BC NDP remains top choice among voters: poll

Recent polling finds B.C. Premier David Eby continues to be the most popular choice among voters ahead of an October election.

The Angus Reid Institute reports that the BC NDP currently retains 43 per cent of British Columbians’ vote intention, while the Conservative Party and BC United only retain 22 per cent each.

However, those polled still reported their unhappiness with the NDP government’s recent performance, giving it a “poor job” rating on top issues like health care, cost of living and housing.

These results come from an online survey conducted by the institute between Feb. 28 and March 6. A randomized sample of 809 British Columbian adults who are members of the Angus Reid Forum were polled.

The Lower Mainland-Fraser Valley region was found to be the most competitive in the province, with the BC NDP holding a six per cent lead over the Conservatives in terms of support. BC United trails a close two per cent behind in third.

Meanwhile, the BC NDP holds a strong lead in Metro Vancouver, where half of voters said they intend to vote for Eby’s party.

Looking ahead, the survey found voters pick the BC NDP as the party best suited to handle issues like health care, inflation and housing. However, when it comes to public safety and climate change, voters believe none of the major political parties will do a good job.

When it comes to their reason for voting, those polled were split nearly evenly.

Slightly more than half of those surveyed said they’re supporting a party because they truly believe in it, while the other half said they’re only supporting a party because of their distaste for the others.

The provincial election is set to take place on Oct. 19.