More British Columbians in favour of changing province's name, including half of young people: survey

The proportion of British Columbians in favour of changing the province’s name to reflect its Indigenous heritage has increased, according to a polling company.

Research Co. said its survey found that 32 per cent of respondents are in favour of a change (a six-point increase), with 50 per cent of 18-to-34-year-olds on board.

A slim majority – 53 per cent – said they want BC’s name to remain unchanged, down seven points on a similar poll conducted in August 2021.

The online survey consisted of only 800 participants, but Research Co. claimed it still amounts to a “representative provincial sample.”

“More than a third of Vancouver Island residents (37 per cent) would welcome changing British Columbia’s name,” said Mario Canseco, the polling firm’s president.

“Support is lower in Northern BC (32 per cent), Metro Vancouver (31 per cent), the Fraser Valley (30 per cent) and Southern BC (26 per cent).”

The survey also found that 62 per cent of respondents are not concerned about any part of the province’s name.

A fifth, however, said they were “upset about” the lack of any reference to Indigenous people.

Close to a fifth (19 per cent) also expressed concern about the “British” part of the name, while 8 per cent were bothered by the word “Columbia.”

Thirty per cent, meanwhile, said they’d like the Union Jack to be ditched from BC’s flag.

More – 46 per cent – disagreed with jettisoning that link to the old country, however.

The full survey data can be accessed here.