A new poll conducted by Research CO in August shows the majority of people in B.C. support Community Benefits Agreements.

The poll, conducted on behalf of the BC Building Trades, asked British Columbians if they support Community Benefits Agreements on publicly funded projects that prioritize jobs to local residents, ensure employment opportunities for apprentices, Indigenous workers and women, and provide union wages and benefits. Seven in 10 British Columbians supported the government’s new policy.

“We felt it was important to talk with British Columbians about the Community Benefits Agreement and get a real sense of their opinion on the policy,” said Brian Zdrilic, Secretary-Treasurer of the BC Building Trades. “I think the results speak for themselves. The vast majority of people believe this is good public policy.”

The poll also sought public opinion on the 25 per cent apprenticeship ratio in the CBA framework. Two-thirds of British Columbians (68 per cent) supported the policy.

“People across B.C. see the value in CBAs including strong support from northern British Columbians, who have seen past projects like Site C and HD Mining’s Murray River project crewed by foreign and out-of-province workers,” said Zdrilic.

The poll was conducted between August 2 and 8 among 800 adults across B.C. More information on the poll by Research Co and the cross tabs can be found at https://researchco.ca/polls/