Research Co. poll puts BC NDP ahead of Conservatives

The BC NDP holds a five-point lead over the BC Conservatives among decided voters in a new Research Co. poll.

The survey of 801 adults conducted Aug. 12 to 14 found 44 per cent of decided voters would support the governing NDP in a provincial election, while 39 per cent would back the Conservatives. The Greens received 10 per cent, Centre BC five per cent and OneBC one per cent.

The poll put Premier David Eby’s approval rating at 49 per cent and Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s at 34 per cent. In an early-June Research Co. poll, the two parties were tied at 42 per cent among decided voters.

Research Co. president Mario Canseco said Conservative support among decided voters aged 55 and older fell five points over the summer, while NDP support in that group rose by the same amount.

Regionally, the NDP led on Vancouver Island, 52 per cent to 26 per cent, while the Conservatives led in northern B.C., 53 per cent to 32 per cent. The parties were tied at 45 per cent in the Fraser Valley; the NDP had narrower leads in Metro Vancouver and southern B.C.

The survey follows several recent departures from the Conservative caucus and party organization after Findlay became leader, including Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar’s decision to sit as an Independent.