Survey 1999

April 16, 1999

OTTAWA-Today Jay Hill, MP Prince George-Peace River, released the results of a comprehensive poll conducted in his constituency. Mr. Hill commissioned the poll to seek the guidance of his constituents on many of the issues concerning Parliament and indeed the majority of Canadians. 543 adult respondents were randomly selected and broken down according to the population dispersion of the riding. These results are accurate to within plus or minus 3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Expansion of Gaming in Northern British Columbia

A majority of those in the constituency-55% overall-do not want to see a destination casino in their community. At 59%, an even higher number reject making Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) as widely available in BC as they are in neighboring Alberta. 54% of respondents believe that the money raised by governments from gambling does not off-set the social costs compulsive gambling causes to families and the communities in which they live.

The Nisga’a Treaty

75% of respondents believe they should have a direct vote on the Nisga’a Treaty. Just 14% reject this idea. 50% want their MP to vote against the treaty when it is brought up in Parliament; while only 17% say their MP should vote in favour of the treaty.

Capital Punishment

78% call for the return of capital punishment for those convicted of first-degree murder of the most heinous kind. Just 13% reject reinstatement. 81% of respondents want "life sentences" to mean just that, with the elimination of parole.

Definition of the Family

66% of respondents reject expanding the legal definition of "spouse" to include same sex couples. 60% reject extending "family" benefits such as pension and survivor benefits, adoption, etc. to same sex couples.