According to the most recent poll conducted by BC-based data analysts at Research Co., the BC NDP’s lead in the polls has effectively plateaued as their competition has made some small gains.
Research Co. says this may be because, as the upcoming October election approaches, constituents throughout the province may be exploring their options.
This election will see Premier David Eby running once again in the Vancouver-Point Grey electoral district, but will also be his first election running for the position of Premier, as leader of the BC NDPs.
Eby will be up against Kevin Falcon, leader of the BC United Party; Sonia Furstenau, leader of the BC Green Party; and John Rustad, leader of the Conservative Party of BC.
Below are the most recent numbers from Research Co. which party people are most likely to vote for in the next election:
- BC NDP – 35% (up from 34% in May)
- David Eby – 54% approval (exact same as in May)
- Conservative Party of BC – 29% (up from 27% in May)
- Jon Rustad – 46% approval (up from 37% in May)
- BC Green Party – 12% (up from 10% in May)
- Sonia Furstenau – 38% approval (up from 35% in May)
- BC United Party – 9% (down from 10% in May)
- Kevin Falcon – 34% approval (up from 31% in May)
In addition to these statistics, 14% of respondents said they were undecided about which party to vote for and 1% said they would be voting for a party other than these four.
Notably, there was not much movement in the BC NDP’s poll rankings, aside from gaining one point for the party’s approval.
Since April, the Conservative’s Rustad has jumped from a 35% approval to a 46% approval—still eight points down from Premier Eby.
Also of note is the fact that the BC Greens have been making gains in the polls. They have now even surpassed the party who is currently the official opposition, BC United.
In terms of what issues the people of BC care the most about, there hasn’t been much movement over the past two months.
According to respondents, the top five issues are currently: housing, poverty and homelessness at 40% (same as in May), healthcare at 21% (up from 20% in May), the economy and jobs at 17% (up from 15% in May), public safety at 8% (up from 5%) and the environment 5% (same as in May).
Do you think these polls represent the current political landscape as parties begin preparing their campaigns for the October election?
Let us know in the comments.
