VICTORIA, B.C. - Of B.C.’s $1.5 billion COVID-19 economic recovery package no less than $500 million should go towards CleanBC programs that will create clean jobs in low-carbon industries, getting British Columbians back to work in the short-term and providing sustainable job security in the long-term.
“CleanBC can be a big part of delivering the jobs B.C. needs now, over the next 6-12 months and in years to come,” said Adam Olsen, B.C. Green Party interim leader and MLA for Saanich-North and the Islands. “We need to be making investments in the right types of jobs, green jobs, right now. This is happening in other jurisdictions - why not in B.C.?”
Yesterday the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy reiterated this government’s verbal commitment to double down on ensuring CleanBC and climate action will be at heart of economic recovery. Last week, the Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness was asked if the Ministry is developing a concrete proposal to use CleanBC as an economic driver to build resiliency in B.C.'s supply chains with the Minister’s answer, in short, being yes.
“Verbal commitments are nice, but actions will speak louder than words. Investing $500 million in CleanBC would jump start our recovery and accelerate our transition to a sustainable economy,” said B.C. Green MLA Sonia Furstenau for Cowichan Valley. “Advancing a Green Recovery now means getting back to work by building a better future for our kids.”
CleanBC investments include everything from: building retrofits, electrification of transport, local food security and systems, habitat restoration, IT expansion and increased connectivity, and much more. The jobs created through CleanBC programs require a diverse range of skill sets, training and education, from entry level to advanced expertise. It is also an important tool in delivering upon our commitments under DRIPA to support First Nation lead and owned economic development opportunities.
Within the sectors that have the most potential to create clean jobs - energy, agriculture, design, tech, tourism, transport - there are opportunities in sales, manufacturing, construction, marketing, engineering, project management, and direct services. These are not exclusive sectors; by investing in CleanBC, the government can lay the foundation for innovative and resilient job options.
“As a caucus we are meeting with experts and stakeholders to ensure that the strongest policies and solutions are put forward,” said MLA Olsen. “There is a growing consensus that now is the time to actively invest in CleanBC; supporting fossil fuel projects is short-sighted and costly. Investing no less than $500 million into CleanBC and committing to a Green Recovery will strengthen B.C.’s economy, create tens of thousands of new jobs and help protect the best interests of British Columbians now and well into the future.”
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