March 9, 2017 (Ottawa, ON) – A new Mainstreet/Postmedia poll finds British Columbians overwhelmingly favour an increase to social assistance rates for those with disabilities. The Mainstreet/Postmedia poll has a margin of error of +/- 2.09 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

“We’ve seen another relatively stable week in voter intentions albeit with some regional fluctuation” said Quito Maggi, President of Mainstreet Research. “What’s clear from our tracking so far is that a large amount of voters are still undecided making it tough to come to any conclusions on what election outcome we could expect today. What we do know is that the NDP is performing well but their vote is less solid than that of the Liberals.”

“Despite calls from advocates for a significant increase in income assistance for those with disabilities, no such increase came when the B.C. budget was tabled.”

“On this issue, British Columbians have clear opinions: 75% say income assistance should be increased. Only 13% back the government’s position they should be essentially frozen while a small number, 4%, say income assistance should be decreased.”

“When it comes to the minimum wage many support a proposal to increase it to $15/hour. 55% support the proposal across the province while 35% oppose it and 10% are not sure.”

“Finally, when we look at income assistance rates in general, there is majority support for an increase. Conservative voters are the only voting group who oppose the proposal more than they support it, registering net opposition of -8 (45% Oppose, 37% Support).

“All other voters are generally in favour of the proposal with support weakest among Liberals. Net support is +69 for NDP Supporters, +46 for Green Party Voters, and +23 for Undecided voters – though only +6 for Liberals.”

“Province-wide, 57% support an increase to income assistance, 25% oppose the proposal and 18% are not sure either way.”

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Mainstreet – BC March 4-5 by Mainstreet on Scribd