 22, 2021] – The prospect of Vancouver hosting a franchise in the oldest professional sports league in North America is welcomed by a majority of British Columbians, a new Research Co. poll has found.

Major League Baseball (MLB) is contemplating an expansion and there have been discussions about relocating the existing Oakland Athletics franchise to a different city in North America.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 61% of British Columbians think it is a “very good” or “good” idea to have an MLB team in Vancouver.

Almost two thirds of Fraser Valley residents (64%) think MLB expanding into Vancouver is a “very good” or “good” idea, along with majorities of those in Vancouver Island (63%), Northern BC (also 63%), Metro Vancouver (60%) and Southern BC (58%).

Just under two-in-five British Columbians (38%) say they currently have a favourite MLB team. The Toronto Blue Jays are the most popular franchise in the province (28%), followed by the Seattle Mariners (7%) and various other MLB clubs (2%).

“The relationship between British Columbians and MLB would be dramatically altered if a franchise ultimately calls Vancouver home,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Practically seven-in-ten British Columbians who currently support an MLB club (69%) suggest they would stop rooting for it to back the team from Vancouver.”

In the event an MLB club is established in Vancouver, 46% of British Columbians—and 52% of those who reside in Metro Vancouver—say they are “very likely” or “moderately likely” to attend at least one home game a year.

More than one-in-five British Columbians (22%) would consider purchasing season tickets for the Vancouver MLB franchise, including 28% of Metro Vancouverites.

Just over half of British Columbians (51%) say they are likely to watch the Vancouver MLB team’s games at home, while more than a third (37%) are willing to watch the games at a bar or pub.

Two-in-five British Columbians (40%) say they are likely to buy merchandise or apparel with the Vancouver MLB team’s logo, a proportion that rises to 48% among those aged 18-to-34 and to 47% among those who reside in the Fraser Valley.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from June 6 to June 8, 2021, 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

Slower Cars on Residential Streets Still Welcome in British Columbia

June 15, 2021July 3, 2023By Mario Canseco

Almost three-in-five respondents would like to see speed limits reduced to 30 km/h on all residential streets in their municipality.

Vancouver, BC [June 15, 2021] – Public support for a reduction of the speed limit on residential streets remains high across British Columbia, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 61% of British Columbians say they would “definitely” or “probably” like to see the speed limit reduced to 30 km/h on all residential streets in their municipality, while keeping the speed limit on arterial and collector roads at 50 km/h.

This represents a three-point increase in support for this policy since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in May 2019.

“Almost two thirds of British Columbians aged 35-to-54 (64%) support establishing a lower speed limit on residential streets,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of residents aged 18-to-34 (62%) and aged 55 and over (57%) share the same view.”

In 2019, Vancouver City Council unanimously passed a motion to establish a pilot project that will see the speed limit reduced to 30 km/h on select residential streets in the city. The pilot project started earlier this year in the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood.

As was the case two years ago, two thirds of British Columbians (66%) think Vancouver’s pilot project is a “very good” or “good idea”, while 22% deem it “bad” or “very bad.”

Just under two-in-five British Columbians (39%, -3) admit to witnessing a car that they perceive is circulating above the current speed limit on the street where they live “at least once a day”, while only 16% claim this “never” happens.

Residents of the Fraser Valley are more likely to report seeing cars speeding on their street on a daily basis (45%) than those who live in Vancouver Island (42%), Northern BC (41%), Metro Vancouver (37%) and Northern BC (35%).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from June 6 to June 8, 2021, 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 Question the Effectiveness of Housing Taxes

June 8, 2021June 9, 2021By Mario Canseco

The provincial government’s measures remain popular, but fewer residents think they will actually make housing more affordable.

Vancouver, BC [June 8, 2021] – While sizeable proportions of British Columbians remain supportive of specific housing policies implemented by the current provincial government, residents are evenly split on whether they will lead to properties becoming more reasonably priced, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 42% of British Columbians think the actions of the provincial government will be effective in making housing more affordable in British Columbia, down 15 points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in June 2020.

More than two-in-five British Columbians (43%, +12) believe the government’s housing actions will be ineffective, while 16% (+4) are undecided. Seven-in-ten British Columbians (70%, -7) agree with the government’s decision to implement a “speculation tax” in specific urban areas targeting foreign and domestic homeowners who pay little or no income tax in the province, and those who own second properties that are not long-term rentals.

Public support for the “speculation tax” reaches 77% among British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2020 provincial election, 73% among those who supported the BC Green Party and 67% among those who cast ballots for the BC Liberals.

Three-in-four of the province’s residents endorse the decision to increase the foreign buyers tax from 15% to 20% (75%, -4) and to expand the foreign buyers tax to areas located outside of Metro Vancouver (also 75%, -4).

More than two thirds of British Columbians agree with the introduction of a tax of 0.2% on the value of homes between $3 million and $4 million, and a tax rate of 0.4% on the portion of a home’s value that exceeds $4 million (69%, -7) and with the decision to increase the property transfer tax from 3% to 5% for homes valued at more than $3 million. The 5% portion only applies to the value greater than $3 million (67%, -5).

New Zealand passed legislation that effectively banned most foreigners from purchasing real estate in the country. There are exceptions for foreigners who hold residency status in New Zealand, as well as citizens from Australia and Singapore, due to existing free trade agreements.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%, -6) would like to see similar legislation implemented in Canada in order to ban most foreigners from purchasing real estate in the country.

Support for this type of legislation is highest among women (75%), British Columbians aged 35-to-54 (74%), residents of Northern BC (90%) and BC NDP voters (78%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on June 1 and June 2, 2021, 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

Little Momentum as British Columbia Drivers Ponder Electric Cars

June 1, 2021May 31, 2021By Mario Canseco

Residents of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley are more likely to say that their next vehicle will be electric.

Vancouver, BC [June 1, 2021] – Over the past two years, there has been a negligible increase in the proportion of drivers in British Columbia who acknowledge that their next car will probably be electric, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 53% of British Columbians who drive their own cars say it is “very likely” or “moderately likely” that the next vehicle they acquire for themselves or their household will be electric, up two points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in May 2019.

Male drivers are more likely to lean towards acquiring an electric vehicle (56%) than their female counterparts (51%). Three-in-five drivers aged 35-to-54 (60%) are likely to buy an electric vehicle, along with 57% of those aged 18-to-34 and 47% of those aged 55 and over.

Drivers who voted for the BC Green Party in last year’s provincial election are more likely to be seriously considering an electric vehicle (66%) than those who cast ballots for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (56%) or the BC Liberals (51%).

“There are some major regional differences when it comes to the appetite of drivers in British Columbia for electric vehicles,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While 59% of those who reside in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley foresee their next vehicle being electric, fewer feel the same way in Southern BC (42%), Vancouver Island (also 42%) and Northern BC (41%).”

More than a quarter of drivers in British Columbia say they are less likely to purchase an electric vehicle because they are too expensive when compared to non-electric options (27%, +3) and because they fear becoming stranded if they cannot find a charging station (also 27%, +3).

More than one-in-five drivers are also worried about not having enough places to charge the vehicle in the areas where they usually drive (23%, -2) and not having a place to charge the vehicle where they currently live (22%, +2). Only 6% of drivers (-1) are deterred by the “feel” of the vehicle compared with a non-electric option.

While only 22% of drivers who reside in the Fraser Valley say that a perceived lack of charging stations would make them less likely to purchase an electric vehicle in the future, the proportion rises to 24% in Metro Vancouver, 25% in Vancouver Island, 28% in Southern BC and 35% in Northern BC.

The Government of British Columbia has passed legislation to ensure that, by the year 2040, all light-duty cars and trucks sold in the province will be “zero emission.” As was the case in 2019, 70% of residents are in favour of this decision.

A majority of British Columbians (51%, +2) think the goal established by the provincial government on the issue of “zero emission” vehicles is “achievable”, while 36% (-6) believe it is “not achievable.”

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from May 23 to May 25, 2021, 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

Six Communities Endorse South Fraser Community Rail Project

May 20, 2021May 20, 2021By Mario Canseco

Almost four-in-five residents say they are likely to rely on the service for work or leisure, including 81% of those who drive a vehicle.

Vancouver, BC [May 20, 2021] – A proposal to reactivate a rail corridor for daily passenger service using hydrogen powered trains is very popular among residents of six British Columbia municipalities, a new Research Co. poll conducted on behalf of the South Fraser Community Rail Society has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of residents of six provincial communities, 88% of respondents say they support the South Fraser Community Rail project.

At least three-in-four respondents in each community are in favour of the project, including 93% in Abbotsford, 89% in Chilliwack, 85% in North Delta, 83% in North Surrey, 82% in the Township of Langley and 76% in the City of Langley.

The South Fraser Community Rail project would rely on a publicly owned 99 km operating corridor (known as the Interurban Corridor) available with passenger rights saved and protected by a previous provincial government at no cost for its use between the Pattullo Bridge SkyTrain Station and the City of Chilliwack.

The South Fraser Community Rail project would connect 16 cities and communities, eight First Nations communities, 14 post-secondary Institutions, Industrial Parks and the Abbotsford International Airport.

Almost four-in-five respondents in the six communities (78%) say they are “very likely” or “moderately likely” to rely on the service once it becomes operational—including 88% of those who commute using public transit and 81% of those who drive to school or work.

In the survey, only 32% of respondents think the Express Bus being used on the Highway 1 corridor from Chilliwack to the Carvolth Exchange in Langley fits the needs of the community and no other public transit alternative is required at this time.

Nine-in-ten respondents who have taken the Express Bus on Highway 1 (90%) support the South Fraser Community Rail project.

More than half of respondents say they are more likely to support the project because it will be good for the environment since it relies on a Hydrogen propulsion system, with zero greenhouse gas emissions (56%) and because it would allow for a commute time of 90 minutes from Chilliwack to the Pattulo Bridge—a significantly quicker commute time than the 135 minutes plus transfer time to cover the same distance with existing transit services (53%).

Practically half of respondents say they are more likely to support the project because one South Fraser Community Rail train would potentially remove 160 vehicles from Highway 1 (49%) and because the project will take three years to implement—a significantly quicker delivery timeframe than any other potential option (also 49%).

More than two-in-five respondents (44%) say they are more likely to support the project because it will cost an estimated $1.38 billion for 99 km —significantly less expensive than any other Inter-regional transit option.

Almost nine-in-ten respondents (87%) believe there must be a reactivated environmentally friendly Interurban passenger rail transit option while Highway 1 is currently being widened in stages.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from May 5 to May 8, 2021, among a representative sample of 800 adults in North Delta, North Surrey, City of Langley, Township of Langley, Abbotsford and Chilliwack. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 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 Comfortable Banking and Shopping Online

May 4, 2021June 1, 2022By Mario Canseco

More than half of the province’s residents have been targeted by “phishing” and scam emails.

Vancouver, BC [May 4, 2021] – While most British Columbians are having little trouble taking part in specific activities online, practically half are worried about the possibility of their devices being hacked, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 87% of British Columbians claim to be “very” or “moderately” comfortable shopping and accessing banking information online.

Fewer of the province’s residents express the same level of comfort when making charitable donations online (73%) or commenting on an online forum that requires their email address (54%).

More than three-in-four British Columbians are accessing banking information (88%), visiting websites or blogs (87%), looking for deals on websites (79%) and using an instant messaging service (77%) at least a few times per month.

Fewer of the province’s residents are also looking for directions and/or maps to get to a destination (69%), purchasing goods from a website (60%), posting on social media (59%), uploading pictures or videos to the Internet (50%) or using the Internet to place telephone calls (41%) at least a few times per month.

More than half of British Columbians (53%) have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” over the past couple of months about having their personal information stolen over the Internet (53%). Similar proportions of residents are concerned about computers and technology being used to invade their privacy (52%) and somebody hacking into their own computer or smartphone (49%).

Fewer than one-in-four British Columbians (23%) say they have only one email address, while 41% have two and 35% have three or more.

Three in five British Columbians (61%) say they have received “phishing” emails, where somebody attempts to acquire personal information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity. More than half (54%) 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 acknowledge that their computer became infected with a virus while they were browsing the Internet (31%) or had their email address or social media platform hacked (15% each).

Across the province, 62% of British Columbians say they have typed their name on Google to see what has been posted about them on the Internet—including 65% of women and 72% of Vancouver Islanders.

More than half of British Columbians who Googled themselves (55%) claim that the information they found was accurate, while 13% say it was inaccurate (13%). One third (32%) did not find any information about themselves.

Methodology:
Results are based on an online survey conducted from April 20 to April 22, 2021, 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 Inching Closer to a True Work-Life Balance

April 16, 2021April 19, 2021By Mario Canseco

More than a third of employed residents of the province (35%, -7 since 2019) say work has put a strain on their relationships.

Vancouver, BC [April 16, 2021] – The number of employed British Columbians who feel they are doing a good job managing their jobs and their leisure time has increased over the past two years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 41% of employed British Columbians claim to have achieved a perfect balance between work and lifestyle, up eight points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in April 2019.

Conversely, 45% of employed British Columbians (-8) think work has become more important than lifestyle, while only 10% (-2) believe lifestyle is taking precedence over work.

“While the province-wide numbers may point to an improvement for the workforce of British Columbia, some generational differences prevail,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 32% of those aged 55 and over are putting their careers ahead of everything else, compared to 47% among those aged 35-to-54 and 50% among those aged 18-to-34.”

Almost two-in-five employed British Columbians (39%, -2) believe it is harder for them to achieve a work-life balance than it was for their parents, while 16% (-3) think this task is now easier.

More than a third of employed British Columbians (35%, -12) say they had to stay late after work in the past six months, while just under three-in-ten (28%, +3) had to take a work-related call on their mobile phone while they were with family or friends.

One in four employed British Columbians were compelled to reply to a work-related e-mail while they were with family or friends (24%, -4) or had to work from home on a weekend (24%, =).

Slightly fewer employed British Columbians had to work from home at night (22%, +1) or missed a “lifestyle” engagement (like a virtual or live family gathering or leisure activity) because they had to work (17%, -12).

Across the province, 35% of British Columbians acknowledge that their work has put a strain on their relationships with family and friends, down seven points since April 2019.

Employed British Columbians aged 18-to-34 are significantly more likely to admit that their relationships are suffering because of their jobs (48%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (37%) and aged 55 and over (15%).

Methodology:
Results are based on an online study conducted from April 3 to April 6, 2021, among 650 adults in British Columbia who are employed full time or part time. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.9 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our 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

More Than Half of British Columbians Using Apps to File Their Taxes

April 13, 2021April 8, 2021By Mario Canseco

Almost three-in-five residents (57%) say they dislike having to pay the Provincial Sales Tax (PST).

Vancouver, BC [April 13, 2021] – Most British Columbians will file their taxes by themselves, but with the help of software or apps, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 52% of British Columbians intend to use this method during this fiscal year.

Just over one-in-five British Columbians (21%) will file their taxes through an accountant or firm, while 13% plan to rely on a tax preparation company and 11% will file by themselves, but without requiring any software or apps.

“The pandemic has not changed the way British Columbians file their taxes,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “There are minimal fluctuations when we compare this year’s methods to what respondents did in 2020.”

Half of British Columbians (50%) think the provincial income tax they pay is too high, while 41% consider it adequate.

Women (58%), British Columbians aged 35-to-54 (63%) and residents of Northern BC (66%) are more likely to feel that the provincial income tax is too high.

A higher proportion of the province’s residents think three other taxes are currently too high: the Goods and Services Tax (GST) (51%), the federal income tax (55%) and the Provincial Sales Tax (57%).

Almost three-in-five British Columbians (57%) say they dislike having to pay the PST, while 37% do not mind and 5% are not sure.

The level of animosity from British Columbians is lower for paying the GST (56%), the provincial income tax (48%) and the federal income tax (46%).

While only 41% of British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) in last year’s provincial election dislike having to pay the provincial income tax, the proportion rises to 46% among those who voted for the BC Greens and 49% among those who voted for the BC Liberals.

Almost two thirds of British Columbians who voted for the Conservative Party in the 2019 federal election (65%) say they dislike paying the federal income tax. The proportion falls to 44% among federal NDP voters and to 40% among Liberal voters.

Methodology:
Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 19 to March 21, 2021, 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

“Vaccine Passport” Regarded as Good Idea by British Columbians

March 26, 2021March 25, 2021By Mario Canseco

More than seven-in-ten of the province’s residents endorse the use of “Proof of Vaccination” certificates for travel abroad.

Vancouver, BC [March 26, 2021] – Most residents of British Columbia welcome the concept of a “Proof of Vaccination” certificate in order for people to partake in specific activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 73% of British Columbians think it is a good idea to rely on a “Vaccine Passport” for people who wish to travel to other countries, while 28% deem this a bad idea and 10% are undecided.

“Vaccine Passports” would essentially amount to “Proof of Vaccination” certificates for people who have been inoculated against COVID-19. At least three-in-five British Columbians endorse this idea for travel to other Canadian provinces (64%) and for travel inside their own province (60%).

“Two thirds of women in British Columbia (68%) agree with the concept of a vaccination certificate that would allow a person to travel to other Canadian provinces,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion drops slightly to 61% among men.”

Across the province, 62% of British Columbians are in favour of a “Vaccine Passport” to be able to participate in three different activities: go to live sporting events as spectators, visit a gym or fitness facility and go to live concerts as spectators.

Public support is slightly lower in British Columbia—although ahead of the 50% mark—for a “Vaccine Passport” for people to be able to work at an office (58%) and to be able to go to the theatre or cinema (56%).

On a regional basis, support for a “Vaccine Passport” for live sporting events is highest in Vancouver Island (67%), followed by the Fraser Valley (65%), Metro Vancouver (62%), Northern BC (also 62%) and Southern BC (57%).

British Columbians aged 55 and over are more likely to believe that a “Vaccine Passport” for people to go to the theatre or cinema is a good idea (61%) than their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (56%) and aged 35-to-54 (53%).

The notion of a “Vaccine Passport” that would allow people to work at an office is endorsed by 62% of British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) in last year’s provincial election, 65% of those who cast ballots for the BC Liberals and 59% of those who supported the BC Green Party.

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 Want to Work from Home After Pandemic Ends

March 23, 2021March 25, 2021By Mario Canseco

Employed residents of the province expect fewer in-person staff meetings and business travel once COVID-19 is over.

Vancouver, BC [March 23, 2021] – A significant proportion of British Columbians who have had to work from home in the past year expect to be able to continue doing so after the COVID-19 pandemic ends, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample, 54% of employed British Columbians say they have worked from home during the pandemic, including 63% of those aged 18-to-34 and 59% of those who reside in Metro Vancouver.

More than two-in-five employed British Columbians foresee fewer in-person staff meetings (47%), less business travel (44%) and a reduction of in-person business development meetings (43%) at their workplace once the pandemic ends.

Conversely, employed British Columbians believe their companies will see an increase in virtual staff meetings (50%), virtual business development (47%) and virtual communications between offices (46%) after COVID-19.

One third of British Columbians who have worked from home (33%) believe they will be able to keep doing it once or twice a week when the pandemic ends, while 18% foresee working from home three for four times a week and 20% believe they will be able to do so five days a week.

“Only 10% of British Columbians who have worked from home in the past year believe their post-COVID arrangements will not include any days at the home office,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “This includes 14% of those aged 55 and over and 20% of those who reside in Northern BC.”

Only a third of British Columbians who have worked from home have been informed by their company about two post-pandemic plans: how employees will return to the office (32%) and how employees will be able to work from home (also 32%).

Practically half of employed British Columbians who have worked from home (49%) say they are “very likely” or “moderately likely” to seek a different job if their current company does not allow them to work from home as often as they want—including 52% of men and 56% of those aged 18-to-34.

In addition, majorities of employed British Columbians who have worked from home would consider switching to different jobs that can be performed from home in their own metropolitan area (56%) or province (54%). Two-in-five (39%) would consider reporting to a company located in a different province, if they can perform their duties from home.

Methodology:
Results are based on an online study conducted on March 8 and March 9, 2021, among 700 adults who work in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.7 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

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

British Columbians Support Return to System of Compulsory Trades Certification

March 16, 2021March 15, 2021By Mario Canseco

Astounding 94 per cent of British Columbians considered government’s initiative important.

Vancouver, BC [March 12, 2021] – A new survey finds that most British Columbians support compulsory certification of the skilled trades and believe certification will make the construction industry safer.

“This poll demonstrates that British Columbians overwhelmingly support a return to compulsory trades certification,” noted Brynn Bourke, interim executive director of the BC Building Trades.

A compulsory trade is a skilled trade that requires training or apprenticeship in order to legally work in that trade. The provincial Liberals eliminated compulsory trades in 2002, and today B.C. is the only province in Canada that doesn’t have compulsory trades training.

A poll conducted March 8 and 9 by Research Co. and commissioned by the BC Building Trades shows 80 per cent of British Columbians support restoring compulsory trades in this province. A full 90 per cent of British Columbians believe that compulsory trades will make the construction industry safer due to the requirement for training and regulation, and that compulsory trades will contribute to workers being more highly skilled.

Meanwhile, 89 per cent of British Columbians believe compulsory trades will build consumer confidence and an expectation of quality workmanship.

“The results of this poll could not be clearer,” said Bourke. “British Columbians support and understand the importance of compulsory trades, they believe in compulsory trades, and they think compulsory trades will contribute to increased safety, skills development and quality work in the construction sector.”

The BC NDP government has committed to restoring compulsory trades. The poll also found that 94 per cent of British Columbians consider the government’s initiative either very or moderately important. Interestingly, women and residents 55 and over were more likely to consider the initiative “very important.”

The online survey polled 800 adults in B.C. Results are considered correct plus or minus 3.5 percentage points 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Brynn Bourke, interim executive director,
BC Building Trades
778-397-2220