On the eve of the B.C. Liberal convention in Penticton this weekend, new polling data shows that British Columbians are overwhelmingly critical of the Campbell government’s health care agenda.
A McIntyre and Mustel poll released today by the Hospital Employees’ Union (CUPE) shows that three out of four British Columbians with an opinion disapprove of the Campbell government’s performance managing the health care system.
And that same poll finds that 69 per cent of the public feel that the Campbell government’s health care agenda will have a negative impact on patient care.
“Tomorrow, Gordon Campbell will be trying to reassure the uneasy Liberal party faithful that his government is doing a great job on health care and that the public is four square behind them,” says HEU spokesperson Chris Allnutt.
“But out in the real world in communities across our province, British Columbians are giving the Campbell government’s health care policy a powerful two thumbs down.
“These numbers should send a clear message to the Liberals that it’s time to change to a new, more constructive course for health care in B.C.”
The telephone survey of 500 British Columbians was in the field Oct. 10 to 23, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 per cent, 19 times out of twenty.
Here are the questions:
Do you approve or disapprove of the performance of the B.C. Liberal government on health care? With An Opinion Approve 25% Disapprove 75% Don’t know —-
Raw Results Approve 23.2% Disapprove 69.3% Don't know 7.5%
Based on what you know about the changes the provincial government is making to B.C.’s health care system, do you think that the changes will have a negative impact, a positive impact or no real impact on patient care? Strong positive impact 5.5% Somewhat positive impact 7.5% Somewhat negative impact 19.1% Strong negative impact 49.8% No real impact 9.5% Don’t know 8.7%