Flaring at LNG plants could increase premature birth rates by 50%; B.C. Greens call for B.C. NDP to pause Woodfibre LNG
SQUAMISH B.C. – B.C. Green leader Sonia Furstenau today called on the B.C. NDP government to pause plans for Woodfibre LNG based on recent research that reveals pregnant people living near fossil fuel facilities that use flaring are at a 50% higher risk of premature birth than those without exposure. Flaring refers to the practice of burning off excess gas for various reasons, including pressure variations in pipelines, economic valuation, waste management and facility maintenance.
Gandhi responds to MoH announcement on Surrey Memorial Hospital
SURREY B.C. – B.C. Green deputy leader Dr. Sanjiv Gandhi released the following statement today in response to announcements from the Minister of Health regarding Surrey Memorial Hospital:
“Doctors and nurses have been sounding the alarm about the situation in hospitals in B.C. for months. Patients are at risk because the workplace at Surrey Memorial Hospital is not safe, and the healthcare system does little to support healthcare workers.
“Today’s announcement made no acknowledgement that healthcare workers themselves who, despite their obvious dedication, feel unable to provide the best clinical care possible. What we need from the health minister right now is a concrete plan with clear deliverables and measurable outcomes to address the dire conditions in hospitals.”
Clearing the air and cooling the heat: BC NDP must take immediate action
VICTORIA, B.C. – As wildfires continue to rage across Canada and B.C., 2023 is poised to be the most devastating year on record. Urgent measures are required to safeguard the well-being of all British Columbians.
“Communities across British Columbia have sadly grown accustomed to the haunting sight of smoke-filled skies during the summer months," said Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the B.C. Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley. "It is our responsibility to proactively safeguard the health and safety of our community members, especially our seniors, children, and most vulnerable.
Furstenau statement on extension of Fairy Creek deferral
VICTORIA B.C. – B.C. Green leader Sonia Furstenau released the following statement on today’s extension of the two-year old logging deferral in the Fairy Creek watershed:
"As expected this B.C. NDP government is not putting permanent, long-term solutions on the table, and instead they are kicking the can down the road.
B.C. Greens call for free transit for teens
VICTORIA, B.C. – The B.C. Green Caucus is calling on the BC NDP to expand free transit for youth, making it free for individuals up to age 18 on all BC Transit and TransLink services.
"Providing safe transportation options is essential for the well-being and independence of our youth, many of whom face significant barriers due to financial constraints,” said Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the B.C. Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley.