March 16, 2017 (Ottawa, ON) – A new Mainstreet/Postmedia poll finds the BC Liberals and BC NDP both up 1 percentage point among decided and leaning voters – despite negative headline surrounding the parties on campaign finance. The Mainstreet/Postmedia poll has a margin of error of +/- 2.13 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

“It’s another relatively stable week” said Quito Maggi, President of Mainstreet Research. “Perhaps what’s most interesting is what isn’t happening. Despite negative stories surrounding fundraising practices there has been little to no impact on both the major political parties in British Columbia. The movement we’ve seen comes at the regional level where the Liberals have gained 3 percentage point in the Greater Vancouver area and the NDP have gained 3 points on Vancouver Island.”

“This week also saw the announcement of ride-hailing in the province – a move which a majority of British Columbians approve of (52%).”

“Despite the fact there was no dip in support for the major parties (the undecided rate fell slightly this week as well), British Columbians support a variety of campaign finance reform measures.”

“74% support contribution limits, 68% would ban donations from outside the province, 48% would ban donations from unions and 54% would ban corporate donations.”

“When it comes to Liberal voters 64% of them support contribution limits, 51% would ban donations from outside the province, 47% would ban donations from unions and 38% would ban donations from corporations (45% say corporations should be allowed to donate).”

“It will be interesting to see how support levels hold up as this story develops. Perhaps voters currently see the issue as mostly an administrative one – or something the parties were not at fault in – this might change if the story develops and charges are laid. So far there is nothing that suggests either the Liberals or NDP were actively involved in the controversy – but facts have not stopped voters from coming to their own conclusions in the past.”

“We asked British Columbians this week if they felt Whales and Dolphins should continue to be displayed in captivity and the results are a virtual tie. 43% say the practice should continue while 40% say the practice should stop. Opposition to displaying whales and dolphins was highest in Greater Vancouver (44% opposed),” finished Maggi.

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Mainstreet – BC March 11-12 by Mainstreet on Scribd