Poll: ROBBINS New Trend - Vancouver, British Columbia - the New(s) Center of the Country

Question #1

Is the proposal to construct a pipeline across Northern British Columbia to carry Alberta Tar Sands Oil to the BC west coast for shipment by tanker to other countries including China mostly?

In Canada’s Interest primarily		41 %
In British Columbia’s interest primarily		27 %
In the Oil companies interest only		32 %

Question #2

British Columbia Teachers and provincial Government Workers are both at the end of collective contracts and seeking a pay raise. Which of the following responses describes what outcome you prefer?

Give the BC Teachers a raise		27 %
Give BC Government workers a raise		18 %
Give both a raise		12 %
Give neither a raise		28 %
Undecided/Other		15 %

Question #3

In your opinion are Provincial exams in BC public schools necessary?

Yes		66 %
No		34 %

Question #4

In your opinion in a best case scenario which respondent choice BEST reflects your choice of who should have the greatest voice in deciding whether the Enbridge pipeline should proceed in British Columbia?

First Nations groups with land and environmental interests along the pipeline route		12 %
The Federal Conservative government under Stephen Harper		14 %
The Provincial BC Liberal government under Christy Clark		5 %
The voters across Canada		2 %
The voters in the Province of British Columbia		62 %
Undecided/Other		5 %

Question #5

Do you support opening Government liquor stores in British Columbia on Sundays?

Yes		40 %
No		27 %
Undecided/Other		33 %

Question #6

In your opinion will a new oil pipeline across the Province of British Columbia ultimately result in?

Higher Oil Prices for British Columbians		23 %
Lower Oil Prices for British Columbians		15 %
It will make no difference		62 %

Commentary

A strong minority of British Columbians residing in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia arguably the most beautiful city in the World – believe that the construction of the Enbridge pipeline across the northern continent of the Province is in Canada’s interest.

This fact does not presume that these same respondents believe that it is in Canada’s interest to build the pipeline.

On its face question 2 would suggest that a majority of British Columbians want a raise for BC Teachers but expect them to be accountable and provide Provincial exams (question 3). Statistically less than one half of respondents support a wage raise for BC Government workers (question 2) but do support opening BC Government liquor stores on Sunday (question 5).

Question 4 very clearly reflects the opinion of British Columbians as to who should have the “greatest voice in deciding whether the Enbridge pipeline should proceed in British Columbia?” – by a 2 to 1 margin – British Columbians believe their opinion on the pipeline should be sought by way of vote (referendum – general election) over the interests of “First Nations groups with land and environmental interests along the pipeline route”, “The Federal Conservative government under Stephen Harper”, and “The Provincial BC Liberal government under Christy Clark”.

The Enbridge Pipeline proposal does not currently give British Columbians any sense of relief in terms of oil prices (and by association gas prices) with a clear majority believing it will make no difference “for British Columbians” one way or another. Underneath the many levels of debate relating to this oil pipeline proposal – is likely the most important economic question – ‘what’s in it for us’. If this question isn’t answered very quickly and in a louder voice (and big money) than the growing environmental voice which sees this pipeline as “a complete embarrassment to Canada” than it is our impression that British Columbians will easily reject the construction of the pipeline.

A random telephone sample of 620 British Columbians residing in Greater Vancouver conducted January 7-12, 2012. This poll features a margin of error of 3.93% plus or minus, 19 times out of 20 @ 95% confidence.