New Poll: BC Voters Want Public Safety Investments

Strong support for public safety plans, frontline policing investments and long-term RCMP funding as British Columbians prepare to vote

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As British Columbians prepare to head to the polls this October, new public opinion research shows public safety remains a key election issue, with voters looking for clear plans to keep communities across the province safe, and ensure police have the resources needed to meet growing demands.

A Pollara Strategic Insights survey of 1,529 British Columbians, conducted shortly before the snap provincial election was called, found strong support for public safety investments, modern policing resources and technologies, and long-term stability for policing services across the province.

“British Columbians have a lot of important decisions to make this October, and people want to see improvements and investment in public safety,” said Chris Voller, Vice-President of the National Police Federation. “The message from voters is straightforward: they want any new government, provincial or local, to have a plan. They want investments in frontline policing, modern equipment and technology, and practical solutions that help keep communities safe.”

The survey found:

• A strong majority (85%) say it matters that candidates have a clear policing plan;
• 67% support investing in police officers, equipment and technology to keep pace with population growth;
• 76% support additional provincial investment to modernize police equipment and technology.
• The research also found that public safety concerns such as street disorder, open drug use, and extortion continue to affect communities across British Columbia.

In response, the NPF is calling on all election candidates to commit to prioritizing comprehensive public safety plans that include:

• Hiring 300 additional RCMP officers over three years and investing in modernize policing equipment and technology;
• Commit $250,000 to Strengthen first responder mental health and wellness supports through new technologies such as PSPNET.
• Partner with the Federal Government to launch the Public Safety Broadband Network (PSBN) and evaluate infrastructure and future investment needs.

“Voters are telling governments that public safety matters and that maintaining strong policing services should remain a priority,” said Voller. “British Columbians want to know how parties plan to support safer communities, invest in frontline policing, and meet the growing public safety challenges facing the province.”

Public safety starts in our communities. As elections approach, the National Police Federation is calling on all parties to demonstrate how they will plan, resource, and support safer communities. This election season, make public safety part of your vote.

About this survey:

1,529 adult (18+) British Columbia residents were surveyed by Pollara Strategic Insights between August 28 to September 9, 2026. Data has been weighted using the most current gender, age, & region Census data, to ensure the sample reflects the actual population of adult British Columbian residents. For comparison purposes, the margin-of-error for this sample size (n=1,529) is 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

About the National Police Federation:

The National Police Federation (NPF) represents ~20,000 RCMP Members serving across Canada and internationally. We are the largest police union in Canada. The NPF is focused on improving public safety for all Canadians, including our Members by advocating for much-needed investment in the public safety continuum. This includes investments in police resourcing and modern equipment, as well as social programs including health, addiction, and housing supports to enhance safety and liveability in the many communities we serve, large and small, across Canada.

For more information about the National Police Federation, visit www.npf-fpn.com

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