B.C. Liberals hold 9-point lead over NDP: poll

Poll results released Thursday by an opinion research firm suggest the B.C. Liberals have a nine-percentage-point lead over the NDP in the run-up to next Tuesday's provincial election.

The Mustel Research Group asked voters, "If a provincial election were being held tomorrow, which party's candidate would you support?"

The results suggest that among decided voters the B.C. Liberals have 47 per cent support, the NDP has 38 per cent support, the Green Party of B.C. has 12 per cent support and the B.C. Conservatives have three per cent support.

The telephone survey of 852 people was conducted using controlled sample groups between April 29 and May 6. A sample that size has a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

The survey also asked voters, "What is the most important issue in the upcoming election, that is the one that will influence most how you will vote?"

The issues that came up as affecting voting decisions most were:

• Economy and unemployment (33 per cent).
• Government and leadership issues (10 per cent).
• Health (10 per cent).
• Environment (7 per cent).
• Education (7 per cent).
• Crime (3 per cent).

The poll also asked voters which party they thought would do the best job of handling the most important issues.

The results suggest that most respondents think the Liberals are the best party for managing the economy (56 per cent), handling government spending (46 per cent) and dealing with crime (45 per cent).

NDP better at homelessness

The NDP is being viewed as the best party for dealing with housing and homelessness (48 per cent), health (44 per cent) and education (44 per cent).

The Green Party has a strong lead over both the Liberals and the NDP for dealing with environmental issues (52 per cent).

In terms of approval ratings, the respondents were asked, "Do you generally approve or disapprove of the performance of Gordon Campbell as premier of the province?"

The results suggest 46 per cent approve of Campbell's performance, while 44 per cent disapprove.

Respondents were also asked, "Do you generally approve or disapprove of the performance of Carol James as leader of the NDP?"

The results suggest 44 per cent gave their approval to James and 35 per cent gave their disapproval.

When asked about their second choice, Liberal supporters are equally likely to select the NDP or Green Party, whereas NDP supporters are most likely to switch to the Green Party.

British Columbians go to the polls next Tuesday.