FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 20, 2003 Public underwhelmed by Campbell Liberals’ economic performance — poll Results also show that 3 of 4 British Columbians and more than half of B.C. Liberal supporters critical of government record on social policy Are families better off and their futures more secure as a result of the B.C. Liberals’ election 20 months ago? More than 69 per cent of British Columbians say no, according to the results of a McIntyre and Mustel poll commissioned for the Hospital Employees’ Union (CUPE). Only one out of four respondents — 26 per cent — agree that their families are better off and futures more secure since Gordon Campbell’s election, while five per cent are undecided. And when asked if the economy is stronger and more vibrant due to the policies of the B.C. government, 64 per cent disagree while only 30 per cent agree. “The public has given the Campbell Liberals a failing grade on its core issue — the ability to manage the economy,” says HEU secretary-business manager Chris Allnutt. The lack of confidence in government leadership extends to social policy. Seventy-four per cent of British Columbians don’t think that social programs are stronger as a result of government policies. Among B.C. Liberal supporters, only 35 per cent agree that social programs are stronger while more than half — 54 per cent — disagree. “This government has failed to convince the public that it’s working in the interests of B.C. families,” says HEU secretary-business manager Chris Allnutt. “Instead, there’s a pervading sense of public pessimism about the economy and the health of our social programs. “Gordon Campbell has a long way to go to win back the confidence of British Columbians in his ability to deliver on the economy and on social programs.” -MORE — -2- The telephone survey of 403 British Columbian adults was carried out January 10 — 15 and is considered accurate to within five per cent, 19 times out of 20. The poll also gauges public opinion on a range of key health care issues which the union will release over the next two weeks. For the results in this release, respondents were asked for their level of agreement with the following statements: My family is better off, and my future is more secure since the B.C. Liberal government was elected. Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t Know Total Agree Total Disagree 403 total 49 (12.1%) 57 (14.1%) 89 (22.2%) 189 (47.0%) 19 (4.6%) 105 (26.1%) 279 (69.2%) Our economy is stronger and more vibrant due to the policies of the B.C. government. Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t Know Total Agree Total Disagree 403 total 30 (7.5%) 91 (22.5%) 109 (27.0%) 151 (37.4%) 23 (5.6%) 121 (29.9%) 260 (64.4%) Our social programs have been strengthened due to the policies of the B.C. government. Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t Know Total Agree Total Disagree 403 total 14 (3.5%) 63 (15.6%) 124 (30.8%) 173 (42.9%) 29 (7.2%) 77 (19.1%) 297 (73.7%) -30- Detailed tables including gender, income and regional break outs as well as party preference are available on request. Contact: Mike Old, communications officer, 604-828-6771 (cell)