Many B.C. residents find silver linings in pandemic, poll shows

A majority of British Columbians are feeling more gratitude than before the pandemic, according to a new poll.

The Insights West survey, published Wednesday, compiled a list of positive outcomes and found 79 per cent cited “more appreciation for friends and family,” as their top choice, followed by “learning to be more grateful” (70 per cent), and “more focus on what is really important in life” (68 per cent).

Despite the devastating financial effect that COVID-19 has had on many families, Insights West says it's surprising that near the top of the list is 64 per cent who cited “saved more money” or “spent more carefully” as a positive outcome.

The poll also found 66 per cent of respondents rated their job coping with the pandemic as “good” or “excellent.”

Conversely, 27 per cent reported doing “fair” while only seven per cent say they're doing “poor.”

Women were more likely to provide “poor” or “fair” ratings, along with 18-34 year olds, those over 55, and people with lower incomes.

“In a news world that has been plagued by bad news since the pandemic began, it is refreshing to attach some positive outcomes associated with our lives in 2020,” said Steve Mossop, president of Insights West, in a statement.

The poll also found the No. 1 thing people miss the most is visiting/seeing friends, followed by visiting/seeing family, going to restaurants and travelling.

The top thing we don't miss? Going to the office.

The poll found only 32 per cent want to go back.