VICTORIA, BC - The B.C Green caucus today announced its new spokesperson roles for the upcoming session. This marks the first time the caucus has established official spokesperson roles after its historic election in May, when the party tripled its seats from 1 to 3 and doubled its popular vote count.
“I am delighted to announce - for the first time - the spokesperson roles of the B.C. Green caucus,” said Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Greens.
“B.C. faces a wide range of challenges and opportunities that require bold, innovative policies to ensure our long-term prosperity. In the 2017 campaign, the B.C. Greens ran on a comprehensive platform based on a clear vision for the future of British Columbia: one where the first priority of government is to ensure the health and wellbeing of the people it serves, where we build a strong, diverse economy that will thrive for generations to come, and where citizens trust their government to put their interests first. Our spokesperson roles reflect that vision and so will our work as MLAs.”
The caucus spokesperson roles will be divided as follows:
Ensuring the health and wellbeing of British Columbians: Sonia Furstenau
Key issues that the Greens will advance towards this goal are healthy lives and lifelong learning - recognizing that education is a lifelong process that includes early childhood education, K-12, postsecondary and skills upgrading. In addition, Furstenau will be responsible for electoral reform.
Relevant ministries: Ministry of Health, Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environment & Climate Change (professional reliance), Attorney General (electoral reform), Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources (water protection), and Ministry of Children & Family Development.
Furstenau will also serve as house leader.
Building a sustainable economy: Andrew Weaver
Key issues the Greens will advance towards this goal are building the green economy, income security (basic income), sustainable enterprise and climate action.
Relevant ministries: Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training, Ministry of Environment & Climate Change (climate change), Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General, and Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.
Strengthening trust in government: Adam Olsen
Key issues the Greens will advance towards this goal are ensuring the adoption of UNDRIP and the TRC recommendations and government accountability and transparency. Additionally, Olsen will be responsible for affordable housing.
Relevant ministries: Attorney General (lobbying and electoral finance reform), Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ministry of Citizens Services, Ministry of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Olsen will also serve as party whip.
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