Two years in, BC is getting results on climate action, housing and more

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On the eve of the second anniversary of the signing of the Confidence and Supply Agreement (CASA), British Columbians are seeing the benefits of a government that puts people first.

“I’m proud to lead a government that’s getting results for people,” said Premier John Horgan. “Together with the BC Green Caucus, we got big money out of politics, we’re working hard to fix the housing crisis and we’re making B.C. a leader on climate action.

“I’m looking forward to the work ahead, as we implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, provide affordable, quality child care for more families and make sure that people benefit from the strength of B.C.’s sustainable, low-carbon economy. These are shared priorities and significant to the future of the province. It will take time, but we will make progress by working together.”

“Bringing more voices to the political landscape offers a balancing of perspectives that benefits all British Columbians,” said Andrew Weaver, BC Green Party leader. “The BC Green Caucus is proud to work with the BC NDP government through CASA on shared priorities and to provide new frameworks for how to solve the challenges of today through an economic vision that is founded in the sustainable, innovative and collaborative potential of all this great province has to offer.”

The Confidence and Supply Agreement, negotiated with the BC Green Caucus, provides strong and stable government for British Columbia.

The past year under the CASA, government has taken critical action on climate in collaboration with the BC Green Caucus. The CleanBC plan will expand B.C.’s sustainable economy and create jobs and opportunities for people.

The plan includes rebates and incentives to make vehicles, homes and businesses more energy efficient, saving people money while fighting climate pollution. This spring, government will pass into law the CleanBC requirement that all new cars be zero emission by the year 2040. CleanBC is fully funded, with over $900 million invested in the next three years.

Government has also taken important steps to address the housing crisis. With focused action to build supply, curb demand and provide more security for renters, government is delivering safe, affordable housing for people of all ages and income levels.

Action on housing is starting to show results. Housing prices are beginning to moderate. More than 20,000 new homes are complete or underway in nearly 80 communities throughout the province.

Government is acting on the recommendations of the Rental Housing Task Force, which included BC Green Caucus representation, to better protect the rights of renters and landlords.

The past year has also seen collaborative work to restore wild salmon, which are critical to B.C.’s environment, history, economy and way of life. The Premier’s Wild Salmon Advisory Council, which included representation from the BC Green Caucus, made recommendations that guide government’s work to protect wild salmon and enhance their habitat. B.C. will continue to work with its partners to help restore wild salmon populations.

Over the past two years, the CASA has enabled progress on:

affordable, quality child care
removing barriers to post-secondary and skills training
expansion of team-based health care
stronger environmental assessment rules
getting to the root causes of money laundering
restoring balance to B.C.’s labour laws and making workplaces safer
appointing the innovation commissioner to promote B.C.’s technology sector
creating the Emerging Economy Task Force, to make sure people benefit from advances in innovation and technology
banning big money in provincial and local elections
protecting B.C.’s environment and coast from the risks of a bitumen spill

“In two years, we’ve shown how much can be accomplished when we have a government that puts people first. We’re going to keep working together to make life better for people,” said Horgan.