In the latest survey conducted by Research Co., practically one in five British Columbians (19 per cent) cite health care as the most important issue facing the province. Medical services are second on the list of concerns, below housing, homelessness and poverty (40 per cent), and barely ahead of the economy and jobs (18 per cent).

When we took a deeper dive into health care, child care and education last month, practically half of British Columbians are ambivalent about the system. For 49 per cent of residents (down six points since November 2023), there are some good things in health care, but some changes are required. By a two-to-one margin, British Columbians are more likely to say that the system warrants a complete rebuild (31 per cent, up one point) than to believe it only requires minor modifications (16 per cent, up six points).

British Columbians aged 55 and over who – who play a large role in election outcomes on account of their superior turnout – are particularly upset. More than two in five (43 per cent) are longing for significant changes in the system. Skepticism is also high in two areas that usually send distinct types of lawmakers to the legislative assembly:........

© BIV