VANCOUVER B.C. - The B.C. Green Party today released its platform plank on the new economy, entitled “Strategy for the New Economy: Innovation and Sustainable Enterprise” in Vancouver. The full platform is based on three pillars: economic security; sustainability and intergenerational equity; and responsible government.

“Government has one job that is more important than anything else: to support all British Columbians in living healthy and prosperous lives,” said Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party, at the announcement. “That starts with a healthy economy. The most important factor in an individual’s health and wellbeing is their income. Furthermore, when people feel secure, they can feel comfortable pursuing their innovative ideas and dreams.

“Yet, for the past 16 years, the BC Liberals’ approach has done the opposite. The economic growth they are running on is characterized by inequality, and jobs that have been created are mostly part-time, insecure and low-paying. Meanwhile, after four lost elections, the BC NDP have failed to re-earn people’s trust that they can manage the economy. The B.C. Greens are the only Party with a strategy to create long-term, good-paying jobs and make B.C. competitive in the emerging economy.”

A B.C. Green government will:

Build a business environment for the new economy:

Establish an “Emerging Economy Task Force” to address the changing nature of business over the next 10 to 25 years.

Work with the Federal Government to develop a systematic approach to the tax system that is both progressive and neutral; that will simplify the tax system; and that will achieve other government goals such as greening the economy, and promoting risk taking and innovation.

Review existing government programs to ensure they are effectively supporting innovation, and new business models in the emerging economy.

Modernise labour laws to recognise new and emerging types of work relationships in the emerging economy, by introducing a fairer, more responsive and more inclusive code, that contributes to increased competitiveness.

Grow sustainable enterprises in B.C.:

Establish an Innovation Commission to support innovation and business development in the technology sector: and, appoint an Innovation Commissioner with a mandate to be an advocate and ambassador on behalf of the BC technology sector in Ottawa and abroad.

Invest up to $20 million per year to support ideation, mentoring and networking at post-secondary institutions to promote entrepreneurship, leadership and business skills development focused on entrepreneurship and risk-taking.

Provide up to $70 million over four years for qualifying entrepreneurs to leverage seed or angel funding.

Invest $50 million in business incubators, accelerators and affordable space for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Promote innovative collaborations with domestic and international partners; facilitate strategic business mentoring; and invest $35 million over four years in talent to help create, grow and attract companies.

Encourage emerging opportunities:

Promote investment in clean energy and transportation, and green initiatives that create jobs and economic activity without increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Invest $120 million over four years in partnerships with industry, academic institutions and government to support research, development and commercialization of climate friendly technologies.

Review the environmental legislative framework, to ensure the regulatory environment promotes adoption of green technologies and practices.

Use government procurement to encourage the greening of businesses, products and processes; and allocate $20 million per year to support the adoption of green technology.

Promote the use of clean technology to derive the maximum economic benefit from waste streams

Review the mandates and legislation of public sector agencies and Crown Corporations to ensure that they promote innovation and support business development.

The B.C. Green Party will release subsequent portions of its platform in the coming weeks.

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Attached:

Media contact

B.C. Green Party

Jillian Oliver, Press Secretary

+1 778-650-0597 | jillian.oliver@bcgreens.ca