Innovative Research Group Inc. (INNOVATIVE) conducted and sponsored the online survey among a sample of 372 BC citizens (weighted to a sample size of 300). The survey was in field from October 2nd to 20th.
With the BC Conservatives winning a majority government, attention turns to what British Columbians expect from the change in leadership. INNOVATIVE’s pre-election Canada This Month research offers a window into those expectations: hopes for a stronger economy and more affordable living, alongside concerns about public-service cuts and the party’s political direction.
The research asked respondents to describe their greatest hope and greatest fear if the Conservatives formed government. These open-ended responses highlight expectations for the Conservatives. They do not establish why voters chose the Conservatives or measure reactions to the election result.
For the Conservatives, economic growth and jobs featured among the leading substantive hopes, together with getting BC back on track and lowering the cost of living. Responses also raised lower taxes and greater fiscal responsibility.
But those expectations have a corresponding risk. Cuts to healthcare and social programs were the leading substantive fear associated with a Conservative government. Respondents also expressed concern about closer alignment with Trump and U.S.- style politics, including fears of a more extreme political direction. Others worried that promised change would fail to materialize.
These themes are pretty typical for small ‘c’ conservative parties. There are no real surprises. The question is, can the Conservatives deliver economic opportunities and pocketbook relief that voters will notice in their daily lives? And if the Conservatives do deliver more fiscal responsibility, can they do it without the reduction in health, education and social services voters fear? We will be watching in the months to come.
For a more detailed briefing on the hopes and concerns surrounding BC’s next government, contact INNOVATIVE Research Group.
For detailed results, see the full report here.
