Last month's Ipsos-Reid Corp. poll may have been at least partially responsible for the recent provincial New Democrat shadow cabinet shuffle. But the party also responded to its sagging public opinion numbers by emailing the following message to supporters: "This poll does show that we have work to do and that we need to continue to reach out to British Columbians from all walks of life," conceded organization director Nikki Hill. But "a poll this far from the next election is a snapshot of voter feeling...Despite the benefits of a global economic boom, many British Columbians are falling further behind...Gordon Campbell has spent an enormous amount in taxpayer dollars - billions - trying to convince people he has changed. The fact is he only paid attention to a few issues that matter to ordinary British Columbians when he was forced to by the NDP and when he was embarrassed by the media." The following is a complete copy of that email.

-----Original Message-----
From: Nikki Hill
Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2006 9:22 AM
To: Everyone
Subject: FW: Points to Note - Ipsos Reid

Last evening, Ipsos-Reid released a poll on Global showing the following support for BC's political parties.

BC Liberals 51 per cent. (up 8 points since March)
NDP 35 per cent (down 5 points since March)
Green 10 per cent (down 2 points since March)

Leader's Approvals

Campbell 52
James 53

Points to Note:

A poll this far from the next election is a snapshot of voter feeling.

But, this poll does show that we have work to do and that we need to continue to reach out to British Columbians from all walks of life.

Despite the benefits of a global economic boom, many British Columbians are falling further behind.

BC leads the country with the highest number of children and families living in poverty, patient care in hospitals has declined, interior communities are facing a very uncertain future, and British Columbians are growing frustrated with an increasingly secretive and arrogant Liberal government.

Gordon Campbell has spent an enormous amount in taxpayer dollars - billions - trying to convince people he has changed. The fact is he only paid attention to a few issues that matter to ordinary British Columbians when he was forced to by the NDP and when he was embarrassed by the media.

* We stopped cuts to emergency rooms and got more funding for healthcare in communities;
* We stopped cuts to emergency rooms and we've stood up for patients;
* We exposed 713 Children's Commission investigations shelved by the Liberal government and forced a review of child protection;
* We highlighted the friends and insiders being named to the Agricultural Land Commission. Because of that exposure, one such friend had his appointment rescinded;
* We forced the government to back off changes that would have made BC one of the most secretive governments in Canada;
* We exposed the failed softwood negotiating position that put forestry communities and jobs at risk;
* We exposed more than $100 million in hidden Olympic spending.
* We forced the government to back off changes that would have made BC one of the most secretive governments in Canada;