Water is essential for life, and yet we lack adequate protection for our water sources. Mining, logging, and fracking, along with the impacts of climate change, threaten our freshwater fishing, recreation, and industries. Meanwhile, our coastal waterways are being threatened by things like the unregulated ship breaking industry, which brings the risk of asbestos, heavy metals and hazardous materials to ecologically sensitive areas. The B.C. Greens recognize the need for regulation and enforcement of the ship breaking industry and are committed to watershed security. By allocating funding and creating jobs in restoration, monitoring, technology and education, and planning in conjunction with First Nations, communities, and industry, we can sustain healthy water.
The BC Greens' plan for Water
By ensuring B.C. communities have long-term, reliable, and equitable water access we reinforce the basic human right to clean water.
The Water Sustainability Act makes the province responsible for all streams and groundwater in B.C., including how they are diverted and used.
Our watersheds are key not only to healthy drinking water, but to food security, ecosystem health, and landscape stability. Working in conjunction with First Nations, the Watershed Security Fund will create sustainable jobs in communities across B.C. in watershed restoration, monitoring, technology, training, and education.
Lead and galvanized metal pipes can leach toxic material into the water and are susceptible to corrosion and breakage. Polybutylene pipes are prone to leakage, and sewer lines may not be able to handle modern amenities like dishwashers and washing machines. Grants and incentives will enable household upgrades, and by working with local governments, school districts and other stakeholders, outdated plumbing in public buildings can be replaced to ensure clean, safe drinking water for all.
Ship breaking involves dismantling and recycling ships, which is one of the most hazardous and environmentally damaging industries on the planet. The province has permitted the ship breaking industry to operate in Baynes Sound, which is a federally designated ecologically & biologically sensitive area that produces half of British Columbia’s shellfish. There are no specific regulations regarding ship breaking in B.C., despite it posing a serious risk to workers, communities, and marine environments.