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A recent survey has unveiled a substantial dip in public support for British Columbia Premier David Eby and his New Democratic Party (NDP) government, coinciding with the release of the province’s latest budget. Conducted by Innovative Research Group, the poll indicates that this budget is the least popular since Gordon Campbell’s controversial 2010 budget, which ushered in the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) without prior mention during his election campaign.
Unfavourable Sentiments Towards the NDP
The findings are striking. Among the 41% of respondents who engaged with the budget through various media, a staggering 67% reported feeling less favourable towards the NDP. This has resulted in a net favourability rating plummeting to -61, a dramatic 43-point decline since March 2025, when the rating stood at -18. In contrast, only 7% of participants expressed a more favourable view of the government.
The poll also highlighted a pervasive sense of negativity surrounding the budget, suggesting that it has overshadowed all other news related to Premier Eby, leaving many with an increasingly grim outlook on both him and his administration. Notably, the Conservatives are now seen to have gained a clear lead in voting intentions across the province.
Widespread Discontent Across the Political Spectrum
Greg Lyle, president of Innovative Research Group, remarked on the widespread dissatisfaction, noting that the backlash is not confined to one political camp. “It’s not just right-wing individuals who are upset; even those who align with the NDP are expressing their discontent,” he explained. This sentiment reflects a broader disillusionment with the financial decisions set forth in the budget.
Among those who paid attention to the budget, 72% anticipate higher taxes, and over half believe that the budget will adversely affect healthcare and contribute to increasing unemployment rates. Furthermore, 70% of respondents expect to see rising user fees. These indicators suggest a growing apprehension regarding the government’s financial management.
Call for Change
The survey results reveal that just over half of respondents are dissatisfied with the provincial government, with 60% asserting that it is time for a change in leadership. Among this group, 12% identify as strong supporters of the NDP, a statistic that underscores a nuanced political landscape. Lyle noted that while many are eager for a shift in government, a significant number still consider the NDP as the “best of a bad lot.”
Political experts highlight the challenges faced by Eby’s government in the current fiscal climate, which is not unique to British Columbia. Hamish Telford, a political scientist at the University of the Fraser Valley, pointed out that numerous provinces and the federal government are grappling with similar budgetary deficits, suggesting a broader structural issue rather than isolated mismanagement.
Methodology and Sample Insights
This online survey, conducted from February 6 to March 3, involved 991 residents of British Columbia aged 18 and older. The results were weighted to align with Census data from Statistics Canada, ensuring a representative sample. While overall voting intention tracking was conducted throughout February with a sample of 700, questions specific to the budget were focused on responses gathered from February 20 to March 3, weighted to 500 participants.
Why it Matters
The findings of this poll are significant as they reflect a critical juncture for Premier David Eby and his government. The sharp decline in public favourability following the budget could have profound implications for the NDP’s political future, particularly as the 2026 election approaches. The dissatisfaction expressed by a broad cross-section of the electorate indicates that the government must urgently reassess its fiscal policies and communication strategies to regain public trust and support. The upcoming months will be pivotal in determining whether the NDP can reverse this trend or if the Conservatives will capitalise on this discontent to solidify their position in British Columbia’s political arena.
