A recent public opinion poll conducted by Innovative Research Group reveals that the British Columbia provincial budget presented by Premier David Eby has become the most unpopular since Gordon Campbell’s controversial budget in 2010. This earlier budget was notorious for introducing the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) without any mention during Campbell's re-election campaign, leading to significant backlash. The current budget appears to have similarly elicited a negative reaction from the public, suggesting that fiscal proposals are not resonating well with citizens in British Columbia.

The poll indicates that among the 41% of respondents who engaged with the budget news, a staggering 67% reported a decrease in their favorability towards the NDP government led by Premier Eby. This translates to a drastic net favorability drop to -61, reflecting a 43-point decline from the previous metric recorded in March 2025. Only a small fraction, 7%, expressed feelings of increased favorability, marking a significant shift in public opinion and confidence in the current administration.

The findings amplify concerns regarding the long-term implications of the budget on Premier Eby’s governance, suggesting it has overshadowed all other aspects of his leadership. The dismal expectations following this budget signal a growing disconnect between the government’s actions and public sentiment, which could threaten the NDP's prospects in future elections as voters express dissatisfaction with current fiscal policies and governance strategies.