VICTORIA, B.C. – The B.C. Green Caucus has issued the following statement in response to the Government’s Restart Plan for British Columbia.
“As we begin to navigate a new normal, we thank Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix for their leadership and guidance in how to reopen the economy safely. COVID-19 has changed everything. It shows just how fragile many of our systems are. It also shows our capacity to do what may have seemed unimaginable in order to protect the people we love and the communities we live in,” said B.C. Green Party interim leader Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich-North and the Islands.
“Over the past two months, British Columbians have experienced economic impacts and endured many hardships, but we have stepped up in the face of this crisis. Thanks to the efforts and sacrifices everyone has made, we can now begin to take careful initial steps to expand our lives socially and economically,” said B.C. Green MLA Sonia Furstenau for Cowichan Valley. “There will continue to be sacrifices, but let’s celebrate the steps we can take right now and also the incredible generosity and care in our communities. Let’s look to caring communities becoming the new normal.”
“Since March, facilities and businesses throughout B.C. have had to either shut down or adapt their practices in accordance with public health orders. All small businesses who have stayed open have demonstrated an ability to deliver a safe consumer experience,” said MLA Olsen. “It’s essential that we support local business and buy locally wherever possible to benefit everybody in our communities. This is one way in which we can ensure a more green and resilient post-pandemic B.C.”
“Moving forward, we need to continue to listen to Dr. Bonnie Henry to encourage new habits. All public health orders have been guided by evidence-based decision making and it is because of this approach that B.C. can begin to re-open,” said MLA Furstenau. “Together, we can seize new and innovative opportunities to tackle the challenges ahead of us. Now is the time to establish more resilient and sustainable systems throughout the province to build back better.”
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Media contact
JoJo Beattie, Acting Press Secretary
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | [email protected]