Now that 2025 is over and 2026 is underway, a recent poll conducted by BC-based Research Co. has sought to find out what people hope for the new year and how they found last year to be.
According to the poll, 53% of BC respondents found 2025 to be a good year for Canada overall, despite the ongoing conflict with the United States over tariffs. Overall, British Columbians from the baby boomer generation found the year to be worse than those of Gen Z.
Similarly, 56% of British Columbian respondents believed 2025 to be a good year for BC as a whole. Quebec had the lowest approval rate for the goings on in their province with just 42% saying it was a good year.
When it came to the topics of work, family and self, 80% said that they were happy with themselves on a personal level, 73% said they were happy with family matters and just 47% said that they were happy with work conditions.
With all the above however, most British Columbians are feeling optimistic about the new year. According to the poll, 86% predict a better 2026 for themselves, 84% feel like the new year will be better for their family and 64% foresee a better work life ahead.
When given the choice as to what specifically they hoped for in the new year between more money, better health, more travel and more time with friends and family, 39% said they wanted the money, 35% said they wanted health, 21% said time with loved ones and only 6% said they wanted more travel.
Of those categories, Gen Z British Columbians put emphasis on better finances in 2026, with 52% leaning that way and baby boomers leaned more toward better health with 50%.
What do you hope for in 2026? Let us know in the comments!
