Greens make gains in Canada and worldwide
In recent elections here in Canada and around the world, Green parties have either held their ground or made significant gains.
In Sweden, Greens retained all of seats and have formed a coalition govern with the Social Democrats. Sweden now has its very first Green cabinet ministers, with Greens heading up the ministries of the Environment and Education, as well as controlling Sweden's overseas aid agency Sida and the consumer affairs ministry. Read more here.
Address of the Interim Leader of the BC Green Party to the Union of BC Municipalities
Greetings
After many years sitting in the audience at UBCM as a Councillor from the District of Central Saanich, I am both honoured and humbled to be standing on this stage presenting to you today as the Leader of the BC Green Party.
As I only have five minutes of your time and want to be respectful of this opportunity and your time for lunch, I just want to say that I echo the greetings and the sentiments of my colleague John Horgan in thanking the executive, staff and members of the UBCM.
Address of the Leader of the BC Green Party to the Union of BC Municipalities
Greetings
After many years sitting in the audience at UBCM as a Councillor from the District of Central Saanich, I am both honoured and humbled to be standing on this stage presenting to you today as the Leader of the BC Green Party.
As I only have five minutes of your time and want to be respectful of this opportunity and your time for lunch, I just want to say that I echo the greetings and the sentiments of my colleague John Horgan in thanking the executive, staff and members of the UBCM.
B.C. Ferries and the provincial economy
The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) introduced the details of their latest major policy report yesterday, Boatswains to the Bollards: A Socioeconomic Impact Analysis of BC Ferries, prepared by Peter Larose of Larose Research and Strategy.
This impact analysis investigates chronic government mismanagement of the B.C. Ferries corporation, arguing that fare hikes and service reductions over a 10-year period have cost the provincial economy over $2 billion and eroded a world-class ferry system, threatening its long-term viability.
At presentation on impacts of BC Ferries fare increases
Adam, Bob, Wyatt and Stefan are at a presentation by researcher Peter Larose on his recently released study on the impact of BC Ferries fare increases on ridership. The study was commissioned by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).
Larose's report can be accessed here (PDF, pages 11 - 97)
Minister Todd Stone responded to the report here (PDF)
Larose is responding to many of Minister Stone's criticisms at his presentation. We will summarize his responses in a later post.