"Invest in agricultural R&D, focusing on disease-resistant crops, climate-resilient farming practices, and innovative technologies to improve crop varieties and livestock productivity." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Improve crop productivity by providing financial incentives for farmers to employ yield-increasing measures, including both conventional and alternative practices such as crop rotation, organic farming, and regenerative agriculture." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Expand access to advanced agricultural technologies by ensuring grant programs are easy for all farmers to apply for – not just the big players." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Help farmers access the capital needed to replant and nurture crops after the devastation of recent extreme weather events such as the heat dome and back-to-back cold snaps in our changing climate. Existing replant supports are insufficient." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Support tree fruit farmers by ensuring small farms can still get their products to market, and providing appropriate financial relief to farmers who incurred losses from the closure of the co-op." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Enhance pollinator populations by supporting farmers to employ beneficial practices for the bee population, improving crown land stewardship practices, and introducing policy changes to augment BC’s supply of pollinators." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Expand the Buy BC program to prioritize locally-produced dairy, fruits, wines, grains, meats, and other products on store shelves, giving British Columbians more access to home-grown products." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Increase local food processing by creating tax incentives that encourage dairy and fruit processors as well as other food manufacturing facilities to operate in BC. This boosts local manufacturing, reduces reliance on imports, and supports BC farmers by creating local markets for their products." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Review the Agricultural Land Commission to make sure that farmers have cost-effective and timely access to the supply chain for processing, distribution, and retail." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Launch land access incentives by providing tax relief or subsidies for small farmers renting land, making it more affordable for new entrants and small-scale operators to access land for agricultural use. This could include programs to convert unused or underused public land into small farm plots." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Establish a microloan program that provides small farmers with low-interest loans to purchase necessary equipment, seeds, or livestock, helping them overcome financial barriers to growth." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Invest in large-scale water storage and infrastructure by expanding reservoir capacity on farms and in rural communities. We will provide funding for on-farm water storage and irrigation systems, reducing dependence on fluctuating water sources." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Protect the agricultural water supply in legislation, to ensure farmers have secure and long-term access to water for food production." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Plan for water sustainability in partnership with farmers and ranchers to balance the water needs of food producers and local communities. These plans should include climate resilience measures and protections to sustain food production during droughts or floods." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Comprehensively research and monitor the state of BC’s water supply by measures including a research chair to conduct ongoing study into the state of water reserves and availability in BC for people, agriculture, and wildlife." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Establishing a Premier’s Task Force – as requested by the BC Agriculture Council – to work with agriculture industry stakeholders, First Nations, and local governments to co- develop a Provincial Agri-Food Competitiveness and Growth Strategy." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Expanding the agricultural Extreme Weather Preparedness fund to help farmers and ranchers prepare and protect their farms and animals from extreme-weather emergencies." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Increasing the amount of food processed here in BC to avoid exchange rate pressures, transportation costs, and the impacts of climate change — which all drive the price of food higher." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Making sure BC communities have secure sources of clean water for the future by putting land use and watershed planning in the hands of local communities, farmers and businesses, in partnership with First Nations, and funding those communities to identify and prioritize local water use. This builds on our existing Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program that supports food producers to store and improve their water supply for irrigation and livestock." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"An expanded Arts, Culture & Sports Infrastructure Fund that helps local community and cultural organizations bring people together, and inform, entertain and engage ever- widening audiences." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Bringing people together to celebrate their communities, cultures and love of local arts by providing stable, year-over-year funding for fairs, festivals and events." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Participate in the Canadian Northern Corridor initiative to build infrastructure that unlocks the potential of BC’s northern communities and regions." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Reduce the provincial regulatory burden by at least 25% over our first term. A Minister responsible for Red Tape Reduction and Deregulation will be appointed to identify and repeal and unnecessary red tape that ties-up our economy in bottlenecks." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Introduce a red-tape reduction law which requires the elimination of one regulation for every new one introduced."— conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Make sure BC’s economy has the space to grow and create jobs through a new Industrial Land Reserve. As we attract more companies to British Columbia, we need to make sure there is land for them to set up, get to work, and create good-paying jobs. And with BC’s future prosperity on the line, we can’t leave this responsibility to chance. This reserve will inventory existing industrial lands and carry out a land-use needs assessment that anticipates our growing economic needs, and clean up and revitalize vacant industrial sites. We will work with partners to attract new investment. The results: more industrial projects that create jobs and a secure tax base for local governments to deliver services and infrastructure for people." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

1. "Define the land area that will be prioritized for the harvest of primary forest products.

A healthy forest sector needs stability and predictability. This is achieved by defining an area dedicated to providing primary forest products."

— conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

1. "Replace stumpage with a value-added end product tax.

A value-added tax system will be instantaneously responsive to current market conditions, and it will encourage industry to get more value and jobs out of each log. Input credits will be created for higher-value products and better utilization of fibre: meaning the more a producer can do with the fibre, the more credits that will be created."

— conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

1. "Implement a “One Project, One Permit” process.

“One Project, One Permit” will significantly reduce costs to all parties (i.e. government, First Nations, and companies) and make it viable to invest in BC forestry again."

— conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"The core review will identify all unnecessary costs and red tape which have resulted in BC shipping forestry jobs to other provinces and the US. We will make sure the industry is competitive enough to ship products again, not jobs." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Encouraging the use of wood fibre in power generation and other secondary applications will create new revenue streams for the industry and government, protecting jobs and realizing the highest possible value per log." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

1. "Change the annual allowable cut from a sawlog AAC to a fibre AAC.

Tree waste from harvesting is often left behind in the forests to be piled and burned. While there is a need to leave woody debris behind to help with habitat values, BC should account for this fibre and value it." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Focus harvesting on areas damaged by wildfires or forest health issues. By responding quickly, we can better-utilize the damaged fibre while doing the necessary work of rehabilitation and accelerated reforestation." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Return 20% of BC’s forests to First Nations, enabling Indigenous groups to manage these resources sustainably and in line with their traditions and values." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"A new Forest Value Fund will fast-track wood-manufacturing facilities coming online and the re-tooling of mills to process second growth timber rather than old growth as we continue to move to a value-added future for forestry." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Getting more jobs per tree by tying our working forest resources to mills and companies that employ British Columbians, and by putting further restrictions on raw log exports." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Increasing fibre security for primary, secondary users and value-added manufacturers by working towards a harvest of 45 million cubic metres per year." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Completing a full review of BC Timber Sales to improve the process for accessing public timber and drive better outcomes for jobs in forestry dependent communities." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Reviewing the stumpage system in light of punishing tariffs and recent trade decisions from the US that have held our industry back, in order to identify reforms that support the industry." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Working toward First Nation agreements that make sure industry only pays once for stumpage — benefiting rural, remote and First Nation communities." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Expanding the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to provide support to the primary sector to allow them to invest in innovation that supports local jobs – helping end the boom-and-bust economy that hurts communities, contractors, businesses, workers and their families." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Securing a more sustainable future for First Nations and communities that depend on local forests for their economic strength by doubling the land held in BC’s new and existing community forests." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Bringing together industry, First Nations and communities to work together — through new Forest Landscape Planning Tables — to chart a path forward for the stewardship of BC forests that increases sustainable harvest levels, drives improved old-growth management, and respects local knowledge and community priorities." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Review Worksafe BC’s $2.1 Billion surplus in excess of its 130% funding target – the highest target in the country. If workers are getting all the support they need, part or all of the surplus should be returned to the employers who paid the premiums in the first place." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Create a right of employees, members of professional organizations and other workers to opt-out of workplace instruction sessions that contain political bias." — Common Sense Change for British Columbia, retrieved 2024-10-15

"Preventing workplace accidents and injuries by increasing the inspection and enforcement capacity of WorkSafeBC. In addition to the lives and injuries saved, enhanced prevention will also reduce overall costs and demands on BC’s health care services." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Expanding presumptive coverage under WCB for firefighters who experience higher rates of cancer due to increased exposure to the hazards of a fire scene." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Cut red tape for BC restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries by modernizing liquor laws and licensing, including a move to risk- based licensing that encourages good business practices throughout the industry. Modelled on the Ontario model, this will reduce administrative burdens on lower-risk establishments and strategically focus inspection and enforcement resources on those that pose a greater risk." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Identify redundant regulations: We will conduct a full review of mining regulations – including the NDP’s changes to the Mining Act - with the aim of removing unnecessary or duplicative requirements that do not meaningfully contribute to safety or environmental protection." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Review tax competitiveness: To attract and retain investment, we will ensure a fair and competitive tax structure so BC remains a strong investment destination." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Establish BC as a global hub for critical minerals: We commit to “getting to yes” in as timely a manner as possible – working with, not against, project proponents to satisfy all environmental and safety requirements." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Strengthen Indigenous partnerships: We will work closely with Indigenous communities to build strong, mutually beneficial partnerships. As Minister of Reconciliation, John Rustad signed more deals with First Nations than any other Minister in BC history, and knows what it takes to build trust.

Clear and transparent consultation: Ambiguous expectations around consultation requirements can create an atmosphere of mistrust and frustration. Clarity and transparency will help all parties move forward together."

— conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Helping workers keep up with the changing nature of mining in BC by establishing union-training programs focused on building the skilled workforce and trades people we need across the entire mining industry." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Guaranteeing permit review timelines for priority critical mineral projects while maintaining BC’s world-leading standards for environmental protection and worker safety and commitment to First Nations partnerships." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Providing dedicated support to advance projects to final investment through the new Critical Minerals Office, including coordination with the federal government to reduce duplication, and supporting First Nations engagement and capacity." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Working with the industry, unions, stakeholders and First Nations on a long-term outreach strategy to attract more investment and opportunities — from mineral exploration to advanced processing — in British Columbia’s critical minerals sector." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Building out the electricity grid across the province and supporting mines to power up with clean energy, ensuring that BC’s mining industry continues to be the cleanest in the world." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Upgrading key highway infrastructure in BC’s northwest needed to unlock investments in new critical mineral mines, create good jobs, and improve community access and safety." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Ensuring that resource development provides lasting benefits to communities in the Northwest through the Resource Benefits Alliance and to First Nations through continued revenue-sharing and new equity ownership opportunities." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Requiring that industry – not taxpayers – pay for the costs of clean up. For years, the government collected insufficient financial security from mining companies. We will build on the progress we have made that’s already increased the total reclamation securities held by the government from only 40% of estimated liabilities in 2017 to over 90% today." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Increase the supplemental income cap for people receiving disability assistance. The current cap of $16,200 is too low - discouraging people from seeking work. Raising the cap would also reduce pressure on family members who currently often have to provide additional financial support." — Common Sense Change for British Columbia, retrieved 2024-10-15

"Review disability assistance rates annually. NDP-Trudeau inflation has been devastating for people across BC, especially people with disabilities who rely on assistance payments to cover the costs of living. We will review rates annually to make sure people with disabilities have the support they need." — Common Sense Change for British Columbia, retrieved 2024-10-15

"Cut red tape for BC restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries by modernizing liquor laws and licensing, including a move to risk- based licensing that encourages good business practices throughout the industry. Modelled on the Ontario model, this will reduce administrative burdens on lower-risk establishments and strategically focus inspection and enforcement resources on those that pose a greater risk." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Boost access to capital for early-stage firms: Working in partnership with the private sector, we will work to close the gap in access to early-stage capital that often prevents BC entrepreneurs from scaling at the rate of their peers elsewhere." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Reduce the small business tax to 1%, with a path to 0% when finances allow, so entrepreneurs can keep their hard-earned money and have the best possible chance of succeeding." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Reduce barriers to arbitration for faster and more efficient commercial dispute resolutions." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Open procurement processes to all qualified contractors and workers, not just ones on a list of unions hand-selected by the NDP. The NDP would rather reward their friends than get the best value for taxpayers, making it costly to build the infrastructure BC desperately needs." — Common Sense Change for British Columbia, retrieved 2024-10-15

"Modernize procurement to drive local innovation: We will modernize procurement practices to ensure that local tech innovators have a fair shot at government contracts. This will boost the reputation of BC tech firms, help attract investors, and make government services more efficient." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Work with cities to reduce business permit wait times by publishing average wait times, auditing the policies and processes in cities that are identified as laggards, and providing recommendations for improvement." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08

"Working with key business organizations, individual business owners and entrepreneurs we’ll identify and remove barriers to establishing or growing businesses here in British Columbia. By doing this, we can help businesses put their focus where it should be — on delivering high-value products and services, innovating, and creating jobs." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Help protect small business owners and reduce their costs when disputes with landlords arise. By expanding the online dispute resolution tribunal to include business-landlord disputes, we can help small business owners avoid the high cost of seeking resolution through the courts." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07

"Invest in home-grown talent: We will direct more post-secondary funding to programs that give students the skills to succeed in tech and that enhance BC’s research & development capacity." — Common Sense Change for British Columbia, retrieved 2024-10-15

"Major local economic sectors like forestry, mining, agriculture, healthcare, and education stand to benefit from made-in-BC tech innovation. We will work with key sectors to accelerate the adoption of innovative technology developed by BC firms." — Common Sense Change for British Columbia, retrieved 2024-10-15

"Enhance flexibility in education delivery by expanding remote learning options, in addition to education during evenings and weekends." — Common Sense Change for British Columbia, retrieved 2024-10-15

"Prepare more young people for the jobs of the future – and the future starts now – by doubling all apprenticeship training and ramping up opportunities for more young people by expanding introductory programs that give them a taste of working in the trades and put them on the path to full, sponsored apprenticeships." — An Action Plan for You, retrieved 2024-10-07