NDP strongholds in British Columbia may be vulnerable

A recent poll shows a tight race in British Columbia as the federal Liberal and Conservative parties are nearly tied. According to Research Co., the Liberals are at 41% while the Conservatives sit at 39%. The New Democratic Party (NDP) is trailing far behind at just 8%. Mario Canseco, who heads Research Co., warns that the NDP's strongholds in B.C. could be at risk if these trends continue. He noted that many voters might prefer the Liberals and their leader, Mark Carney, especially regarding economic issues. Canseco also pointed out that some key NDP ridings, like Burnaby South—led by NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh—might be vulnerable. In past elections, some NDP wins in the region have been very narrow. The poll also highlighted that U.S.-Canada relations are the most significant concern for British Columbians, with 32% identifying it as a top issue. Nationally, the Liberals lead at 41%, the Conservatives at 37%, and the NDP at 9%. However, Canseco noted that with more than a month until the election, these numbers could change. On the campaign trail, Singh urged voters to support the NDP, stressing the party's role in fighting corporate greed. Meanwhile, Poilievre, the Conservative leader, promised to protect existing federal programs like dental care and child care. Carney, the Liberal leader, focused on defense issues, including plans to buy new submarines. The federal election is set for April 28, and British Columbia has 43 ridings, making it a significant battleground. No major party leaders have held campaign events in the province yet. The poll surveyed 1,003 adult Canadians online and has a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points.