VICTORIA, B.C. – Adam Olsen, B.C. Green Party spokesperson for agriculture, welcomed the publication of the Wild Salmon Advisory Council’s report. Olsen is a member of the Advisory Council, which was formed following his call for the creation of a similar body to advise government on comprehensive policies to protect B.C.’s wild salmon population.

“This report is a result of widespread collaboration and provides government with a clear pathway to develop policies that will protect wild salmon,” said Olsen.

VICTORIA, B.C. – Sonia Furstenau, B.C. Green Spokesperson for Mental Health and Addictions, issued the following statement in recognition of World Mental Health Day:

“The purpose of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues so that we can reduce stigma and mobilize support efforts. It’s a day for dialogue and support, a day to come together and have brave conversations. Mental health impacts us all, our friends, families, and communities, yet it is so often associated with hurt and shame. By talking about it we can overcome the things that keep us isolated and forge a path forward through dialogue and care.

VICTORIA, B.C. – Sonia Furstenau, MLA for the Cowichan Valley, welcomed the protection of forestry jobs and highlighted the renewed opportunities it offers.

“Today it was announced that Catalyst Paper has been purchased by Paper Excellence Canada, securing hundreds of jobs for B.C. forestry workers on Vancouver Island.

VICTORIA, B.C. – Andrew Weaver, leader, and Adam Olsen, spokesperson for Indigenous relations and reconciliation of the B.C. Green Party have applied to intervene in the new Trans Mountain National Energy Board (NEB) hearings. Weaver and Olsen were both intervenors in the 2014 certificate hearing for the Trans Mountain Expansion project.

“Although we are concerned that this is yet another rushed process engineered to facilitate a political win, unfortunately right now it is the only one we’ve got,” said Weaver.

VICTORIA, B.C. – Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party, responded to the news that the LNG Canada project has received a positive final investment decision (FID).

“I am deeply disappointed that the NDP minority government’s tax giveaway has resulted in the country’s single biggest source of emissions receiving an FID,” said Weaver.

VICTORIA, B.C. – Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party, urged government to implement the recommendations of Dan Perrin’s real estate regulatory structure review.

“I urge government to implement the recommendations of the Perrin report,” said Weaver. “The current regulatory structure has created dysfunction that is confusing for industry and falls short in consumer protection.”

VICTORIA, B.C. – Today Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, responded to the government’s announcement that they have extended negotiations with the ‘Namgis, Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis and Mamalilikulla First Nations.

“Only engaging First Nations with fish farms bolted to their traditional territory is the same divide-and-conquer colonial governance that this government has committed to moving away from,” said Adam Olsen, caucus spokesperson for wild salmon and Indigenous relations and reconciliation.

VICTORIA B.C. – Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party, is extending his congratulations to David Coon, leader of the New Brunswick Green Party, on the election of his first caucus. The New Brunswick Greens join the B.C. Greens and the P.EI. Greens as the first provincial Green Party caucuses in Canada.

“I extend my sincere congratulations to David and his team on the incredible growth they achieved tonight,” said Weaver.

VICTORIA, B.C. – Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party, praised the BC government’s efforts to find more funding to support vehicle adoption. Weaver says the higher-than-forecasted demand shows that British Columbians are on board with the transition to the low-carbon economy.

“British Columbians clearly want electric vehicles and I am pleased the government has found more funding to support their choices,” said Weaver.

VICTORIA, B.C. – Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green party, responded to the Rental Housing Task Force recommendation that the provincial government amend the annual allowable rent increase formula, to restrict increases to the rate of inflation:

“I want to commend the Task Force for their work on an issue of critical importance to British Columbians, and I urge the provincial government to adopt the recommendation. Today’s announcement is a strong step in addressing both current and ongoing rental affordability.