Over three-in-four British Columbians support banning political donations from corporations and unions, according to a recent survey by Insights West.
Accountability and transparency when handling political matters is of high priority to all British Columbians, the survey found.
Another three-in-four B.C. residents’ favour banning all private political fundraisers and seven-in-ten British Columbians would ban former political operatives from lobbying governments and politicians they previously served.
“Following more than a year of discussions about provincial political fundraising, the proportion of residents who feel unease over existing regulations has surged,” Mario Canseco, vice president of public affairs at Insights West, said in a press release.
“Supporters of all three major parties are in agreement on banning big money in politics.”
Out of the three major political party leaders, the survey also found that BC New Democratic Leader John Horgan scored ahead of all his rivals when asked if the three main party leaders possess specific characteristics found in politicians, including whether or not they share respondents’ values, are honest and trustworthy and are in touch with ordinary citizens’ problems.
Regarding party leaders, the survey found that 86% of B.C. residents believe it should be mandatory for candidates to attend at least one public debate in their riding with the candidates from other parties.
In addition, 69% of B.C. residents believe politicians use festivals and celebrations such as Vaisakhi to accumulate votes.
On the side of energy and the environment, only 20% of B.C. residents believe liquefied natural gas will bring significant benefits to all residents of the province.
About 39% of residents say the provincial government did well in approving the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline, and 38% approve of the province’s actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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