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.
“Over the past several months, we heard concerns from British Columbians that this funding was running out. We communicated these concerns to government and I am delighted that they acted quickly and decisively on this essential priority."
Due to higher-than-expected demand for EVs, the government added an additional $10 million to support the adoption of EVs, hybrids and fuel cell vehicles while it looks for more stable funding.
“As with any new technology, the cost of research and development is baked into the price of electric vehicles, driving up prices,” Weaver continued. “Transportation makes up 40% of B.C.’s emissions. We should ensure that stable, long-term funding is available to help support British Columbians to make the shift towards zero-emission vehicles.
“Our office has been working closely with the government to develop the Clean Growth Strategy that will position B.C. to be a leader in the low-carbon economy while enabling us to meet our targets. It will be essential that this plan be backed up with adequate funding and implementation. As the New Zealand Productivity Commission found last month, early action is almost always a winning economic strategy, even if other jurisdictions are slow to act. B.C. has all the strategic advantages we need to seize the economic opportunities arising as the world transitions to low-carbon economy, and the demand for EVs shows that British Columbians are on board. I look forward to making this vision a reality.”
-30-
Media contact
+1 778-650-0597 | [email protected]