Polls & Research

Majority in British Columbia Chooses Liberals

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - The governing BC Liberals remain the most popular political organization in British Columbia, according to a poll by Mustel. 51 per cent of respondents in the Canadian province would support the party in the next election.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) is second with 36 per cent, followed by the Green Party with eight per cent. Support for the BC Liberals increased by three points since June, while backing for the NDP fell by four points.

British Columbia voters renewed their provincial legislature on May 17. Premier Gordon Campbell of the BC Liberals earned a new four-year term in office, with 46 seats. The opposition NDP—led by Carole James—elected 33 lawmakers.

In the 2001 election, the BC Liberals took control of 77 seats, with the remaining two going to the NDP. The New Democrats had administered the westernmost province of Canada under four different premiers since November 1991. 42 per cent of respondents are satisfied with Campbell's performance as premier, and 42 per cent have a positive assessment of James as opposition leader.

Earlier this month, BC finance minister Carole Taylor presented the provincial government's budget. The spending plan restored a monetary supplement for low-income seniors and established a $116 million U.S. fund to build skills in aboriginal communities. NDP finance critic Jenny Kwan said the budget included "a lot of self-congratulatory praise" and was inadequate in the areas of health care, education and child protection.

Polling Data

What party would you vote for in the next provincial election?

Do you approve or disapprove of Gordon Campbell's performance as premier?

Do you approve or disapprove of Carole James' performance as opposition leader?