September 16, 2019 (Vancouver) — According to the latest VoteLocal survey of residents and businesses in Metro Vancouver, the environment is top of mind for voters in the upcoming federal election, with the dual crises of affordability and climate change – and how parties plan to strike a balance between the two issues – shaping up to be a key ballot box question.
When asked to list the top issues that will influence their vote, 49% of residents in the Mustel Group poll conducted in late August cited the environment. The economy and jobs (27%), affordability (21%) and various social issues (21%) followed behind. For businesses, the economy was the top issue (45%) with environment the second most cited concern (37%), ahead of taxes (28%) and affordability (21%).
“Federal parties vying for seats in this battleground region will be challenged to show voters that they have the right plan to protect the environment while at the same time protecting jobs and addressing the high cost of living,” said Anna Lilly, Senior Vice President and Partner with FleishmanHillard HighRoad, one of the organizations responsible for the VoteLocal survey, along with Mustel Group and the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.