Legislation creates new legal option for businesses pursuing environmental, social goals

VICTORIA, B.C. - The B.C. Green caucus made history today with the unanimous passing of the first ever Private Member’s Bill from an opposition party. The Greens also positioned the province as a leader nationally by bringing in the first legislation in the country to formally provide a legal framework for businesses committed to pursuing social and environmental goals to incorporate as benefit companies under the Business Corporations Act.

NANAIMO B.C. – B.C. Green Party members in Nanaimo have chosen Michele Ney as their candidate for the upcoming by-election to replace outgoing MLA Leonard Krog. Voting took place online for 24 hours and in-person at Saturday’s nomination meeting.

VICTORIA B.C. – The B.C. Green Party announced today that it is now accepting applications for nomination as the party’s candidate in the upcoming by-election in the riding of Nanaimo.

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.”