A new Angus Reid Institute poll reveals that the B.C. Conservatives now hold a 10-point lead over the governing New Democratic Party (NDP), as support for Premier David Eby's government drops to its lowest level in years. The survey, released Tuesday, indicates growing voter dissatisfaction with the government's handling of issues related to B.C. First Nations, particularly surrounding the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).
Declining Support for NDP
Support for the NDP fell six percentage points between March and April, settling at 36 percent—the lowest recorded by the institute since 2020. Meanwhile, support for the Conservative Party, currently in the midst of a leadership race, rose by two points to 46 percent. This shift gives the Conservatives a significant advantage as political dynamics evolve in the province.
Eby's Approval Rating Sinks
Premier David Eby's approval rating has sunk to 33 percent in April, with more than half of British Columbians (55 percent) stating that he has done a poor job balancing Aboriginal title with private property rights. Even among voters who supported the NDP in the last election, opinions are mixed: 41 percent approve of Eby's performance on Indigenous issues, while 34 percent disapprove.
DRIPA Uncertainty Fuels Dissatisfaction
The poll highlights uncertainty over DRIPA and Eby's shifting tactics as he navigates legal challenges, pressure from First Nations, and mounting political opposition. Nearly half of respondents (47 percent) support repealing DRIPA—a move that all five Conservative leadership candidates have pledged to pursue. Notably, about a quarter of those who want repeal had previously voted for the NDP.
Recent Court Decisions Intensify Debate
Recent court decisions have intensified the debate over reconciliation. The Gitxaala decision found that the province's Mineral Tenure Act was inconsistent with DRIPA, while the Cowichan Tribes decision raised questions about how Aboriginal title impacts private property. In response, the NDP government attempted to amend and then suspend parts of DRIPA, but backed down after a backlash from First Nations groups.
Government Seeks Resolution
In late April, the government announced it would work with Indigenous leaders to find a resolution before the fall legislative session. The poll results echo findings from a Leger poll that also showed weakening support for the NDP and Eby.
The Angus Reid Institute survey was conducted online from April 24 to 28 among a randomized sample of 804 British Columbians. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
