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BC  

Housing, poverty top issues

Housing, poverty and homelessness are gaining traction as the most important issues in B.C., according to a new poll.

The Insights West BC Government Report Card found 29 per cent think these are the most pressing concerns, ahead of health care (18 per cent) and the economy/jobs (17 per cent).

Almost half (46 per cent) believe the provincial government has done a good job dealing with the economy and jobs, up seven points since last spring. Thirty-nine per cent are satisfied with how Victoria is handling crime and public safety.

One-third are content with work on the environment (33 per cent), and 31 per cent on energy, pipelines and LNG. The approval rating was 29 per cent on education and 26 per cent on health care.

The government was rated lowest on accountability (22 per cent) and housing, poverty and homelessness (19 per cent).

More than one-third (37 per cent) approve of the performance of Premier Christy Clark, up three points, while 58 per cent disapprove. The approval rating for BC NDP Leader John Horgan improved two points to 42 per cent.

Changes to liquor sales regulations (45 per cent), and foreign ownership of housing (41 per cent) were the government's most popular measures.

Less popular were handling of the Northern Gateway Pipeline (31 per cent), managing BC Hydro (30 per cent), the Trans Mountain Pipeline (29 per cent), Site C dam (29 per cent) and BC Ferries (25 per cent).

“There is clear improvement for the provincial government on its handling of the economy and jobs,” said Mario Canseco, VP at Insights West. “The change on the issue of foreign ownership in housing is exceptional, with the provincial government improving its standing in May by 30 points.”

Results are based on an online study conducted from Nov. 18 to 21.



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