October 19, 1999 For Immediate Release

A major new survey will provide information on people's expectations for the next century, particularly as they relate to the development of northern British Columbia.

The University of Northern British Columbia's Institute for Social Research and Evaluation (ISRE) has just sent surveys to 8,000 people in British Columbia - 3,000 in southern BC and 5,000 in the north. The short questionnaire will glean information from people on a variety of issues:

• Expectations for various political, social, and economic developments
• Overall quality of life and satisfaction
• Health status
• Economic development opportunities
• Education

Results of the survey will allow researchers to compare views of BC residents in the North with those in the South and compare the results in BC with those in several other countries.

"The next 100 years will bring many changes: some will be surprising and others may be fairly predictable," says Alex Michalos, ISRE Director. "This survey will mark the first time northerners have ever been asked what their expectations are for the future and how this region can continue to move forward. Since much of the population of BC lives in the South, it's important to also hear their opinions about opportunities for northern development. More generally, this survey will capture people's attitudes on what will happen in the years ahead and whether they think those things will be good or bad."

People who receive a survey are asked to complete it and return it by November 19th. The results will be made public in the new year. The survey is being sponsored by UNBC and the Prince George Citizen newspaper.

The Institute for Social Research and Evaluation has also conducted local surveys on quality of life, crime, health, park usage and recreation, and seniors' services.