A recent public opinion survey reveals that British Columbia Premier David Eby and his New Democratic Party (NDP) government have faced a significant decline in public support following the unveiling of their provincial budget. Conducted by Innovative Research Group, the poll indicates this budget is the least popular since Gordon Campbell’s controversial 2010 budget, which introduced the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) amid widespread criticism.
Public Sentiment Turns Negative
The poll, which sampled the views of 991 British Columbians aged 18 and older, uncovered stark discontent among those aware of the budget. Of those surveyed, 41% reported having seen, read, or heard about the budget, with a staggering 67% expressing a less favourable view of the NDP government. This has resulted in a net favourability rating plummeting to -61, a dramatic drop from -18 in March 2025. Only a mere 7% of respondents felt more positively towards the government following the budget announcement.
The budget’s implications appear to have overshadowed all other news regarding Premier Eby, leading to “deeply negative expectations” among the electorate. Furthermore, the Conservatives have gained a substantial lead in voter intention, signalling a potential shift in the political landscape.
Broad Discontent Across the Political Spectrum
Greg Lyle, president of Innovative Research Group, highlighted that the backlash against the budget transcends traditional political divides. “It’s not just the right-wing constituents who are upset; even those who identify as New Democrats are expressing dissatisfaction,” Lyle noted. This widespread discontent suggests that the budget’s repercussions may not be easily mitigated by conventional party loyalty.
The poll findings reveal that 72% of those who engaged with the budget anticipate increased taxes, over half predict a decline in healthcare quality, and 70% expect rising user fees. Additionally, more than half of respondents now express dissatisfaction with the provincial government, while 60% believe it’s time for a change in leadership. Notably, only 12% of those dissatisfied are strong supporters of the NDP.
A Glimmer of Hope for the NDP?
Despite the grim statistics, Lyle pointed to a sliver of optimism for the NDP. Many voters in the “somewhat dissatisfied” category still view the NDP as the “best of a bad lot.” This demographic may represent a potential avenue for the party to recapture favour by addressing voter concerns directly.
Political analysts have noted that the current economic climate poses challenges not just for British Columbia but for governments across Canada and beyond. Hamish Telford, a political scientist at the University of the Fraser Valley, remarked, “This isn’t a problem unique to B.C. Governments everywhere are grappling with structural deficits, which complicates the narrative for any ruling party.”
Understanding the Poll Methodology
The Innovative Research Group conducted this online survey between February 6 and March 3, employing a national research panel and additional respondents from Lucid, a provider of online samples. The results were weighted to reflect statistics from the Canadian Census. While tracking vote intention throughout February with a sample of 700 residents, budget-related questions were posed to a subset of 500 individuals during the latter half of the month.
Why it Matters
The findings from this poll underscore a critical inflection point for Premier Eby and the NDP government. With public support waning and voter intention swinging towards the Conservatives, the government faces an urgent need to recalibrate its strategies. Addressing the concerns raised by constituents could be pivotal in regaining trust and stabilising their position ahead of future elections. The budget’s fallout serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance governments must maintain between fiscal responsibility and public welfare, especially in an era marked by global economic uncertainty.
