bc politics
4 in 10 believe province is going in right direction: BC Chamber of Commerce poll
Aug 23, 2024 | 11:26 AM
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PRINCE GEORGE — The BC Chamber of Commerce has released a new poll that has aimed to highlight concerns that matter most to voters ahead of the October provincial election.
“This poll shows the vast majority of British Columbians voters know that a strong economy and a healthy business environment are essential to funding the public services we all rely on,” said Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “The only way for the provincial government to build schools, hospitals and roads and hire people to deliver services is to ensure businesses, the backbone of our communities and our provincial economy, enjoy a healthy investment climate.”
Key findings from the survey include:
- Direction of the Province: Half of respondents believe the province is headed in the ‘wrong direction’, and fewer than four-in-ten believe the province is headed in the ‘right direction’.
- Business Climate: While more than 60% of British Columbians believe a strong economy ensures the provincial government can make investments in public services – only four-in-ten believe the current provincial government recognizes the importance of incentivizing business investment.
- Only 14% believe business opportunities have improved in the province in the last five years. And almost half believe businesses are moving to expand their operations elsewhere as a result of rapid regulatory change in BC.
- Seven in ten employers believe that the cost of doing business in BC is higher than in neighboring provinces.
- Natural Resources: Half of B.C. residents believe the province should expand its natural gas production, because natural gas produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to other forms of energy production – while one-in-four believe natural gas production should be reduced.
- Voter Intentions: The BC NDP leads the BC Conservative party by nine points among decided voters 44% to 35%. The BC United Party and the Green Party are statistically tied at 11% and 9% respectively.
- Regional and Demographic Variations: While support for the Conservatives has surged across the province overall, the increase is most profound in the North and Interior. Vancouver Island continues to be a stronghold for the NDP, and their lead holds in the Lower Mainland, Surrey and the Fraser Valley.
