This is a page from the 2024 British Columbia general election.
Looking for a different election? Click here.

Share this profile

Chris Hergesheimer

BC Greens candidate for Powell River-Sunshine Coast

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
  1. "Expand the availability of dedicated school-age care spaces across BC schools to meet the needs of working families.
  2. 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

"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

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
  1. "Shift to long-term, stable funding for nature-based solutions.
  2. 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

"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

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

"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

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

"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

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.

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

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

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

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

K-12 funding

BC Greens's promises

Modernise operational funding and increase grants for school districts

"Modernize operational funding and increase grants for school districts to ensure every school has the resources to meet instructional and student support needs." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Increase provincial funding for community schools

"Increase provincial funding support for community schools, which serve as spaces for community connection and make use of public buildings outside school hours." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

K-12 learning needs

BC Greens's promises

Increase the number of Education Assistants in classrooms and provide regulation tools for students

"Provide additional funding to increase the number of Education Assistants (EAs) in classrooms, provide regulation tools for students, and continue individualized autism funding. Invest in early identification and diagnosis, ensuring neurodiverse students receive appropriate support throughout their education." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Ensure Education Assistants receive fair compensation and increased hours

"Ensure Educational Assistants (EAs) receive fair compensation and increased hours, ensuring they earn a living wage and have job security." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create province-wide inclusive education policies

"Work with education partners to create province- wide inclusive education policies, ensuring equitable access to education for all students." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create a sustainable funding model for organisations that address student needs

"Establish a sustainable funding model for organizations addressing diverse student needs, such as the Take a Hike Foundation, to ensure long- term support." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Ensure every school district has sufficient funding for accessible recreation programmes

"Ensure every school district has sufficient funding to provide accessible recreation programs. Invest in outdoor education to promote leadership skills and confidence in youth." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Expand school accessibility to include neurodiverse needs, including autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, and Tourette's

"Expand the discussion of accessibility to include neurodiverse individuals, such as those with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia and Tourette’s. Create environments that are inclusive of all abilities and accommodate the needs of all individuals, including those with down syndrome." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create environments that accommodate the needs of all students, including those with down syndrome

"Expand the discussion of accessibility to include neurodiverse individuals, such as those with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia and Tourette’s. Create environments that are inclusive of all abilities and accommodate the needs of all individuals, including those with down syndrome." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

K-12 staffing

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

Simply the certification process for teachers from other provinces or countries
Develop bursaries for educators who serve in remote districts, and increase funding for rural and remote teacher education programmes

"Develop bursaries for educators who commit to serving in remote districts, and increase funding for rural and remote teacher education programs to address workforce shortages." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide loan forgiveness programmes for teachers, Early Childhood Educators, and Educational Assistants

"Pursue loan forgiveness programs for teachers, ECEs, and EAs as part of broader post-secondary support initiatives (see: Post-Secondary Education section)." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Increase the number of Education Assistants in classrooms and provide regulation tools for students

"Provide additional funding to increase the number of Education Assistants (EAs) in classrooms, provide regulation tools for students, and continue individualized autism funding. Invest in early identification and diagnosis, ensuring neurodiverse students receive appropriate support throughout their education." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

LGBTQ+ students

BC Greens's promise

Continue supporting and expanding the SOGI 123 initiative to create inclusive school environments that support LGBTQ+ students

"Continue supporting and expanding the SOGI 123 initiative to create inclusive school environments that support LGBTQ+ students and address issues of gender identity and sexual orientation." — 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

Post-secondary institutions

BC Greens's promises

Create a dedicated funding stream for First Nations-mandated institutions

"Create a dedicated funding stream for First Nations-mandated institutes, providing Indigenous language programming and culturally relevant education for Indigenous students in rural and remote areas." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Set the 11 minimum standards identified by Students for Consent Culture to improve campus safety

"Amend the act to include the 11 minimum standards identified by Students for Consent Culture to improve campus safety." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide $5M/year to support sexual violence prevention offices and initiatives at post-secondary institutions

"Provide $5 million annually to support the operation of sexual violence prevention offices and initiatives at post-secondary institutions." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Prevent the misuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements by post-secondary institutions

"Implement measures and legislation to prevent the misuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) by post-secondary institutions, ensuring transparency and accountability." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

School construction and upgrades

BC Greens's promises

Reform management of school facilities

"Undertake comprehensive reforms in facilities management to ensure all schools meet high standards of safety, functionality, and climate resilience." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create pre-approved, universal, climate-resilient school building designs

"Collaborate across ministries and the construction industry to create pre-approved universal school building designs, which will be reevaluated every 10 years to ensure they meet climate-resilient standards." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

School curriculum

BC Greens's promises

Ensure educators have resources to impart critical thinking skills and teach about electoral systems, citizenship, & critical recent history

"Ensure educators have the resources to equip students with critical thinking skills and knowledge about: our electoral systems and the responsibilities of citizenship, the World Wars, the Holocaust, the Nakba, the Cold War, apartheid South Africa, human rights movements, impacts of colonialism, and other critical moments in history. Young people are graduating into a rapidly changing world and need to be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and understanding to navigate a growing volume of disinformation and misinformation." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide robust learning resources for Indigenous and French languages, as well as American Sign Language

"Provide robust learning resources for Indigenous and French languages, as well as American Sign Language, ensuring diverse language education options." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Develop guides for digital literacy

"Develop guides for digital literacy, preparing students for an increasingly digital world." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Continue supporting and expanding the SOGI 123 initiative to create inclusive school environments that support LGBTQ+ students

"Continue supporting and expanding the SOGI 123 initiative to create inclusive school environments that support LGBTQ+ students and address issues of gender identity and sexual orientation." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

School nutrition

BC Greens's promises

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

Ensure school meals meet nutritional guidelines

"Ensure school meals meet comprehensive nutritional guidelines to support children’s health and development." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Student mental health

BC Greens's promises

Increase the counsellor-to-student ratio

"Increase the counsellor-to-student ratio in school districts to provide better mental health support for students." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide additional funding to hire more psychologists, counsellors, and social workers for schools

"Allocate additional provincial funding to hire more school psychologists, counsellors, and social workers across BC schools." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Trades

BC Greens's promise

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

Health & Healthcare

Cancer care and cancer risks

BC Greens's promises

Make all vaccines, including the HPV vaccine, available to everyone, at no cost
Remove sales of tobacco from all pharmacies
Ban all advertising of vaping and nicotine products

Diagnostic and procedure wait-times

BC Greens's promise

Create a single-entry team-based model for surgery referrals

"Centralize referrals for surgeries and team-based models of non-surgical and pre-surgical care by introducing a single-entry model, reducing wait times and supporting patients more effectively." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Drugs and addiction

BC Greens's promises

Regulate substance use treatment

"Create an evidence-based standard of care for all substance use treatment services, informed by experts and community leaders." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

"Ensure that individuals working on the frontlines and those with lived experience of substance use are valued in decision-making processes." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require that service providers give comprehensive data and robust reporting on outcomes to receive public funding

"Regulate substance use treatment in BC, and ensure that any public funding for treatment comes with a requirement that the service provider gives comprehensive data and robust reporting on outcomes." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require all public hospitals to have spaces for safe, supervised consumption of substances, including by inhalation

"Require all public hospitals to include spaces for safe, supervised consumption of substances, with capacity for inhalation." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Ensure all shelters that allow substance use have spaces for safe inhalation
Expand supervised consumption services and evaluate mobile overdose prevention services

"Continue the expansion of supervised consumption services and evaluate mobile overdose prevention services to reduce access barriers." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Extend service hours for overdose prevention sites, aiming for 24-hour availability

"Work with providers to extend service hours for overdose prevention sites, aiming for 24-hour availability." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Allocate annual funding for existing drug-checking services, and expand drug-checking services to in underserved areas

"Allocate annual funding for existing drug-checking services to ensure their sustainability." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Mandate all schools provide evidence-based, age-appropriate information on drugs and substance use
Expand the range of substances available through prescribed safer supply and Opioid Agonist Treatment
Expand prescribing of diacetylmorphine

"Begin the expansion of diacetylmorphine prescribing based on evidence from the NAOMI trials." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Evaluate a demedicalised model for regulated alternatives to the toxic drug supply
Work with pharmaceutical companies to manufacture diacetylmorphine and intranasal naloxone in BC
  1. "Partner with health professionals and pharmaceutical companies to create a made-in-BC solution for diacetylmorphine production.
  2. Provide funding for BC pharmaceutical companies to manufacture intranasal naloxone locally."

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

Match investments in bed-based treatment care with community-based outpatient substance use treatment services
Work with local governments and the federal government to pursue decriminalisation, with safe consumption sites and housing available

"Collaborate with local partners and the federal government to pursue decriminalization, ensuring the development of necessary services like safe consumption sites and housing." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Family doctors and primary care

BC Greens's promise

Establish an integrated community health centre in every riding, with 93 health centres in the first year

"The BC Greens commit to establishing an integrated community health centre in every riding in the province. The ‘Dogwood Model’ is based on former Minister of Health Hon. Jane Philpott’s Periwinkle Model. It focuses on ensuring everyone has a primary care home - a place where they belong, where they feel at home, where they will go for most of their healthcare needs, and where they have a regular provider—a family physician or nurse practitioner.

The Dogwood Model provides several advantages for both practitioners and patients; it has easy referral models, so patients can receive care from the expert that best meets their need, be it a physiotherapist or a dietician. It places the administrative burden on the administrative professionals, rather than the health staff, ensuring they can focus their energies on healthcare, and providing the benefits of being a staff member—including health benefits and paid vacation and parental leave."

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

Health administration

BC Greens's promises

Work towards creating a single health authority for the province, alongside the First Nations Health Authority

"Review the Health Authority model, with a focus on creating a single health authority for province, alongside the First Nations Health Authority, which will focus on addressing systemic racism and improving Indigenous life expectancy." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Review the Procurement Services Act to ensure contracts are awarded based on expertise and community relationships, not just cost

"Review the Procurement Services Act to ensure contracts are awarded based on expertise and relationships with communities, not just cost." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Health staffing

BC Greens's promises

Review and remove barriers for externally-trained health professionals from registering in BC
Increase funding for nurses in the public system
End reliance on agency nurses
Require health authorities to share data for workforce planning

"Require health authorities to collect and share data for workforce planning, ensuring alignment with educational institutes." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Review loan forgiveness and paid practicums for all healthcare students to incentivise staffing and support training

"Review loan forgiveness and paid practicums for all healthcare students to incentivize sufficient staffing and support training." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Regulate radiographers and medical imaging technologists

"Regulate radiographers and medical imaging technologists so they can work to the full scope of their practice." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Reinstate the Provincial Chief Nursing Officer role to advocate for nurses
Adopt and implement the "Nursing Retention Toolkit: Improving the Working Lives of Nurses in Canada"

Long-term care

BC Greens's promises

Increase the number of publicly-funded long-term care beds by 10% each year

"We will increase the number of publicly funded long-term care beds by 10% each year to meet the growing demand for senior care services." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Implement the recommendations from the Senior's Advocate's report

"Enact the recommendations of the Seniors Advocate’s report “Billions More Reasons to Care” by ensuring that funding for direct care is spent on direct care and not on operational or administrative costs." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Enhance transparency of monitoring and reporting and standardise approaches for publicly-funded care homes

"Enhance the accuracy and transparency of monitoring and reporting for publicly funded care homes, with a focus on compliance and the allocation of resources for non-direct care tasks.

Define ‘profit’ and adopt a standardized approach to assessing costs like mortgages, head office allocations, management fees, subcontracting, executive compensation, and the financing of other businesses." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Mental health

BC Greens's promises

Integrate mental health as the 4th option in 911 emergency services, to accommodate crises that don't fit under ambulance, fire, or police

"Integrate mental health as the fourth option in 911 emergency services to accommodate mental health crises that do not align with the traditional ambulance, fire or police options." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Double crisis line funding from $2.5M to $5M

"Increase crisis line funding from $2.5 million to $5 million to enhance their capacity to manage diverted 911 calls, ensuring that mental health crises receive appropriate attention." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Invest $500K into creating consistent protocols for 911 operators, emergency responders, and mobile crisis teams

"Establish provincial leadership and invest $500,000 to create consistent protocols for 911 operators, emergency responders, and mobile crisis teams to ensure coordinated and effective mental health crisis responses." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Expand the Peer Assisted Care Team programme to more communities, and extend service hours

"Expand the PACT (Peer Assisted Care Team) program, which has been highly effective in three communities. Partner with local organizations to introduce PACTs in more communities and extend the service hours of existing teams." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Increase access to mental health care and support for first responders and their families

"Increase access to mental health care and support for first responders and their families, including raising awareness about mental health tools and resources and reducing the stigma surrounding their use." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Add recruitment/retention initiatives for mental health workers, with rural living allowances, health & wellness benefits, & rental options

"Implement recruitment and retention initiatives, similar to those used by municipalities for primary care practitioners, including rural living allowances, health and wellness benefits, and rental options to attract frontline mental health workers." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Do an All-Party review of the Mental Health Act

"Undertake an All-Party review of the Mental Health Act and create a parliamentary working group that will oversee the implementation of the recommendations." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

"We will appoint an all-party parliamentary committee to review and modernize the Mental Health Act. This will ensure alignment with the recommendations of the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act and better protect individuals experiencing mental health crises." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Appoint an independent Mental Health Advocate

"Create an Independent Office of the Mental Health Advocate—providing individual and systemic advocacy, aimed at improving mental health care systems in BC." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Fully regulate the psychotherapy profession

"Commit to the full regulation of psychotherapy professions, including psychologists, counsellors, therapists, and social workers, to increase public protection, provide accountability, and legitimize these essential professions." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Collaborate with experts to develop evidence-based standards of care for all mental health and substance use treatment services

"Collaborate with experts, including physicians, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists, as well as individuals with lived experiences, to develop evidence-based standards of care for all mental health and substance use treatment services in BC." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Address the abrupt transition from pediatric to adult mental health care

"Address the abrupt transition between pediatric and adult mental health care by ensuring seamless and effective connections to support services at all stages of life." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Improve systems of care for people with both mental illness, substance use disorders, and brain injuries

"Improve systems of care for individuals with co-occurring mental illness, substance use disorders, and brain injuries, ensuring they receive integrated and comprehensive treatment." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Increase community-based services for people w/ eating disorders & create stepped-care models prioritising autonomy & self-directed recovery

"Increase community-based services for individuals with eating disorders and develop stepped-care models that prioritize autonomy and self-directed recovery, with inpatient care available when necessary." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Cover six visits per year to a mental health professional such as a psychologist, for all British Columbians

"Include six visits to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, under the Medical Services Plan (MSP), ensuring early access to mental health support for all British Columbians." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Add 50% more community integration specialists to connect people to community-based supports and services

"Expand the number of community integration specialists by 50%, helping more people connect to a wide range of community-based supports and services to meet their needs." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Develop arts-based and lands-based therapy programmes

"Work with a diverse range of community partners, including Arts and Culture, Indigenous, Health, and Education experts, to develop comprehensive arts-based and land-based therapy programs that promote healing and wellbeing." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Seniors

BC Greens's promises

Improve access to respite care and day programmes

"We will improve access to respite care and day programs, ensuring that at-home care services are available for both medical care and assistance with daily tasks to support seniors and their caregivers." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Implement housing, health & human resource, home & community care, long-term care, and transportation strategies for seniors in rural areas
  1. "Develop and implement a Rural Seniors Housing Strategy to address the housing needs of seniors in rural communities.
  2. Develop and implement a Rural Health Human Resource Strategy to ensure adequate staffing and services for rural seniors.
  3. Develop and implement a Rural Seniors Home and Community Care Strategy to ensure accessible, high-quality home care for rural seniors.
  4. Develop and implement a Provincial Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Plan focused on achieving equity in care services across the province.
  5. Develop and implement a Provincial Rural Transportation Strategy to improve transportation access for rural seniors. "

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

Create a clear dementia care pathway and dementia support strategy

"• Establish a clear dementia care pathway and support family practitioners to do more early screening for dementia.

• Develop a dementia support strategy, with a focus on cultural safety."

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

Support family practitioners to do more early screening for dementia
Improve and promote the Provincial Travel Assistance Program and Hope Air

"Improve and promote the Provincial Travel Assistance Program and Hope Air to support rural seniors in traveling to medical appointments and other critical services." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Expand the Home Improvement Assistance Program

"Increase the scope of the Home Improvement Assistance Program, which provides eligible seniors, people with disabilities, and landlords with rebates of up to $20,000 per home for modifications that promote accessible, safe and independent living." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Audit Community Living BC to find gaps in service delivery

"We will conduct an audit of Community Living BC (CLBC) to identify gaps in service delivery. Implement all audit recommendations to ensure that CLBC provides excellent service that meets the needs of those giving and receiving care." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Fund the Alzheimer's Society to run a campaign to reduce stigma and support early education

Sexual and reproductive health

BC Greens's promise

Ensure all people can access reproductive health services, at a time and place that meets their needs

"We commit to ensuring that all people can access reproductive health services, at a time and a place that meets their needs." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Sick leave and doctor's notes

BC Greens's promise

Ban employers from requiring a doctor's note for a short-term absence from work due to illness

Vaccines

BC Greens's promise

Make all vaccines available to everyone, at no cost

Well-being

BC Greens's promises

Develop a new British Columbia Wellbeing Framework

"Establishing a British Columbia Wellbeing Framework that prioritizes the needs and perspectives of all British Columbians, with Indigenous communities at the center of its creation and implementation.

  1. Commit, in partnership with Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, to the development of a new British Columbia Wellbeing Framework."

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

Make First Nations central to developing and implementing the Framework

"Ensure that First Nations are central to the development and implementation of the Wellbeing Framework, fostering collaboration and respect." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create a Centre of Excellence for developing the Framework

"Create and fund a Centre of Excellence dedicated to developing the Wellbeing Framework, examining best practices and Indigenous wellbeing examples from other jurisdictions." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require all Ministers to provide evidence on how their work contributes to increased well-being as part of each budget

"Require all Ministers to provide evidence on how their work contributes to increasing wellbeing in British Columbia as part of each budget presentation." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Transition all performance measures in Ministry and Crown Agency service plans to align with the Framework

"Transition all performance measures in Ministry and Crown Agency service plans to align with the Wellbeing Framework, ensuring accountability and transparency." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require the Minister of Finance to report on improvements in well-being as part of each budget, as assessed by an external panel

"Legislate a requirement for the Minister of Finance to report annually, as part of each budget, on improvements in wellbeing across 10, 30, and 100-year timescales, assessed by a panel of external experts, including First Nations peoples, ecologists, historians, economists, and sociologists." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

"Create a set of indicators to survey the public, establish baseline measures, and track trends in overall wellbeing across British Columbia, with results shared publicly for transparency." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Include well-being considerations in land use planning and environmental assessments

"Embed wellbeing considerations into land use planning and environmental assessments by utilizing a cumulative effects framework, prioritizing, expanding, and funding modern land use planning as well as Indigenous land use plans." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Support pilot programmes for a four-day work week with interested businesses, and provide tax credits for businesses who participate

"Explore flexible work arrangements to improve productivity and wellbeing with tax credits to the companies that participate

• Support pilot programs for a four-day work week by partnering with interested businesses to collect and track data on productivity, employee wellbeing, and employer satisfaction."

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

Housing & Homelessness

Home construction and supply

BC Greens's promises

Invest $1.5B in building 26K non-market housing units per year, including 3K dedicated for Indigenous Peoples

"Provide $1.5 billion annually to construct 26,000 new units of non-market housing each year, with 3,000 units dedicated specifically for Indigenous Peoples." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Reward communities that meet development targets with a portion of property transfer taxes

"Partner with municipalities to meet housing development targets and reward successful communities by sharing a portion of property transfer taxes." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Develop housing specifically for families, students, essential workers, seniors, and people with disabilities
Work with the Construction Association to promote trades as a career option, and ensure affordable tuition

"Collaborate with the Construction Association to promote trades as a career option for young people, women, Indigenous, and racialized communities. Ensure these training programs have affordable tuition." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Invest in innovation and design guidelines for prefabricated home technologies

"Position BC as a global leader in prefabricated home technologies by investing in innovation and developing comprehensive design guidelines to improve housing quality and affordability." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide government-backed construction loans and mortgage guarantees for housing non-profits and housing coops

"Support non-profits and housing cooperatives with upfront investment, grant capital and low-interest financing through government-backed construction loans and mortgage guarantees." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Homeless services

BC Greens's promises

Expand the availability of deeply affordable housing

"Expand the availability of deeply affordable housing to prevent inflows into homelessness and mitigate adverse childhood experiences." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Offer direct support for people leaving hospitals, medical care, and prisons for at least six months to facilitate successful transitions
Provide housing and wrap-around support in every township in BC, based on 'the Village' model from Duncan

"Provide housing and wrap-around support in every township in British Columbia to reduce the risk of newly homeless individuals transitioning to long-term homelessness based on the proven ‘the Village’ model from Duncan." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Set up housing for victims of intimate partner violence, residential school survivors, and people exiting Children & Family Development care

"Establish second-stage housing for victims of intimate partner violence, residential school survivors, and individuals exiting MCFD care, complete with counseling and legal aid." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Allocate funds to First Nations to create housing

"Allocate funds to First Nations to create housing that meets the specific needs of their communities." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Formally recognise housing as a human right in legislation

"Introduce legislation to formally recognize housing as a fundamental human right." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Housing prices

BC Greens's promises

Formally recognise housing as a human right in legislation

"Introduce legislation to formally recognize housing as a fundamental human right." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Regulate short-term rentals to curb their impact on long-term affordable housing
Investigate implementing a property transfer tax on transfers to Real Estate Investment Trusts

"Investigate the implementation of a property transfer tax on the transfer of properties to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) or limited partnerships with REIT involvement." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

"Advocate for federal legislation to ban the sale of residential units to REITs." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Extend the Speculation and Vacancy Tax to all interested communities, with revenues going to non-market housing developments

"Extend the Speculation and Vacancy Tax to all interested communities, with revenues directed towards non-market housing development." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create a single income-tested housing grant for renters and homeowners alike

"Create a single income-tested housing grant for renters and homeowners alike, merging the Home Owner Grant and Renter’s Tax Credit for more equitable support." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Apply a 2% tax on residential property values over $3M, and double existing property tax rates for homes valued over $3M, $4M, and $7M

"Apply a 2% tax on residential property values over $3 million and double existing provincial property tax rates for homes valued above $3 million, $4 million, and $7 million, ensuring high-value properties contribute more." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

"• The BC Greens will increase the taxes paid on the most expensive properties in British Columbia. We will double the existing provincial property tax rates (the ‘School Tax’) on residential property valued above $3 million to 0.4%, above $4 million to 0.8%, and add a new bracket for properties valued above $7 million at 1.5%.

• We will also apply these brackets to the total property holdings of a household, rather than assessing on a per-property basis.

• These changes will impact approximately 3.7% of British Columbian households with significant wealth. The additional revenue raised is approximately $938 million per year."

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

Public and affordable housing

BC Greens's promises

Expand the availability of deeply affordable housing

"Expand the availability of deeply affordable housing to prevent inflows into homelessness and mitigate adverse childhood experiences." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Reduce bureaucratic requirements for trusted non-profit housing providers

"Reduce bureaucratic requirements for trusted non- profit service providers, ensuring their operational efficiency." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Invest $1.5B in building 26K non-market housing units per year, including 3K dedicated for Indigenous Peoples

"Provide $1.5 billion annually to construct 26,000 new units of non-market housing each year, with 3,000 units dedicated specifically for Indigenous Peoples." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

End exclusionary zoning for non-market housing

"Implement province-wide upzoning initiatives to end exclusionary zoning for non-market housing." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide government-backed construction loans and mortgage guarantees for housing non-profits and housing coops

"Support non-profits and housing cooperatives with upfront investment, grant capital and low-interest financing through government-backed construction loans and mortgage guarantees." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Make public land available for non-profit housing, and buy new land for affordable housing

"Make existing public land available for non-profit housing development and acquire new public land to expand affordable housing opportunities. Recognize community land trusts as crucial for securing land for non-market development." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Improve BC Housing's transparency and efficiency

"Improve efficiency and transparency at BC Housing to ensure the build out of 26,000 units of non- market housing per year." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Guarantee annual funding for housing non-profits, and offer multi-year operational funding to non-profits with proven track records
  1. "Guarantee annual funding for non-profits, limiting the need to compete for grant funding, thus ensuring stability.
  2. Offer adequate, multi-year operational funding to non-profits with a proven track record of delivering public good."

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

Rental housing

BC Greens's promises

Limit rent increases between tenants

"Prevent landlords from dramatically increasing rents after a tenancy ends by implementing vacancy control measures." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create province-wide minimum standards for tenant protection to protect against renovictions

"Create province-wide minimum standards for tenant protection to safeguard renters from renovictions and other forms of displacement." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Increase funding for Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters and Rental Assistance, raise rent ceilings, index to inflation, and expand eligibility

"Increase funding to $164 million annually for the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SHELTER) and Rental Assistance Program (RAP). Raise the rent ceilings, index them to inflation, and expand eligibility to better support low-income renters." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide a $500M re-capitalisation to the Rental Protection Fund, and require transparency in fund allocation

"Increase funding to the Rental Protection Fund with a $500 million re-capitalization to safeguard existing affordable rental units. Mandate transparency in fund allocation to guarantee equitable distribution." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create a $100M/year Rental Maintenance Fund to maintain existing non-profit and co-op housing
Grant non-profits the right of first refusal on the sale of rental apartment buildings

"Grant non-profit organizations the right of first refusal on the sale of rental apartment buildings, preventing the loss of affordable housing to private investors." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Vacancy control

BC Greens's promises

Limit rent increases between tenants

"Prevent landlords from dramatically increasing rents after a tenancy ends by implementing vacancy control measures." — 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

Jobs, Businesses, & Labour

Agriculture

BC Greens's promises

Provide $90M for a publicly-owned agricultural land bank, available for lease by new farmers

"Expand the area of land under food production by providing $90 million in funding for a publicly owned agricultural land bank - available for lease by new farmers." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Make food production and food security part of the Agricultural Land Commission's mandate

"Make food production and food security part of the Agricultural Land Commission’s (ALC) mandate to protect and prioritize agricultural use." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Restrict and regulate foreign ownership of Agricultural Land Reserve land

"Restrict and regulate foreign ownership of Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) land to ensure that farmland remains in local hands and supports food security." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Investigate how to mitigate the impacts of oil and gas operations on agricultural land in the northeast
Incentivise regenerative farming practices

"Incentivize regenerative farming practices that build healthier soils, improve water management (e.g., rainwater harvesting systems), reduce energy use and sequester carbon." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Streamline approvals for water storage dugouts on farms

"Streamline the approval processes for water storage dugouts on farms to improve drought resilience and water availability." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Commit the Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship to protect food crops during drought periods

"Commit the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship to work with farmers to ensure the protection of food crops during drought periods." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Improve access to credit and capital for new farmers

"Improve access to credit and capital for new farmers to make it easier to start and sustain farming operations." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Identify options to make farming more attractive and sustainable, including exploring a Basic Income Guarantee for farmers

"Identify options to make farming a more attractive and sustainable endeavor, including exploring a Basic Income Guarantee for farmers to secure income and encourage the next generation of farmers." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Invest $9M in bolstering local food systems
Rebuild local food processing, storage, and distribution systems
Support small-scale, cooperatively-owned infrastructure and businesses, including grocery retailers
Ensure schools, hospitals, and other public institutions prioritise locally-produced food
Invest in farmers markets, community-supported agriculture, and non-profit food hubs
Increase support for the Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Program
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

Support systems for addressing food insecurity in First Nations communities, and invest in Indigenous food sovereignty programmes

"• Support the development of systems to address food insecurity in First Nations communities that honour Indigenous knowledge, values, harvesting areas and practices.

• Invest in Indigenous food sovereignty programs that promote community-led initiatives and sustainable food systems."

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

Support Indigenous communities' access to and use of traditional foods

Arts and culture

BC Greens's promises

Increase the BC Arts Council budget to $55M/year

"We will increase the annual BC Arts Council budget to $55 million to enhance support for arts and culture initiatives." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Maintain COVID-era investments in arts, culture, and heritage, and increase funding based on inflation

"We will maintain COVID-era investments in arts, culture, and heritage and increase funding based on inflation to support ongoing recovery and growth." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Work with the sector to create an Arts, Culture, and Heritage Action Plan to guide future investments and initiatives

"Collaborate with the sector to develop a provincial Arts, Culture, and Heritage Action Plan to guide future investments and initiatives." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide more funding for BC Museum, including $500K/year more for operational needs and $50K/year for archiving and digitisation

"• Ongoing Heritage Legacy Fund: An annual allocation of $500,000 to support operational needs, addressing past funding cuts and stakeholder concerns.

• Archives Grant Program: An annual grant of $50,000 to assist with digitization and proper archival processes, ensuring the preservation of cultural artifacts – especially in light of climate impacts." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Fishing and aquaculture

BC Greens's promises

Transition all open net-pen salmon farms to land-based aquaculture systems
Restore and protect salmon habitat

"Restore and protect salmon habitat to ensure the survival of key species." — 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

Labour protections

BC Greens's promise

Ban employers from requiring a doctor's note for a short-term absence from work due to illness

Liquor and alcohol industry

BC Greens's promise

Create a careers programme for the food, beverage, and hospitality sector

"We will introduce a careers program for the food, beverage, and hospitality sector, providing jobseekers with training, mentorship, and job placements in British Columbia’s food manufacturing and hospitality businesses." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

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

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

Restaurants

BC Greens's promise

Create a careers programme for the food, beverage, and hospitality sector

"We will introduce a careers program for the food, beverage, and hospitality sector, providing jobseekers with training, mentorship, and job placements in British Columbia’s food manufacturing and hospitality businesses." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Startups and small businesses

BC Greens's promises

Ensure local contractors and resources benefit first in public projects and government contracts

"We will update procurement policies to ensure local contractors and resources benefit first in public projects and government contracts." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Expand the InBC Investment opportunity with an additional focus on supporting rural areas

"We will expand the InBC Investment opportunity with an additional focus on supporting rural British Columbia, ensuring equitable access to investment resources." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Amend and expand the community grants programme funded by the carbon price, limiting eligibility of businesses headquartered outside BC

"We will amend and expand the community grants program funded by the Carbon Tax, limiting eligibility of businesses headquartered outside British Columbia to prioritize local business support." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Expand the Advanced Research and Commercialization programme to provide support and mentoring to innovators in early stages of development

"We will expand the Advanced Research and Commercialization program to provide support and mentoring to innovators at the early stages of development (levels 2 and 3 of the Technology Readiness Index), before they reach proof of concept." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Tourism

BC Greens's promise

Expand and promote cycling tourism across the province
  1. "We will work with the BC Cycling Coalition and other local partners to expand and improve cycling tourism across the province.
  2. We will focus on improving cycling infrastructure to create safer and more accessible routes for cyclists.
  3. Collaborate with Destination BC to promote cycling tourism through targeted marketing and outreach efforts.
  4. Collaborate with local partners to improve and expand trail networks across the province."

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

Trades

BC Greens's promise

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

Society & Government

Budgets

BC Greens's promises

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

Introduce an additional 18% marginal tax rate for corporate revenue above $1B

"The BC Greens would introduce an additional marginal tax rate for corporate revenue above $1 billion per year, of 18%. This would impact approximately 35 companies, with an average income of $4.75 billion per year. The additional revenue raised is approximately $4.1 billion per annum." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Apply a 2% tax on residential property values over $3M, and double existing property tax rates for homes valued over $3M, $4M, and $7M

"Apply a 2% tax on residential property values over $3 million and double existing provincial property tax rates for homes valued above $3 million, $4 million, and $7 million, ensuring high-value properties contribute more." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

"• The BC Greens will increase the taxes paid on the most expensive properties in British Columbia. We will double the existing provincial property tax rates (the ‘School Tax’) on residential property valued above $3 million to 0.4%, above $4 million to 0.8%, and add a new bracket for properties valued above $7 million at 1.5%.

• We will also apply these brackets to the total property holdings of a household, rather than assessing on a per-property basis.

• These changes will impact approximately 3.7% of British Columbian households with significant wealth. The additional revenue raised is approximately $938 million per year."

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

Child welfare and children in care

BC Greens's promises

Require anyone using the title "Social Worker" to be registered with the BC College of Social Workers

"Implement legislative changes requiring anyone using the title “Social Worker” to be registered with the BC College of Social Workers." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require a Bachelor's or Master's in Social Work & College of Social Workers registration for Ministry employees doing child protection work

"Mandate a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work and BC College of Social Workers registration for any MCFD employee conducting child protection work. A timeline will be provided to accommodate workforce adjustments." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require anti-racism and anti-stigma training for all staff at the Ministry of Children and Family Development

"Require anti-racism and anti-stigma education for all Ministry staff, informed by the Provincial Committee on Anti-Racism and individuals with lived experience in the child welfare system." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Establish a comprehensive oversight system for staff and senior leadership at the Ministry of Children and Family Development

"Establish a comprehensive oversight system for MCFD staff and senior leadership, addressing systemic failures rather than focusing on individual social workers." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Reform legislation to ensure families get necessary resources and services

"Enact legislative reforms ensuring families are provided with the necessary resources and services, as guided by the RCY." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create a framework for child welfare with tiered prevention levels

"Implement a public health framework with tiered prevention levels:

  1. Primary Prevention: Family strengthening programs, resource access, and public awareness campaigns.
  2. Secondary Prevention: Homevisits, respite care, and family resource centers.
  3. Tertiary Prevention: Wrap-around supports for children and parents affected by violence."

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

Create a non-punitive environment where families can discuss struggles without fear of consequences

"Create a non-punitive environment where families can discuss struggles without fear of consequences." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Redirect Ministry funds to provide families with financial resources, helping parents better care for their children

"Redirect Ministry funds to provide families with financial resources, addressing poverty-related neglect and empowering parents to better care for their children." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Recognise full Indigenous jurisdiction over child welfare, with appropriate funding

"Recognize full Indigenous jurisdiction over child welfare, with appropriate funding to support culturally relevant services." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Promote community-oriented, family centred care with extended family playing a vital role

"Promote community-oriented, family-centered care where extended family plays a vital role, ensuring conditions for children to thrive." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Focus child welfare on trauma awareness, safety, collaboration, and strength-based approaches

"• Shift the focus to trauma awareness, safety, collaboration, and strength-based approaches.

• Acknowledge the past and ongoing impacts of colonialism, incorporating cultural safety into all child welfare practices."

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

Provide families in kinship care with the same financial and social resources that foster families receive
  1. "Provide families in kinship care with the same financial and social resources that foster families receive.
  2. Address the insufficient financial support currently provided, recognizing the importance of familial and kinship care in child welfare."

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

Domestic abuse and gender-based violence

BC Greens's promise

Ban the misuse of non-disclosure agreements in cases of sexual assault and harassment

Elections and democratic engagement

BC Greens's promises

Implement a proportional representation system for the 2028 election

"Within the first 100 days of being elected, the BC Greens will introduce legislation to implement a Proportional Representation system for the 2028 election. This will ensure that every vote counts and supports a truly democratic, multi-party system." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Hold a referendum on the proportional electoral system after the second election held under it

"A referendum will be held after the second proportional representation election to confirm whether the system aligns with voter interests." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Lower the voting age to 16

"The BC Greens will lower the voting age to 16 and introduce civics and voting education in schools, empowering young people to participate actively in democracy." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Establish a biennial Citizens' Assembly to ensure ongoing citizen participation in major policy discussions and decision-making

"We will establish a biennial Citizens’ Assembly, with topics selected by the Legislative Assembly. This Assembly will ensure ongoing citizen participation in major policy discussions and decision-making." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Governing

BC Greens's promises

Never use closure in bill debates, and provide enough time for debate and consideration of all bills

"The BC Greens will commit to never using closure in bill debates, ensuring that all legislation receives adequate scrutiny. House Leaders will collectively develop a legislative calendar that provides enough time for debate and consideration of all bills." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Establish all-party caucuses based on geography, common interests, and background, with mandates to work on shared priorities

"The BC Greens will establish all-party caucuses based on geography, common interests, and background. These caucuses will be mandated and supported to work collaboratively on shared priorities." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Commit to thoroughly considering Private Members' Bills and amendments from all MLAs

"We will commit to thoroughly considering Private Members’ Bills and amendments from all Legislative Assembly members, fostering a more inclusive and participatory legislative process." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Strengthen the oversight role of Legislative Assembly Committees

"We will strengthen the role of Legislative Assembly Committees as an oversight function, with responsibilities for keeping track of whether recommendations from oversight agencies, such as the Auditor-General and Representative for Children and Youth, are being implemented." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Remove the fee for Freedom of Information Requests and require all departments and ministers to respond to within legislative timeframes

"The BC Greens will remove the fee for Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and require all government departments and ministers to respond to requests within the legislative timeframes." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Proactively release government materials, including ministerial calendars and briefing notes

"We will proactively release government materials, including ministerial calendars and briefing notes, to promote greater transparency and public accountability." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Enforce a minimum two-year stand-down period between holding designated office in government and working in a lobbying role

"To avoid conflicts of interest, we will enforce a minimum two-year stand-down period between holding a designated office in government and working in a lobbying role." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Set a ceiling on public servant salaries, based on salaries of the lowest-paid staff members, and implemented over time

"We will implement a ceiling on public servant salaries, so that no staff member can earn more than five times the lowest-paid staff member. This will be implemented over time, to ensure no employment contract laws are broken." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Human rights

BC Greens's promises

Prevent discrimination based on socioeconomic status under the Human Rights Code

"We will add ‘social condition’ as a protected ground under the Human Rights Code to prevent discrimination based on socioeconomic status." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Use disaggregated data to remove barriers for racialised, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQ+ people in accessing public spaces and essential services

"We commit to using disaggregated data to eliminate barriers that racialized, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQ+ people face in accessing public spaces and essential services." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Indigenous reconciliation

BC Greens's promises

Recognise all Indigenous governments and remove limitations related to Indian Act bands and those incorporated under provincial statutes

"Recognize all Indigenous governments formed in alignment with the principles of Indigenous self-determination, removing limitations related to ‘Indian Act’ bands and those incorporated under provincial statutes." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide stable and reliable funding for Indigenous governments, comparable to funding for other levels

"Provide Indigenous governments with stable and reliable funding, comparable to other levels of government, allowing them to carry out their duties and make long-term investment and planning decisions." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Enact an Indigenous Languages Act to guarantee language rights and provide funding and support for preserving and revitalising languages
Allow the use of Indigenous languages on government-issued identification at no cost

"We will enable the use of all Indigenous languages on government-issued identification, ensuring that people can reclaim their names in their original language at no cost." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Provide education on Indigenous history for all public servants

"We will provide education to all public servants on the history of Indigenous peoples, including the legacy of residential schools, treaties, Indigenous law and Indigenous-Crown relations." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Transparently review the Land Act, with opportunities for public consultation, to ensure it's aligned with rights of First Nations peoples

"We will review the Land Act to ensure its alignment with the inherent rights of First Nations peoples and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. This process will be conducted transparently, with opportunities for public consultation across British Columbia." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Confirm that all provincial enactments must uphold the rights of Indigenous peoples

"Enact an amendment to the Interpretation Act confirming that all provincial enactments must uphold the rights of Indigenous peoples, ensuring that no laws abrogate or derogate from those rights." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create a committee with specialists in Indigenous Rights, UNDRIP, and constitutional law, to advise the province and Indigenous governments

"Establish an expert advisory committee comprising specialists in Indigenous rights, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and constitutional law. This committee will advise both the Provincial Government and Indigenous governments on legislative developments—and their advice will be made public." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Co-develop a policy for Indigenous engagement across the law-making process, including financial support

"We will co-develop with Indigenous peoples a clear policy that outlines how Indigenous peoples will be engaged consistently across government during the law-making process, including how the government will provide financial support for their participation." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Co-develop a mechanism for proactively resolving Indigenous-Crown disputes

"We will co-develop a mechanism with Indigenous peoples for resolving Indigenous-Crown disputes proactively, to foster understanding and avoid litigation." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create a centralised service with the Royal BC Museum to assist Indigenous communities with repatriation of cultural items

"Develop a centralized service with the Royal BC Museum that assists Indigenous communities with repatriation of cultural items. By working and liaising with global institutions, the service would streamline Indigenous repatriation." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Indigenous women, girls, and 2-spirited people

BC Greens's promise

Create a specialised taskforce to investigate cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women, children, and two-Spirited people

"We will create a specialized taskforce to investigate cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women, children, and two-Spirited people. This taskforce will operate under civilian oversight from Indigenous communities, with a strong focus on women’s leadership, and follow the guidance of the Red Women Rising report." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Justice system

BC Greens's promises

Establish a Parliamentary Committee to examine how the justice system treats Indigenous peoples, racialised communities, and homeless people

"A Parliamentary Committee will be established to examine how the justice system treats Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, and homeless individuals. The goal is to identify and address systemic inequities and improve access to justice for all." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Repeal Bill 21, reinstate the Law Society, and launch a comprehensive review of access to justice

"We will repeal Bill 21, which disrupted the role of the Law Society of BC In its place, we will reinstate the Law Society and launch a comprehensive review of access to justice in accordance with the Futures Task Force Report to ensure fairness and professional integrity in legal practice." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Commission an independent review of prison conditions

"BC Greens will commission an independent review of prison conditions, including the use of solitary confinement, to ensure that they meet humane standards and respect human rights." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

People with disabilities

BC Greens's promises

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

Increase funding for Small Business BC's Workplace Accessibility Grant from $450K to $2M/year

"Increase funding for Small Business BC’s Workplace Accessibility Grant from $450,000 to $2 million annually. Eligible small businesses will continue to receive up to $40,000 to make their workplaces more accessible." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Expand awareness and education campaigns in K-12 and post-secondary

"Expand awareness and education campaigns in elementary, secondary and post-secondary institutions. These campaigns will focus on creating safer and more inclusive learning environments for students with disabilities and raising awareness about ableism and its harmful effects." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create a comprehensive guidebook for ensuring public events meet accessibility requirements

"In consultation with the Provincial Accessibility Committee, create a comprehensive guidebook for ensuring public events meet all accessibility requirements. Considerations include: sign language interpreters, ramps, automatic doors, scent-free policies, and low-stimulation spaces to ensure events are accessible to all individuals." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Implement the recommendations of the Coroner's Inquest into the 2022 Winters SRO fire, including funding assistive devices

"Implement the recommendations from the Coroner’s Inquest into the 2022 Winters SRO fire, particularly funding all necessary assistive devices to eliminate barriers to safety for residents with mobility or hearing disabilities." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Mandate residential buildings to have emergency evacuation plans that address mobility and accessibility needs of residents

"Mandate that all residential buildings have emergency evacuation plans that address the needs of residents with mobility or other access requirements to ensure safe evacuations in emergencies." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Expand the Home Improvement Assistance Program

"Increase the scope of the Home Improvement Assistance Program, which provides eligible seniors, people with disabilities, and landlords with rebates of up to $20,000 per home for modifications that promote accessible, safe and independent living." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Audit Community Living BC to find gaps in service delivery

"We will conduct an audit of Community Living BC (CLBC) to identify gaps in service delivery. Implement all audit recommendations to ensure that CLBC provides excellent service that meets the needs of those giving and receiving care." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Ensure public spaces are equipped with air filtration systems

"Ensure public spaces across British Columbia are equipped with air filtration systems to reduce the health impacts of COVID-19, respiratory viruses, and wildfire smoke, especially for people with disabilities and compromised immune systems." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Allow one-time submission of medical documentation for people with permanent diagnoses

"Ensure individuals with permanent disabilities do not need to repeatedly submit medical forms. Streamline the process by allowing a one-time submission of medical documentation for those with permanent diagnoses, reducing delays and frustration for applicants." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Expand accessibility definitions to include neurodiverse people

"Expand the discussion of accessibility to include neurodiverse individuals, such as those with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia and Tourette’s. Create environments that are inclusive of all abilities and accommodate the needs of all individuals, including those with down syndrome." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Public safety

BC Greens's promises

Disband the RCMP's Community Industry Response Group

"The BC Greens will disband CIRG, the Community Industry Response Group, a branch of the RCMP tasked with protecting industrial interests at the expense of public and Indigenous rights. This group has caused significant harm to police-community relationships and must be dismantled to rebuild trust." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Carry out the recommendations from the Transforming Policing and Community Safety in British Columbia report

"We will carry out the recommendations from the Transforming Policing and Community Safety in British Columbia report, which includes enacting a new Community Safety and Policing Act. This will lay the groundwork for a reformed policing structure and set clear guidelines for community safety and accountability." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create a new provincial police service, governed by the Community Safety and Policing Act

"We will establish a new provincial police service governed by the Community Safety and Policing Act, ensuring that Indigenous communities have direct input into the structure and governance of their police services." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Enhance and standardise police education and training across the province

"Police education and training will be enhanced and standardized across the province to reflect key values such as cultural competence, de-escalation, and mental health awareness. This training will be integral to shifting police culture toward community-based service." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require all police services to collect and publicly report disaggregated race-based and other demographic data

"We will require all police services to collect and publicly report disaggregated race-based and other demographic data. Comprehensive reviews of policies and procedures will be conducted to address systemic racism within policing." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Do an All-Party review of the Mental Health Act

"Undertake an All-Party review of the Mental Health Act and create a parliamentary working group that will oversee the implementation of the recommendations." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

"We will appoint an all-party parliamentary committee to review and modernize the Mental Health Act. This will ensure alignment with the recommendations of the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act and better protect individuals experiencing mental health crises." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Appoint an all-party select standing committee to oversee policing and community safety

"An all-party select standing committee will be created to oversee policing and community safety in British Columbia. This committee will ensure ongoing scrutiny and continuous improvement in police practices and public safety strategies." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Sports and recreation

BC Greens's promises

Work with Sport BC to ensure sufficient funding is provided to amateur sport

"Coordinate and collaborate with Sport BC to ensure sufficient funding and support is provided to BC’s amateur sport sector." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Improve the access and quality of sports and recreation services across the province
  1. "Update the “Pathways to Sport: A Strategic Framework for Sport in British Columbia 2020- 2025” to prepare for the next five years of sport development.
  2. Through extensive collaboration with sport organizations, set an ambitious plan to improve the access and quality of sports and recreation services across the province."

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

Well-being

BC Greens's promises

Develop a new British Columbia Wellbeing Framework

"Establishing a British Columbia Wellbeing Framework that prioritizes the needs and perspectives of all British Columbians, with Indigenous communities at the center of its creation and implementation.

  1. Commit, in partnership with Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, to the development of a new British Columbia Wellbeing Framework."

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

Make First Nations central to developing and implementing the Framework

"Ensure that First Nations are central to the development and implementation of the Wellbeing Framework, fostering collaboration and respect." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Create a Centre of Excellence for developing the Framework

"Create and fund a Centre of Excellence dedicated to developing the Wellbeing Framework, examining best practices and Indigenous wellbeing examples from other jurisdictions." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require all Ministers to provide evidence on how their work contributes to increased well-being as part of each budget

"Require all Ministers to provide evidence on how their work contributes to increasing wellbeing in British Columbia as part of each budget presentation." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Transition all performance measures in Ministry and Crown Agency service plans to align with the Framework

"Transition all performance measures in Ministry and Crown Agency service plans to align with the Wellbeing Framework, ensuring accountability and transparency." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Require the Minister of Finance to report on improvements in well-being as part of each budget, as assessed by an external panel

"Legislate a requirement for the Minister of Finance to report annually, as part of each budget, on improvements in wellbeing across 10, 30, and 100-year timescales, assessed by a panel of external experts, including First Nations peoples, ecologists, historians, economists, and sociologists." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

"Create a set of indicators to survey the public, establish baseline measures, and track trends in overall wellbeing across British Columbia, with results shared publicly for transparency." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Include well-being considerations in land use planning and environmental assessments

"Embed wellbeing considerations into land use planning and environmental assessments by utilizing a cumulative effects framework, prioritizing, expanding, and funding modern land use planning as well as Indigenous land use plans." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Support pilot programmes for a four-day work week with interested businesses, and provide tax credits for businesses who participate

"Explore flexible work arrangements to improve productivity and wellbeing with tax credits to the companies that participate

• Support pilot programs for a four-day work week by partnering with interested businesses to collect and track data on productivity, employee wellbeing, and employer satisfaction."

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

Transit & Transportation

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

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

ICBC

BC Greens's promises

Amend the legislation governing ICBC to cover lost earning potential and all reasonable costs relating to accidents

"The BC Greens would amend the Legislation governing ICBC, to make clear that all reasonable costs relating to an accident should be covered. We would also amend the income replacement sections, to take into account not only current income, but earning potential, so that students and people temporarily out of the workforce are not penalized." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Reorient the culture of ICBC to focus it on care, and require all client notes be proactively shared with the client

"The BC Greens would reorient the culture of ICBC, to require it to focus on care, rather than minimizing payouts. We would require full transparency from ICBC, including having all client notes be proactively shared with the client so that people can trust the processes and the outcomes." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Infrastructure

BC Greens's promises

Provide $650M annually in infrastructure funding to municipalities
Investigate using land value capture, where some property value created by infrastructure investments is used to fund those investments

"Investigate the potential of land value capture as a funding source for infrastructure projects and community development." — 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

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

Inter-city transportation

BC Greens's promise

Determine next steps to bring rail back to Vancouver Island

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

Transit funding

BC Greens's promises

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

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

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

Misc. topics

First responders

BC Greens's promises

Extend the Mobile Response Team's psychosocial support, educaiton, and training to peers working the toxic drug crisis

"Extend the Mobile Response Team’s psychosocial support, education, and training to peers working on the frontlines of the toxic drug crisis, ensuring that everyone impacted by critical incidents, such as overdoses, receives necessary support." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Increase access to mental health care and support for first responders and their families

"Increase access to mental health care and support for first responders and their families, including raising awareness about mental health tools and resources and reducing the stigma surrounding their use." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09

Nicotine and vaping products

BC Greens's promises

Remove sales of tobacco from all pharmacies
Ban all advertising of vaping and nicotine products


¯\_(ツ)_/¯


This candidate hasn't added policies to VoteMate.
They may still in the future!


Biography

from their website

Dr. Chris Hergesheimer (he/him) holds a B.A in Cultural Anthropology, an MA in Sociology from Simon Fraser University and a PhD from the University of British Columbia and is currently a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Royal Roads University.

He currently works as the Lead Food Programmer at Sunshine Coast Community Services Society, building food access projects and advocating for a dignified and innovative approach to food– and advocates for the right to food and income security, community inclusion, and social justice.

With over a decade in academia as a sociologist and a decade working for local not-for-profit agencies, Chris has a unique vantage point on the challenges and opportunities facing his region. Based in xwilkway (Halfmoon Bay) Chris believes in a stable and sustainable future and has the relationships, experiences and evidence to champion this vision in Victoria.



Chris Hergesheimer hasn't uploaded a profile yet.

Get notified when a candidate adds their profile.

Join VoteMate
Do you represent Chris Hergesheimer? Add your profile here.



Share this profile


Making a plan to vote can be overwhelming. We'll walk you through it step-by-step.Take a step-by-step guide to the election.Step-by-step election guide:GoGet started
VoteMate is a non-partisan website helping people learn about their vote in Canadian elections. Learn more.
About VoteMate · hello@votemate.org · VoteMate en français
Privacy · Terms
27 database hits