Metro Vancouver voters prioritize environment with economy close behind: survey

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – What is important to Metro Vancouver this election? A new survey says balancing two major issues will be key to candidates getting support in the region, but those hoping to appeal to people in other cities across Canada may need a different strategy.

The survey found that almost half of people in the area think the issues that are most important here don’t necessarily match up with those that matter to voters in other B.C. cities and across Canada.

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The survey from the Mustel Group, FleishmanHillard HighRoad, and the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade finds many local voters think environmental issues are more of a concern, and that they have been particularly impacted by rising home prices.

Almost half say the environment is top of mind this election, while just over a quarter prioritize the economy and jobs. 58 per cent said they believe climate change is an emergency that government needs to take immediate steps to address.

But when pollsters asked local businesses, the environment came second to economic concerns.

So what do candidates need to focus on when they are campaigning in the area?

The survey finds striking a perfect balance between environmental concerns and the economy will be a big factor in how Metro Vancouver residents vote come Oct. 21.

VoteLocal 2019 Federal Election Survey - Full Report