March 30, 2017

VANCOUVER / COAST SALISH TERRITORY — Josha MacNab, B.C. director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to today’s announcement by B.C. Green Leader Andrew Weaver on his party’s Climate Leadership Strategy:

“The Climate Leadership Strategy announced by B.C. Green Party leader Andrew Weaver sets out a vision for getting B.C. back on track to meeting its targets for reducing carbon pollution. With B.C.’s emissions currently projected to rise, this leadership is essential and welcome.

“Key commitments in the strategy include strengthening B.C.’s carbon tax by $10 per tonne per year beginning in 2018 and expanding its coverage to include fugitive and vented emissions. These were core recommendations of the premier’s Climate Leadership Team, but they were left out of the government’s climate plan. The strategy announced today would see B.C. do better than the benchmark set by the federal government for pricing carbon pollution and put B.C. ahead of other provinces and territories by 2018. Carbon pollution pricing is a key tool for building B.C.’s clean economy and curbing emissions.

“B.C. is guaranteed to miss its legislated 2020 target for carbon pollution and is far off track to meeting its 2050 target. The strategy commits to the Climate Leadership Team’s recommended target of 40% below 2007 levels by 2030. This interim target is critical to getting back on the path to the 2050 target. Delaying action will only make reducing carbon pollution much harder and more expensive.

“Raising the level of ambition of climate action in B.C. is imperative for the province to secure economic prosperity, protect our families and communities, and do our part in reducing Canada’s carbon pollution.”

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Join the conversation on Twitter: #BCClimateVote @Pembina

Contact

Stephen Hui

Communications Lead, Pembina Institute

778-987-7654

stephenh@pembina.org

Tw: @StephenHui

Background

Letter: Missed opportunity to secure B.C.’s economic future

Report: Modelling the Impact of the Climate Leadership Plan & Federal Carbon Price on B.C.’s Emissions

Infographic: The many benefits of energy efficient homes and buildings

About the Pembina Institute

The Pembina Institute is a non-profit think-tank that advocates for strong, effective policies to support Canada’s clean energy transition. We have offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto. Learn more: www.pembina.org