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The number of British Columbians who think poverty and affordable housing is the main issue in the province is on the rise, according to a new poll.

Insights West surveyed 829 B.C. adults from Jan. 15 to 17 for its annual B.C. government report card, released on Friday.

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Of those respondents, 50 per cent say housing, poverty and homelessness are the most important issues in the province.

Just five years ago that number was only 16 per cent for the same question. The figure has steadily climbed over the years up to half of residents.

Photo by Insights West / PNG

Twelve per cent of respondents cited health care as their top concern, while the same number identified the economy as the most pressing issue.

Other main issues included the environment (six per cent), crime (four per cent) and education (four per cent).

Of those who say housing, poverty and homelessness are the main issues, the majority are aged 18 to 34, and residents of Metro Vancouver.