BC Conservatives Edge Past Governing NDP in Latest Poll

Latest Poll Shows BC Conservatives Slightly Ahead of Governing NDP

May 16, 2024 TruthUSA

A recent survey has placed the Conservative Party of BC ahead of the governing NDP just five months before the provincial election in British Columbia.

The Toronto marketing agency Pallas Data conducted a poll that revealed 38 percent of decided voters supporting the Conservatives, with the NDP trailing closely at 37 percent. The official Opposition BC United Party had 13 percent of the support.

When undecided voters were taken into account, the Conservatives extended their lead, securing the top spot with 35 percent backing, followed by the NDP at 33 percent and BC United at 12 percent.

Breaking down by regions, the NDP led in Vancouver and Vancouver Island, while the Conservatives were favored in other parts of the province.

The survey was based on a telephone poll conducted on May 14 involving 848 B.C. residents aged 18 and older. The margin of error stands at ± 3.4 percent with a 95 percent confidence level.

Speculation of a potential merger between the BC United Party and the Conservatives sparked discussions, although the provincial Conservatives clarified that no formal talks were underway.

Related Stories

BC Conservatives Deny Any Official Merger Talks With BC United

BC Conservatives Inching Closer to Governing NDP in Latest Poll as Fall Election Looms

The Conservatives made an attempt to engage with the BC United Party in December 2023, although Leader Kevin Falcon was not receptive at the time, according to executive director Angelo Isidorous.

“Now something has changed,” Mr. Isidorous mentioned in an email to The Epoch Times. “Our Conservative Party of BC welcomes all who wish to purchase a membership and join.”

Rumors of a potential merger surfaced after Mr. Falcon hinted at discussions between representatives of both parties to find common ground.

A political expert suggested that both parties might be exploring an agreement to collaborate similarly to the federal Liberals and NDP.

He explained, “The likely scenario involves an agreement in preparation for a potential minority situation to form a government,” stated Sanjay Jeram to The Epoch Times over a phone call.

In October 2023, the Conservatives began to gain traction after a poll revealed their support had increased from 16 percent in July to 25 percent. Meanwhile, the BC United Party dropped to 19 percent, and the NDP stood at 42 percent.

Rebranding and Rise of BC Conservatives

The renewal of the Conservative Party of BC commenced in 2022 when Aaron Gunn, a candidate for the leadership of the BC United Party (formerly the B.C. Liberal Party), was barred from the race due to his social media comments.

Subsequently, Mr. Gunn transitioned to the Conservative Party, initiating a rebranding effort.

The party experienced a significant breakthrough when John Rustad, now the Leader, joined their ranks in February 2023.

Previously an Independent after being expelled from the BC Liberals (now the BC United Party) for reposting a social media post challenging the notion of carbon dioxide causing global warming, Mr. Rustad was welcomed as the Conservative leader in March 2023.

In September 2023, the party gained official recognition when MLA Bruce Bannon switched from the BC United Party to join Mr. Rustad in the Conservatives.

The provincial election in B.C. is slated for October 19, 2024.

Source link