British Columbians are increasingly dubious about the direction their province is heading – according to a recent poll done for The Orca.
Although it’s close, more British Columbians think BC is on the wrong track (40%) than going in the right direction (37%.) Little more than a year into their mandate, these numbers won’t be particularly welcome in NDP headquarters.
Of course, in a global economy, events beyond the government’s control could force the province down a bad path. The Orca also asked respondents to assess the provincial government’s performance, and found roughly similar numbers.
Exactly half of all respondents either strongly or moderately disapproved of the NDP government’s performance, compared with 43% approving.
Not surprisingly, the biggest difference lay in party divisions. 74% of NDP voters either strongly or moderately approve of the NDP government’s performance – mirrored nearly by the 80% of BC Liberal voters who disapprove.
Things get interesting when you look at Green voters.
42% of Green voters disapprove of the government’s performance – and it warrants mentioning that this poll was taken before LNG Canada’s announcement.
Regionally, the NDP government’s high water mark was in Vancouver Island and the Coast – though still just 48% approving – and was most unpopular in the Interior, with just 35% in favour.
Young men were more likely to approve of the government’s performance, with approval ratings dropping with middle-aged and older men. Female voters’ views were much more consistent across generational lines.
When asked to name the top two issues facing the province, around a third listed either or both Economy/Jobs and Health Care, respectively. Surprisingly, only 11% included Housing, far below Government Spending/Debt, the Environment, and Pipelines. (It’s worth noting this particular question did not ask respondents’ opinions of the issues, but which they felt were important.)
The survey, done on behalf of The Orca by One Persuasion Inc., of 1,005 British Columbians was conducted using a representative sample panel, between Sept. 4 and 7, 2018. The results have a margin of error of +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been weighted by age, gender, region and past provincial vote to ensure accuracy.
Maclean Kay is Editor-in-Chief of The Orca
