Almost 80% of British Columbians support reopening plans, poll finds

A large majority of British Columbiansare giving a thumbs-up tothe province's plans to ease restrictions and gradually reopen the economy, though some fear B.C. might be moving too fast, according to a new poll.

Insights West, which polled 747 B.C. residentsafter Premier John Horgan unveiled the plans Wednesday, found79 per cent in support. But 41 per cent also said the reopening was happening too soon in some sectors.

Almost all of the people polled 91 per cent endorsed resuming elective surgeries, agreeingthe timing was acceptableor should have been sooner.

British Columbians are also supportive of reopening provincial parks (79per cent), but more divided on plans to open salons (60 per cent in favour)and retailstores (66 per cent)and are about 50/50 on allowing small social gatherings and restaurants to reopen, the survey found.

People also seemed conflicted over whether in-person schooling should be re-introducedthis school year.

Only fiveper cent of those polled "strongly oppose" the reopening planoverall.

Almost half of those asked believe the pace of reopening is just right, while only 10 per cent felt the plan should move faster.

Younger survey takers were slightly less supportive than their older counterparts, with 68 per cent of those aged18-34 in favour of the reopening plan, compared to 84 per cent in the 55 or older group.

Steve Mossop, president of Insights West, said polls rarely return 70 per cent or higher support for any public initiative by a provincial premier.

"John Horgan can rest assured that the public is backing his plan and if anything, he should continue to proceed ultra-cautiously, as B.C. residents are leaning toward a very conservative approach of 'returning to normal," Mossop said.

Results of the poll were based on an online study conducted May 6-7, 2020 among a sample of 747 B.C. residents. A comparablemargin of error would be +/- 3.6 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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