A new poll by Angus Reid shows the B.C. Liberals with a healthy six point advantage over the NDP less than three weeks before the election campaign officially begins.
But the poll finds some big changes in what voters are most concerned about.
It suggest that the economy has shot to the top of the list when it comes to issues that voters in B.C. are most worried about.
See related links: Angus Reid Poll
According to the survey, 36-per cent of voters rate the economy as the most important issue facing the province.
That's way up from just 14-per cent last August. But also making a big move is crime. The spike in violence on city streets has rocketed the issue into second place with 19-per cent of people rating it as their priority. Last August it rated just 7-per cent.
"The crime issue is really the issue that could be the deciding point here. who is going to come up with a formula that is believable to people in British Columbia who are sick of driving down the street and having bullets flying by," said Pollster Angus Reid.
That interest in crime and public safety was certainly evident on Tuesday night as Burnaby Residents packed a public meeting speaking out against a proposed remand centre for their community.
"People are very worried,'' said NDP Leader Carole James.
And the NDP is hoping to cash in on that worry at the polls.
"It's about action. unlike [B.C. Premier] Gordon Campbell, he puts out the words and then does just the opposite," said James.
The Liberals too are expected to try and capitalize on those concerns at the polls. But they seem to like talking economy better.
"It will be part of the discussion no doubt but as well you recognize that people are also very much preoccupied with what's happening economically," said Liberal house leader Mike de Jong.
Either way, both issues are bound to get a lot more attention as the election campaign heats up.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Stephen Smart
