A new poll has good news for British Columbia's New Democratic Party.

It says that in the event of a provincial election, the NDP would get more votes than the ruling Liberal Party.

According to the Angus Reid Strategies poll, which was conducted independently between Aug. 21 and Aug. 25, the majority of voters believe the time has come for a change in Victoria.

The online survey said 41 per cent of the respondents intend to vote for the NDP, giving the opposition a 3 per cent lead over the Liberals. The Green Party ranked third in the survey with 14 per cent.

Speaking to CTV, NDP leader Carole James was clearly pleased with the results, which could be attributed to province-wide efforts like the axe on carbon tax campaign. They have helped turn the tied for the NDP.

"These numbers show, as I've said, this is going to be a very competitive election," James said.

The numbers indicate that at least for now, she is in the race. For years, her opposition New Democrats have trailed the governing Liberals. But it appears a breakthrough is near.

"I'm really hearing from people that they've had enough of this government's arrogance, they've had enough of a government that's completely out of touch with the realities they're facing,'' James said.

B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell is away on holidays. But his finance minister, Colin Hansen, admits the government could improve its performance.

"We clearly have to do a better job of communicating with British Columbians of explaining the rationale behind some of the initiatives we have taken," he said.

While the poll obviously favours the New Democrats, it indicates that British Columbians don't particularly like Carole James - or Gordon Campbell for that matter. Both party leaders received just lukewarm support - meaning both have a lot of work to do in the nine months leading to the next election.

Perhaps more concerning for the government: the majority of British Columbians now say it's time for a political change.

Key findings of the survey are as follows:

57 per cent disapprove of Campbell's performance as Premier.

33 per cent of the respondents said James is their preferred Premier. That compares to the 31 per cent who preferred Campbell.

The balance of 34 per cent said they weren't sure.

The findings are based on an online survey among a representative sample of 802 adult residents of B.C. The margin for error for the total sample is plus or minus 19 times out of 20.

For more information, click on the Provincial Public Opinion Poll link.