Silent majority say 'yes' to responsible resource development while NDP leadership remains out of touch

VANCOUVER, Nov. 6, 2015 /CNW/ - A new study released today by the Independent Contractors and Businesses Associations (ICBA) reveals that overall 84 per cent of British Columbians support responsible resource development.

"It's clear, the 'no to everything' movement in B.C. is not representative of citizens' views on responsible resource development," said Philip Hochstein, president of the ICBA. "This poll illustrates that a strong majority of British Columbians understand that B.C. is a resource-based economy and it creates jobs in every sector."

Of the 800 British Columbians surveyed, the poll revealed that:

• 67 per cent support the Site C Clean Energy project only 18 per cent oppose it;
• 68 per cent support expansion of our ports and 20 per cent oppose it;
• 62 per cent support mining and 25 per cent oppose it; and,
• 58 per cent support LNG and 28 per cent oppose it.

With several large industrial projects going through an approval process, the ICBA commissioned NRG Research Group to conduct an online poll to understand attitudes towards the resource industry in B.C. 

Interestingly, the poll also revealed that 81 percent of NDP voters support responsible resource development. More specifically:

• 60 per cent support the Site C Clean Energy project and only 28 per cent oppose it;
• 62 per cent support expansion of out ports and only 28 per cent oppose it;
• 54 per cent support mining and only 35 per cent oppose it; and,
• 43 per cent support LNG and 45 per cent oppose it.

"While the NDP remains the party of no, clearly this poll demonstrates that they are out of touch even with their own supporters," added Hochstein. "My advice to the NDP team is to stop catering to the vocal minority in their party and focus on what the vast majority of their members want, responsible resource development and the jobs it creates."

NRG Research Group is a leading Canadian public affairs and market research company, with offices in Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg.

About ICBA (www.icba.ca) The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of B.C. services and represents B.C.'s construction sector. ICBA's 1,200 members build in every construction sectors and are involved in virtually all major capital projects in British Columbia.

SOURCE Independent Contractors And Businesses Association of BC (ICBA)

Catherine Loiacono, Director of Communications, ICBA Tel: [phone]