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“The NDP does have a lead at this point, (but) the only hesitation is because of what we see in the rest of B.C., where the undecided has given the Liberals a lead in that part of (the province),” said Quito Maggi, president of Mainstreet Research. “It may point to a similar break in the higher undecided in Vancouver and the Islands.”

What’s concerning for the Liberals, Maggi noted, is that the poll also revealed NDP and Green supporters overwhelmingly pick each others’ parties as a second choice. Maggi said it suggests the Liberals may have a harder time gaining more votes if strategic voting comes into play.

One issue that may help the Liberals is Medical Services Plan premiums. The Liberals announced in their provincial budget a 50-per-cent reduction in premiums, while some have suggested eliminating them completely in favour of an increase in income taxes.

On this last point — the suggestion of eliminating of MSP premiums and increasing income taxes — poll numbers indicate that 38 per cent of voters are against such a proposal (versus 36 per cent for and 26 per cent undecided). The strongest opposition comes from Conservative supporters and undecided voters — two groups the Liberals could look to for gains.

“I think this issue could push B.C. Conservative supporters and undecided voters towards the B.C. Liberals,” Maggi said.

Another emerging issue may be more advantageous to the NDP. Poll numbers show robust support for $10-a-day daycare — an idea floated by child-care advocates in the province. The proposal has 46 per cent support in B.C., close to doubling the opposition rate (29 per cent).