Furstenau welcomes success of expanded coverage for PrEP
VICTORIA, B.C. – Sonia Furstenau, B.C. Green Party spokesperson for health, welcomed the government’s announcement that expanded access for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) has been successfully rolled out to over 2,000 British Columbians since January 1. Furstenau called for coverage of PrEP to be extended in a letter to the Health Minister in November 2017.
“Today’s announcement is a fantastic example why we should prioritize preventative health care,” said Furstenau.
Weaver welcomes new government procurement process, calls for comprehensive streamlining of support for innovators
VICTORIA, B.C. – Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party, welcomed government’s announcement that it is streamlining procurement to better support B.C. innovators. Weaver added that the government should streamline and modernize all supports for B.C. small businesses and innovators.
“This is a good first step towards supporting B.C. innovators and demonstrates why government should streamline and modernize all support for entrepreneurs,” said Weaver.
Adam Olsen statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day
VICTORIA, B.C. – Adam Olsen, B.C. Greens MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, issued the following statement today in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
“This year marks the first National Indigenous Peoples Day by this name, and it was designated by the Government of Canada, together with Indigenous organizations, to recognize and celebrate Indigenous Peoples.
Andrew Weaver statement on beneficial ownership registry white paper
VICTORIA, B.C. – Today Andrew Weaver responded to government’s release of proposed legislation to create a beneficial ownership registry.
“Government should match its data collection and transparency efforts with decisive action and immediately close the bare trust loophole,” said Weaver.
Olsen: Government’s salmon farm announcement too little too late
VICTORIA, B.C. – Adam Olsen, B.C. Green Party spokesperson for wild salmon, says the province’s policy on salmon farms announced by the B.C. government today continues to put wild salmon at risk and fails to address the concerns of First Nations province wide. The province announced that in four years, government is going to require fish farming companies to not adversely impact wild salmon and have agreements with the nations whose territory they are operating and polluting in.
“Frankly, I am embarrassed for our province that the measures that will be implemented in four years are not already happening,” said Olsen. “It’s like surgeons announcing that starting in 2022 they are going to start washing their hands before procedures. This should have been the standard all along. The government of B.C. has just sold out wild salmon and are using First Nations as cover. Allowing fish farming to continue as is for four more years is a failure of leadership in Victoria.”