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Nicola Spurling

BC Greens candidate for Coquitlam-Maillardville

Affordability

Childcare

BC Greens's promises

Provide paid final practicums for teachers and Early Childhood Educators

"Provide paid final practicums for teachers and Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), offering financial support during their essential training periods." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create a universal funding model to reduce administrative burdens for providers

"Create a universal Early Childhood Education funding model to reduce administrative burdens for childcare providers, allowing them to focus on care. This model will address wage grids, space creation, licensing, staffing, and fee reduction initiatives." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Increase wages for Early Childhood Educators to $30-$40/hour by 2026

"Implement gradual increases to the ECE wage grid, and reach $30-40 per hour by 2026." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Ensure ECEs have access to pension plans and extended health benefits

Provide $250M to expand childcare spaces for children under 5

"Allocate at least $250 million to expand childcare space creation for children and infants under 5." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide $100M in new funding for renovations and additions to schools to create childcare spaces

"Provide $100 million in new funding to create a capital program within the Ministry of Education for renovations and additions to schools to support ECE space creation." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Expand availability of dedicated school-age childcare spaces across schools, and increase before and after school programme offerings

"Expand the availability of dedicated school-age care spaces across BC schools to meet the needs of working families.
Increase before and after school program offerings to provide flexible childcare solutions for families."

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Food costs

BC Greens's promise

Create a universal school food programme, with access regardless of family income

"Create a universal school food program ensuring all students, regardless of family income, have access to healthy meals." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

"Create a universal school food program that provides:

° Equal Access: Ensuring every child in British Columbia has access to healthy meals, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

° Nutritional Standards: Meals will meet nutritional guidelines to support children’s health and development.

° School and Community Collaboration: Work with schools, organizations, and local farmers to promote sustainable practices and educate children on healthy eating habits."

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Fuel and transportation costs

BC Greens's promise

Make all public transit free

"We will implement a free public transit system for all people in British Columbia." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Post-secondary costs and loans

BC Greens's promises

Increase BC Access Grant, and extend eligibility to graduate students

"Increase the amount students can receive through the BC Access Grant and extend eligibility to graduate students to reduce financial barriers." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Work with Student Aid BC to make more professions eligible for student loan forgiveness

"Collaborate with Student Aid BC to expand the list of professions eligible for student loan forgiveness, targeting in-demand occupations and underserved communities." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Poverty

BC Greens's promises

Approximately double social assistance rates

"Raise social assistance rates to ensure that individuals can meet their basic living expenses and live above the poverty line." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Single person: $1,060 -> $2,400

Person and a spouse with no children: $1,650 -> $3,450

Single parent with one child: $1,405 -> $2,900

Person and a spouse and one child: $1,845 -> $3,450

Increase disability assistance rates

"Increase disability assistance rates to provide adequate support for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can thrive in their communities." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Single person: $1,483.50 -> $2,400

Person and a spouse with no children: $2,548.50 -> $3,450

Single parent with one child: $1,828.50 -> $2,900

Person and a spouse and one child: $2,268.50 -> $3,450

Remove clawbacks on social and disability assistance

"Remove clawbacks, including the spousal cap, to ensure individuals receive the full support they need." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Remove intrusive checks into people seeking social or disability assistance

"Create low-barrier access to assistance, eliminating intrusive checks that discourage individuals from seeking help." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Ensure a year of guaranteed assistance upon first receipt of social or disability assistance

"Ensure a year of guaranteed assistance upon first receipt, allowing individuals to assess their needs without the burden of constant checks and reporting."

Reduce regular reporting requirements after the first year on social or disability assistance to ease recipients' administrative burden

"Reduce regular reporting requirements after the first year to ease the administrative burden on recipients." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Raise the food crisis grant from $40/mo to $200/mo

"Raise the food crisis grant from $40 per month to $200 per month to better support individuals facing food insecurity." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Develop a poverty reduction plan tailored for Indigenous people

"Develop a poverty reduction plan tailored to Indigenous individuals, families, and Nations, addressing the systemic impacts of genocide and dispossession." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Fund Indigenous-specific services, including reintegration programmes for incarcerated Indigenous women, addiction support, and childcare

"Fund Indigenous-specific services in social service areas, including reintegration programs for incarcerated Indigenous women, addiction support, and childcare." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Invest in specific programmes for youth aging out of care, women fleeing violence, people with disabilities, and the long-term unemployed

"Invest in programs for specific groups such as youth aging out of care, women fleeing violence, people with disabilities, and those who are long-term unemployed." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Public transit

BC Greens's promises

Make all public transit free

"We will implement a free public transit system for all people in British Columbia." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide at least hourly service for key bus routes, and at least four services per day on all other routes

Double the number of buses in 3 years, and triple within 6

Provide immediate funding for TransLink to maintain and expand service levels in 2025

Require government to spend as much on public transit, walking, and cycling as highway infrastructure and operations

"We will require the Government to spend at least as much on public transit, walking, and cycling as on highway infrastructure and operations.

Reduce the subsidy that car drivers receive to promote equitable transportation funding."

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Establish an all-party Parliamentary Committee to determine sustainable transport funding

"We will establish an all-party Parliamentary Committee for sustainable transport funding.

The Committee will gather expert opinions to create a non-partisan mechanism for funding transport infrastructure and operations, ensuring a comprehensive network for trains, ferries, buses, bikes, trucks, and cars."

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Seniors' benefits

BC Greens's promises

Increase thresholds for Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters to $45K for single individuals and $50K for couples

"We will increase the thresholds for SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters) to provide greater monthly rental assistance for low-income seniors. The thresholds will be raised to $45,000 for single individuals and $50,000 for couples, ensuring more seniors qualify for support." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Apply vacancy control to assisted living, including additional fees for services, to limit rent and fee increases between tenants

"We will apply vacancy control to assisted living, including the additional fees for services, to protect seniors from rent increases and extra charges." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Tax measures and rebates

BC Greens's promises

Do a systemic review of the entire tax and transfer system

"The BC Greens would undertake a systematic review of British Columbia’s entire tax and transfer system.

• This would look not just at what is and isn’t taxed and to what extent, but also how the system treats different groups, including both census families and individuals.

• It would consider where our tax take is on the Laffer curve, and what the incentives are for both high income individuals and companies." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Introduce an additional 22.5% marginal tax rate on incomes over $350,000

"The BC Greens would introduce an additional marginal tax rate of incomes over $350,000 per year, of 22.5%. This would impact 39,936 tax filers, with an average income of $935,090. The additional revenue raised is $394.5 million." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Climate Change & the Environment

Carbon price

BC Greens's promises

Increase the industrial price on carbon and use the tax to fund climate action and preparedness in communities

"Increase the industrial carbon tax and redirect revenue from industrial carbon pricing to fund climate action in communities." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

"Connect carbon tax revenue directly to community climate action initiatives, including diking system improvements and wildfire prevention measures." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

"Remove the annual emissions limits for industry, established under the output-based pricing system. Every tonne (or liter) emitted will be subject to the same fee regime.

• Include emissions relating to venting and noncompression and non-processing activities in the oil and gas sector.

• Continue the oversight of emissions through the GGIRCA, including the requirement for third-party verification of emissions from industrial polluters.

• End the use of compliance mechanisms and carbon offsets."

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Continue with planned increases to the carbon price, by $15/year, and continue to rebate it back to British Columbians

"Continue with planned increases to the price of emissions, by $15 per year. The price is currently $80 per tonne. We will increase this to $95 in 2025, $110 in 2026, $125 in 2027, etc." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Climate adaptation

BC Greens's promises

Safeguard existing green spaces and expand urban tree canopy with targets and legal protections

Require cooling systems in existing rental buildings

"Introduce measures to protect renters, including requiring cooling systems in existing rental buildings or setting a maximum allowable temperature for rental units." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Set a maximum allowable temperature for rental units

Rebuild buildings and infrastructure to withstand potential disasters and climate change impacts

Ban construction in disaster-prone areas

Negotiate with the federal government to create a dedicated funding stream for community resilience projects

"Negotiate with the federal government to create a dedicated funding stream for community resilience projects, including neighbourhood-level emergency preparedness and resilience-building programs." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Fund the BC Flood Strategy by 2027 to protect floodplain communities and agricultural land from climate-related flooding risks

Conservation and environmental protection

BC Greens's promises

Hold industry to higher standards for environmental protection

"• Require measures to protect and restore biodiversity and ecosystem health where necessary.

• Improve decision-making for industrial projects by holding industry to higher standards." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Protect 30% of land and water by 2030

"Achieve 30% land and water protection by 2030, in consultation with First Nations." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Establish Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas

"Work with Indigenous communities to establish Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), fully upholding those declared by First Nations." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Strengthen and fund BC's park system, create new provincial parks, and expand camping and recreation opportunities

Immediately enact Species at Risk legislation

"Immediately enact Species at Risk legislation to safeguard vulnerable species." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Allocate $120M to fish and wildlife programmes over 3 years

Invest $50M in a Youth Climate Corps to provide good-paying jobs for youth in restoring and protecting natural systems

Invest in Indigenous-led conservation and Indigenous Guardians programmes

Increase bonding rates for industry, and raise fines to deter reckless behaviour

"Increase bonding rates for industry to account for worst-case scenarios and raise fines to deter reckless behaviour." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Reduce industry's access to government during decision-making processes

"Address industry’s disproportionate access to government in decision-making processes." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Make more projects undergo mandatory environmental assessments

"Lower thresholds for mandatory environmental assessments and close loopholes that allow projects to avoid assessments." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Recognise the Conservation Service as a Law Enforcement Service with the same oversight mechanisms as other policing bodies

"We will formally recognize the Conservation Service as a Law Enforcement Service and apply the same oversight mechanisms as other policing bodies to ensure accountability and public trust." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Increase oversight and independence of the BC Conservation Office Service and other Natural Resource Compliance Officers

Provide long-term, stable funding and support long-term employment in nature based solutions

"Shift to long-term, stable funding for nature-based solutions.
Support long-term employment and governance in line with community goals and priorities."

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Disasters

BC Greens's promises

Ensure there are enough paid, trained professionals ready to manage disasters

"Ensure there are enough paid, trained professionals available to manage disasters from mitigation to recovery." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Maintain strong relationships between First Nations, local governments, and emergency management agencies

"Establish and maintain strong relationships between First Nations, local governments and emergency management agencies, including BC Wildfire Service." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Ensure local authorities and First Nations have the resources and authority to prepare and respond to emergencies, and use local expertise

"Ensure local authorities and First Nations have the capacity, resources, and authority to prepare and respond effectively to emergencies." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

"Utilize local expertise to enhance disaster preparedness and response efforts." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide ongoing funding and resources for First Nations and local governments to assess risks and vulnerabilities

"Provide ongoing funding and resources for First Nations and local governments to conduct comprehensive hazard risk and vulnerability assessments." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Ensure timely and accurate information is communicated to the public during emergencies

Ensure reception centres are accessible and supports are available for all evacuees, including for economic, cultural, and practical needs

"Ensure reception centers are accessible and supports are available for all evacuees. Ensure economic, cultural, and practical needs are met for evacuees." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Address gaps in the emergency support system, and develop a plan for assisting people who are displaced long-term

"Identify and address gaps in the emergency support system. Develop a plan to assist individuals facing long-term displacement due to disasters." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Prioritise responding to extreme weather that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and Indigenous Peoples

"Prioritize responses to extreme weather events that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and Indigenous Peoples." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Emphasise a "build back better" approach to recovery and reconstruction

"Emphasize the “build back better” approach to recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Rebuild buildings and infrastructure to withstand potential disasters and climate change impacts

Ban construction in disaster-prone areas

Integrate mental health support into disaster recovery

"Integrate mental health support and address long-term displacement issues." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Negotiate with the federal government to create a dedicated funding stream for community resilience projects

Foster community engagement and participation before disasters occur

"Foster community engagement and participation before disasters occur to strengthen preparedness." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Electric vehicles

BC Greens's promises

Expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the province

"Expand the EV charging infrastructure across BC to support the growing number of electric vehicles and facilitate their use in rural and urban areas." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Set sales targets for electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and introduce purchase requirements

"Set sales targets for MHDVs and introduce fleet purchase requirements to accelerate the shift towards electric vehicles in the province." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Make sure rebates for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles goes to small fleets

"Adjust rebates for zero-emission MHDVs to ensure funding goes to small fleets." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Extend financial incentives for electric vehicles to EV retrofits for conventional vehicles

"Support the conversion of gasoline and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles by extending financial incentives to EV retrofits, ensuring that older vehicles can also contribute to emissions reductions." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Forestry industry

BC Greens's promises

Zone BC's forests into three broad categories: Primary forests, restoration in secondary forests, and second-growth forests for timber

"Zone BC’s forests into three broad categories:

1. Primary forests

2. Restoration in secondary forests

3. Second-growth forests managed for timber production"

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Reduce the Annual Allowable Cut to ecologically and economically sustainable levels

Stop clearcut industrial logging and adopt different logging practices

"Stop clearcut industrial logging and adopt logging practices that emulate natural disturbance regimes, such as selective logging, commercial thinning, and longer stand rotations."

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Defer harvesting in the most at-risk old growth forests

"Defer harvesting in the most at-risk old growth forests, as outlined by the Old Growth Technical Advisory Panel." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Improve Ministry of Forests transparency

"Direct Ministry of Forests staff to improve transparency in government announcements, reporting, and monitoring. Make information about forests and logging accessible and current— including updated maps and data." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Ban pellet mills from converting trees logged in primary or old-growth forests into wood pellets

"Strictly prohibit pellet mills from converting trees logged in primary or old growth forests into wood pellets. Define ‘waste’ for pellet mills to ensure ecosystem health is protected." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Increase the number of community forests, and remove the requirement for community forests to maintain the Annual Allowable Cut

"Expand the community forest program by increasing the number and size of community forests to promote wildfire protection, rural development, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships. Remove the requirement for community forests to maintain the Annual Allowable Cut." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Maximise value-added production from available timber supply

"Ensure maximization of value-added production from available timber supply, prioritizing small value-added producers. Aim to allocate 30%- 50% of current available volume for value-added production as a short-term goal." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Review the tenure and appraisal system to encourage best practices and partial cutting

"Review the tenure and appraisal system to encourage best practices and partial cutting in forestry." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Begin a process of tenure reform to redistribute tenures from large corporations

"Begin a process of tenure reform to redistribute tenures from large corporations. Increase the proportion of tenures held by First Nations and community forests." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Ensure revenues flow directly to local communities

"Ensure resource revenue benefits flow directly to local communities by sharing more revenues with First Nations, municipalities, and regional districts." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Fund training and upskilling programmes to support workers finding new job opportunities

End raw log exports and disallow the export of rough sawn wood without penalty

"End raw log exports and close regulatory loopholes that allow the export of rough sawn wood without penalty." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Forests and forest conservation

BC Greens's promises

Immediately set conserving ecosystem health and biodiversity of forests as an overarching priority, with timber supply being one benefit

"Immediately establish conservation of ecosystem health and biodiversity of BC’s forests as an overarching priority, with timber supply being one benefit (for more information, see our Environment plank)" — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Establish a Chief Ecologist as a counterpart to the Chief Forester

"Establish a Chief Ecologist as a counterpart to the Chief Forester to ensure multiple values are adequately incorporated into timber supply analysis and other decision-making" — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Zone BC's forests into three broad categories: Primary forests, restoration in secondary forests, and second-growth forests for timber

"Zone BC’s forests into three broad categories:

1. Primary forests

2. Restoration in secondary forests

3. Second-growth forests managed for timber production"

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Reduce the Annual Allowable Cut to ecologically and economically sustainable levels

Fund and prioritise Forest Landscape Plans and Modernised Land Use Planning processes

Stop clearcut industrial logging and adopt different logging practices

"Stop clearcut industrial logging and adopt logging practices that emulate natural disturbance regimes, such as selective logging, commercial thinning, and longer stand rotations."

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Amend the Private Managed Forest Land Act to ensure basic ecological and cultural protections on private land

Implement all 14 recommendations of the Old Growth Strategic Review in partnership with First Nations

Defer harvesting in the most at-risk old growth forests

"Defer harvesting in the most at-risk old growth forests, as outlined by the Old Growth Technical Advisory Panel." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Fully fund the protection of old forests, and compensate First Nations for any lost revenues due to deferrals

Implement targets for old and mature forest retention

"Implement effective targets for old and mature forest retention, and improve riparian protection province-wide, as an interim strategy before Forest Landscape Planning is finalized." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Improve Ministry of Forests transparency

Ban pellet mills from converting trees logged in primary or old-growth forests into wood pellets

Dedicate funds to acquiring private land to protect old growth forests

"Dedicate funds for private land acquisition to protect old growth forests on private lands." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Green construction and retrofits

BC Greens's promises

Promote conservation, efficiency, and lower-carbon designs and materials in construction

"Reduce emissions in the building sector by promoting conservation, efficiency, and lower- carbon design and materials." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Start rebate programmes to incentivise energy retrofits

"Develop new rebate programs to incentivize deep energy retrofits for housing providers, tenants, and landlords, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep rents low." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide financial support for households who can't afford upfront capital costs of zero-carbon technologies like heat pumps

"Provide financial support to households that cannot afford the upfront capital costs of zero-carbon technologies, such as heat pumps, to promote sustainable housing." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require cooling systems in existing rental buildings

Provide rebates for electric heat pumps and increase their availability

"Provide rebates for electric heat pumps to support the transition to clean, energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

"Rapidly increase the availability of heat pumps, focusing on low-income households to ensure equitable access to these energy-saving technologies." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Prevent oil and gas hookups in new buildings

"Implement a province-wide policy to prevent oil and gas hookups in new buildings, accelerating the transition to clean energy in the housing sector." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Promote passive solar design, higher insulation levels, heat pumps, and smart thermostats for new buildings

"Enhance energy efficiency in new buildings by promoting passive solar design, higher insulation levels, heat pumps, and smart thermostats to reduce energy use." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create a programme for young people & apprentices to upskill in retrofitting & improving the environmental sustainability of existing homes

"We will work with the construction industry to create a program for young people and apprentices to upskill in retrofitting and improving the environmental sustainabillity of existing buildings." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require the use of low-global-warming-potential and PFAs-free refrigerants

"Revise regulations to mandate the use of low- global-warming-potential (GWP) and PFAs-free refrigerants, promoting safer and more sustainable cooling practices." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Inter-city transportation

BC Greens's promise

Determine next steps to bring rail back to Vancouver Island

Mining and minerals

BC Greens's promises

Create an integrated and independent environmental compliance and enforcement regime

"Create an integrated and independent compliance and enforcement regime for the Ministry of Energy and Mines." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Modernise staking regimes to respect Indigenous rights and reduce risks for watersheds and communities

"Modernize BC’s mining and mineral staking regimes to respect Indigenous rights and reduce risks to our watersheds and communities." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Modernise the Mineral Tenure Act

"Modernize the Mineral Tenure Act to ensure it reflects current environmental, social and Indigenous rights concerns." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create a fund from levies on industry to mitigate the costs of mining pollution and disaster, including rehabilitating abandoned mines

"Establish an industry-levied fund to mitigate the costs of mining pollution and disasters, including the rehabilitation of abandoned mines." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide a robust inspection and audit process for the mining industry

"Enhance oversight of the mining industry through a robust inspection and audit process." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Designate certain areas, including salmon rivers, as off-limits to mining

Prioritise transition minerals in mining, and ensure benefits flow to communities and First Nations

"Engage in a conversation about the future of critical minerals in BC. Prioritize transition minerals in mining. Ensure that benefits flow to communities and First Nations, not just shareholders." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Oil and gas development

BC Greens's promises

Stop permitting new fracking wells

Set a date to phase out gas production by

Prohibit any new LNG projects

Stop permitting new pipelines and allow the 2014 environmental certificate for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline to expire

"Stop permitting new pipelines. Direct the BC Environmental Assessment Office to allow the 2014 environmental certificate for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline to expire." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Commission a comprehensive, independent health impact assessment on the health effects of Liquified Natural Gas extraction and fracking

Introduce a windfall profits tax on oil and gas companies

End all subsidies and public financing for fossil fuel infrastructure, and reallocate towards renewable energy

"End all subsidies and public financing for fossil fuel infrastructure, including capital cost recovery and discounted electricity rates for LNG facilities.

Reallocate subsidies and public financing from fossil fuels towards renewable energy development and production."

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

"We will stop public funds from being used for BC Hydro infrastructure that supports LNG projects. Existing LNG projects will be required to cover their own electricity generation and transmission costs, prioritizing BC’s energy resources for residential use and sustainable industries." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Accelerate the target of near-zero methane emissions from oil and gas

"Accelerate BC’s target of near-zero methane emissions from the oil and gas sector." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Eliminate venting and flaring, and compressor emissions

Review the province's methane regulations by the end of 2027 to align with global best practices

Ban oil and gas advertisements

Pollution

BC Greens's promises

Eliminate loopholes allowing large industries to pollute or cause climate damage

"Eliminate loopholes that allow large industries to pollute and cause climate damage." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Ban the use of glyphosate and other chemical herbicides

Monitor and regulate air quality, both indoors and outdoors, especially in places frequented by vulnerable groups

"Monitor and regulate air quality in both indoor and outdoor environments, particularly in places frequented by vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant people, those with pre-existing health conditions, and the elderly." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Invest in clean air centres in every community

"Invest in clean air centres in every community to provide safe environments during air quality emergencies, ensuring they have appropriate and safe levels of air filtration and air conditioning. Ensure clean air centres are equipped to meet the needs of the community, providing water, food, beds, access to Wi-Fi and other essential services." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide funding for people to purchase portable air cleaners with HEPA filters

"Make clean air accessible to people in their homes by providing funding to purchase portable air cleaners with HEPA filters." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require existing infrastructure for vulnerable populations is retrofitted with air filters

"Mandate that existing infrastructure for vulnerable populations- including, assisted care facilities, childcare centres, and schools - are retrofitted with air filters." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require new buildings to have safe levels of air filtration and cooling

"Require new buildings to have safe levels of air filtration and cooling and standardize this across the province." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Ensure employers and operators adhere to regulations to ensure air quality standards are met

"Ensure employers and operators adhere to regulations in order to ensure safe air quality standards are met." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Power generation

BC Greens's promises

Create a procurement timetable for renewable energy projects with defined annual targets and parameters

"Establish a renewable procurement timetable for renewable energy projects with defined annual procurement targets and parameters." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Invest in research and development of geothermal energy production

"Invest in research and development of geothermal energy production. Investigate a technology transfer from oil and gas drilling to geothermal energy production." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Invest $20M/year in training programmes to address skills shortages in the renewable energy sector and retrain oil and gas workers

"Invest $20 million annually for education and training programs to address the skills shortage in the renewable energy sector and to retrain oil and gas workers. Invest in a BC Clean Energy Institute in Northwest BC to drive innovation and training." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Invest $20M annually in small-scale distributed solar

"Invest $20 million annually in small-scale distributed solar projects, with a goal of having solar account for 15% of electricity generation by 2035. Ensure these projects are economically viable and accessible to low- and moderate-income households." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Expand the Community Net Metering programme to allow people to receive credits on their electricity bills for solar energy produced

"Expand the Community Net Metering program to allow British Columbians to own a share of community-scale solar energy production, receiving credits on their electricity bills for the energy produced." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Expand funding for the Community Energy Diesel Reduction programme to help Indigenous communities transition off diesel for power generation

"Expand funding for the Community Energy Diesel Reduction program to help Indigenous communities transition off diesel and connect to clean power and storage solutions" — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require at least 50% equity ownership for First Nations in large renewable energy projects

"Mandate a minimum of 50% equity ownership for First Nations in large renewable energy projects." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Prioritise renewable energy projects under the First Nations Equity Financing Framework

"Prioritize renewable energy projects under the First Nations Equity Financing Framework, ensuring these projects are not competing with oil and gas industry projects for resources." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Appoint a single regulatory authority for First Nations energy projects, so as to streamline approval

"Simplify and expedite the permitting process by appointing a single regulatory authority within the Ministry of Energy." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Invest in expanding energy storage capacity and improving electricity distribution

"Invest in expanding energy storage capacity and improving electricity distribution to support a more efficient and resilient renewable energy grid." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create a real-time public dashboard showing BC Hydro data on electricity production, usage, imports, and exports

"Implement a real-time public dashboard at BC Hydro, showing data on electricity production, usage, imports, and exports for British Columbia." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Public transit

BC Greens's promises

Make all public transit free

"We will implement a free public transit system for all people in British Columbia." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide at least hourly service for key bus routes, and at least four services per day on all other routes

Double the number of buses in 3 years, and triple within 6

Provide immediate funding for TransLink to maintain and expand service levels in 2025

Require government to spend as much on public transit, walking, and cycling as highway infrastructure and operations

"We will require the Government to spend at least as much on public transit, walking, and cycling as on highway infrastructure and operations.

Reduce the subsidy that car drivers receive to promote equitable transportation funding."

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Establish an all-party Parliamentary Committee to determine sustainable transport funding

"We will establish an all-party Parliamentary Committee for sustainable transport funding.

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

BC Greens's promises

Develop a new Climate Action Plan

"Develop a new Climate Action Plan, ensuring emission reduction targets are supported by measurable actions." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Convene leading scientists and clean energy experts to identify innovative approaches for reducing emissions

"Convene leading scientists and clean energy experts to identify innovative approaches for enhancing BC’s emissions reductions." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Review and update climate targets regularly as science evolves

"Review and update climate pollution targets regularly as climate science evolves to ensure effective action." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Fully implement the oil and gas emissions cap

"Fully implement the oil and gas emissions cap as a backstop to upcoming federal regulations to meet or exceed BC’s oil and gas emissions targets." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Ensure carbon offsets are not used to expand fossil fuel infrastructure

Create a carbon offset policy based on the principles of the Science Based Targets Initiative

Walkable, bikable communities

BC Greens's promises

Safeguard existing green spaces and expand urban tree canopy with targets and legal protections

Require government to spend as much on public transit, walking, and cycling as highway infrastructure and operations

"We will require the Government to spend at least as much on public transit, walking, and cycling as on highway infrastructure and operations.

Reduce the subsidy that car drivers receive to promote equitable transportation funding."

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Water and watersheds

BC Greens's promises

Regulate the ship breaking industry to protect coastal habitats from harmful practices for disposing of old ships

"Regulate the shipbreaking industry to protect coastal habitats from harmful practices." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide $100M to create and support watershed boards in every community, and commit $100M

"Create and support watershed boards in every community. These boards will be granted authority over decisions that affect watershed security and will serve as collaborative platforms where First Nations and local stakeholders - farmers, industry representatives, commercial users, and environmental stewards - can collaboratively manage and conserve their local water sources.

We will commit $100 million to fund the establishment and ongoing support of watershed boards across the province, ensuring their sustainability and effectiveness." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Set clear environmental and critical flow thresholds to safeguard water ecosystems

"Set clear environmental and critical flow thresholds to safeguard water ecosystems and ensure sustainable water use across the province." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Implement stronger protections and monitoring to prevent contamination and overuse of drinking water

"Safeguard drinking water sources by implementing stronger protections and monitoring to prevent contamination and overuse." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require industries to accurately report their water use and watershed state

"Require industries to accurately report their water use and provide state-of-the-watershed reporting, improving transparency and resource management." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Grant amnesty to farmers and long-standing water users who missed previous deadlines, letting them apply for water licenses before new users

Update the "first-in-time, first-in-right" principle

"Update the “first-in-time, first-in-right” principle to reflect modern realities, ensuring allocations are adaptable and durable." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Give local watershed boards a role in critical water-use decisions

"Empower local watershed boards to have a role in critical water-use decisions." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Improve the Ministry of Environment's ability to administer penalties

"Improve the Ministry of Environment’s ability to administer penalties, enhancing compliance with water use regulations and protecting water resources." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Use federal funding to create a $1B endowment for the BC Watershed Security Fund, and provide $75M/annually of provincial funding

"Leverage federal funding to create a $1 billion endowment for the BC Watershed Security Fund. The fund will support community planning, decision-making functions, and natural defenses against floods, fires, droughts, and contamination.

Provide $75 million annually to the BC Watershed Security Fund to ensure sustainable, long-term investment in watershed management." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require municipalities install water meters to track water usage

"Mandate that municipalities install water meters to track water usage, ensuring accountability and promoting conservation." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Build more water storage reservoirs and bolster wetlands to improve water retention and resilience against drought

"Invest in building more water storage reservoirs and bolster wetlands to enhance water retention and resilience against drought." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Protect the province's water resources to ensure long-term water security

Increase water rental rates, and commit to an ongoing, comprehensive review of rates

"• Increase water rental rates to reflect the true ecological costs of water extraction in BC.

• Commit to an ongoing, comprehensive review of water rental rates to ensure they remain fair and reflective of ecological values."

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Suspend all non-essential industrial water uses, including fracking and water bottling, during periods of severe drought

"Suspend all non-essential industrial water uses, including fracking and water bottling, during periods of severe drought to prioritize essential water needs." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Mandate treatment and increased reuse of fracking wastewater to minimise the use of fresh water in fracking

"Mandate the treatment and increased reuse of fracking wastewater to minimize the use of fresh water in fracking operations." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Use stricter standards for disposal wells and require ongoing testing of water systems affected by oil and gas operations

"Implement stricter standards for disposal wells and require baseline and ongoing testing of water systems affected by oil and gas operations." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Transfer water licensing and permitting authority back to the Water Stewardship Branch

"Transfer water licensing and permitting authority back to the Water Stewardship Branch, ending preferential treatment for oil and gas companies and ensuring stricter oversight." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Wildfires

BC Greens's promises

Dedicate $100M/year for preventive and harm-reduction measures, including fuel management treatments to mitigate wildfire risks

"Dedicate $100 million in annual funding for preventative and harm-reduction measures, including fuel management treatments to mitigate wildfire risks." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

"Increase the scale of fuel treatments, such as forest thinning and fuel removal, to reduce fire hazards." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Improve communication about wildfires

"Improve communication about wildfires through engagement, better live updates, more trusted information and more detailed coverage." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Fully implement all recommendations from the Abbot Chapman report to improve firefighting strategies and community safety

Build on FireSmart and wildland urban interface management programmes

"Build on FireSmart and wildland urban interface management programs to foster neighborhood resilience against wildfires." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide funding and technical assistance to private landowners to improve wildfire preparedness

"Provide funding and technical assistance to private landowners to improve outreach and wildfire preparedness." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Hire additional seasonal and year-round firefighters to ensure adequate staffing

Invest $50M/year in community safety and firefighting responses

Implement strategies addressing firefighter recruitment and retention issues

"Implement strategies to fix recruitment and retention issues within the firefighting community." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Incorporate local knowledge into first responders' training

"Enhance agency capacity and resources for local firefighting teams to improve response effectiveness. Incorporate local knowledge into first responders’ training." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Ensure access to mental health support for survivors of wildfires and firefighters

Expand the use of prescribed and cultural burning

"Expand the use of prescribed and cultural burning while supporting Indigenous fire stewardship practices." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Mandate that industry adopt better practices to enhance forest resilience, including fuel thinning and removal

Proactively engage communities to build trust, educate, and empower local decisions on wildfire management

"• Proactively engage communities to build trust, educate, and empower local decisions regarding wildfire management.

• Invest in initiatives that support communities and build social cohesion to enhance resilience.

• Develop and implement place-based solutions tailored to local needs and conditions.

• Establish a new cooperative and collaborative approach to wildfire management that includes all levels of government—Indigenous, local, and federal.

• Engage industry, civil society, local experts, non- government organizations, and citizens to leverage diverse resources and knowledge for adapting to landscape and wildfire challenges."

— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Education