VICTORIA B.C. - Matt Toner, B.C. Green Party Deputy Leader, today released the following statement on the B.C. NDP’s technology platform announcement:

“We welcome the B.C. NDP’s announcement of investment in education in order to support the technology sector: It’s a necessary step, but it’s not sufficient. The Vancouver tech industry a notoriously ‘leaky bucket,’ ceding much of our talent to other cities. If we are going to train the next generation, we must ensure there are jobs waiting for our graduates.

“The B.C. Greens’ approach will go much further in nurturing the full spectrum of opportunities available in B.C., both in terms of the range of technology sectors and various stages of business development. Specific measures to support entrepreneurs, innovators and small ventures are critical to ensuring that B.C. can be a leader in the global tech sector. To get there, we need to do more than just refine government procurement practices - we need to create an environment where innovation from around the world comes to flourish.

“The B.C. Greens look forward to releasing a more comprehensive and strategic platform for a sector that is a critical part of British Columbia - now and for long into the future.”

Toner was appointed Deputy Leader of the B.C. Green Party in January 2016 and is the spokesperson for finance and the new economy. He is also a Vancouver-based digital media entrepreneur.

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B.C. Green Party

Jillian Oliver, Press Secretary

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