FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (July 28, 2014)

Poll to highlight how local residents feel about amalgamation

On Tuesday July 29, the Capital Region Municipal Amalgamation Society (Amalgamation Yes) will be releasing the results of an online poll carried out in the Greater Victoria area. The event will be held from 10 - 11am in the Hotel Grand Pacific and is open to the public.

Amalgamation Yes commissioned Angus Reid Global, an independent and reputable organization, to do the poll as a way to provide greater insight into what residents of the Greater Victoria area think about the governance structure of the region.

A proportionate, randomly selected, representative sample of residents from among the 13 municipalities of the region were asked for their opinion on local governance efficiency and structure. Direct questions on the possibility of amalgamation were also asked of participants.  441 adults from respondents in the 13 communities that comprise the Capital Region were surveyed online between July 16 - 17, 2014.  The sample is balanced to census on age and gender.  A probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of a +/-4.7%, 19 times out of 20. 

This public opinion poll is part of the initiative of Amalgamation Yes to put a non-binding referendum question of amalgamation on the voting ballots in the upcoming municipal election for each municipality. The Society will release the results on Tuesday.

As noted by Susan Jones, Chair of the Society, “A majority of residents in the Greater Victoria area certainly have a strong opinion on the day-to-day business of local governance. We’ve collected thousands of signatures supporting this initiative and I am hopeful that the results of this poll will demonstrate widespread support for amalgamation.”

Contact Information:
John Vickers: Amalgamation Yes Spokesperson, Vice Chair 250-661-5350
Susan Jones: Amalgamation Yes Chair, 250-217-5340
Website: www.amalgamationyes.ca