B.C. Greens applaud new Nature Agreement
VICTORIA, B.C. - Today, the First Nations Leadership Council, federal government and the province announced $1 billion to protect and conserve biodiversity, habitats and species at risk in British Columbia. Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the B.C. Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley has issued the following statement:
“Conservation financing is an essential step to making the necessary transformation of how land and resources are stewarded in B.C. Along with this important investment, the BC NDP needs to finally introduce legislation that will provide legal protections to species at risk and biodiversity in B.C. With more than 1800 species at risk of extinction in the province, we cannot afford any further delays.
B.C. Greens call for year-round extreme weather shelter support
VICTORIA, B.C. - As British Columbia experiences its first snow falls across the province and thousands face power outages from strong winds and heavy rain, the pressing need for permanent warming shelters and year-round support for marginalized British Columbias is evident. The BC Green Caucus is calling on the BC NDP to provide funding for year-round shelter support.
In what’s become an all-too-familiar trend, extreme weather shelters continue to scramble at the last minute, often delaying their openings until specific temperature thresholds are met. This ad-hoc approach not only disrupts the lives of those seeking shelter but also presents significant challenges to providing consistent and accessible support.
B.C. Greens challenge Bill 34, call for evidence-based approach to public safety
VICTORIA, B.C. – The B.C. Green Caucus is calling into question the intended goals of Bill 34, Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act. The Bill, in its current form, targets poverty and homelessness without providing evidence-based support for individuals struggling with housing insecurity, substance use, and addiction. Safety isn't selective, everyone in B.C. deserves security.
“If we want to achieve a true sense of public safety, we cannot adopt an 'out of sight, out of mind' approach. British Columbia is capable of implementing evidence-based solutions, and must do so immediately,” said Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the B.C. Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley. “Until these necessary and evidence-based services are in place - safe consumption sites, funding for communities to help their residents with housing and living support, and support for regulated treatment centres - the B.C. Greens cannot support this Bill.
No more ‘starving students’ - B.C. Greens call for non-repayable food security grant
VICTORIA, B.C. - To address the pressing issue of food insecurity among post-secondary students, the BC Green Caucus is calling on the BC NDP to invest in on-campus food security resources. This includes the establishment of a Non-Repayable Food Security Grant Program to support students facing financial hardships.
B.C. Greens respond to new short-term rental legislation
VICTORIA, B.C. - Today, the province unveiled new short-term rental legislation. Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands has issued the following statement:
“The B.C. Green Caucus has long championed the need to view housing as a human right, not as a commodity. We recently raised concerns about the impact that short-term rentals have had on housing affordability in our communities. I am pleased to see the provincial government take action and move to regulate short-term rental investment properties.