A Quarter of Voters Say Environment Will Decide Their Vote

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A Quarter of Voters Say Environment Will Decide Their Vote

Taxes and Housing Costs also significant motivating factors

Toronto, March 3rd– In a random sampling of public opinion taken by The Forum Poll™ among 1,061 British Columbia voters, the plurality (24%) say that the environment/climate change will determine their vote in the upcoming provincial election. Taxes (16%) and housing costs (15%) will also significantly motivate the ballot choice of British Columbia voters.

Issues that are not currently motivating a significant proportion of voters include hydro rates (5%), softwood lumber (5%), the local candidate (5%), and party loyalty (4%).

(16%) report that none of the above issues represent their motivation and (9%) suggest that they are don’t know what will motivate their vote.

The environment is most likely to motivate those aged 34 and below (28%), 35-44 (30%), with an income of $40,000-$60,000 (30%), females (28%), and have a post-graduate education (31%). Those who say they support the Green Party (53%) are most motivated by the environment/climate change.

Taxes are most likely to motivate those aged 55-64 (23%), the least educated (20%), or with some college or university (18%). Respondents who say they support the Liberals (27%) or Conservatives (27%) are also likely to identify taxes as the most significant factor driving their vote.

Housing costs are a concern to those aged 34 or less (19%), 34-44 (17%), 45-54 (16%), the least wealthy (20%), and those earning between $20,000 and $40,000 (20%).

“The environment and climate change will determine the vote of almost a quarter of British Columbia voters. Including sound environmental policy as a part of their platform will ensure the contending parties move closer to what the plurality of voters consider important to them right now,” said Dr. Lorne Bozinoff, President of Forum Research.

Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is the president and founder of Forum Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com or at (416) 960-9603.