B.C. budget = good news for families, businesses, and climate

Pembina Institute reacts to B.C. government’s 2018 budget

February 20, 2018
Media Release

Finance Minister Carole James announces B.C. Budget 2018 on February 20. Photo: Province of B.C.

VICTORIA / LEKWUNGEN TERRITORY — Karen Tam Wu, acting B.C. director at the Pembina Institute and a member of B.C.’s Climate Solutions and Clean Growth Advisory Council, made the following statement today in response to the B.C. government’s 2018 budget:

“This provincial budget shows it is possible to prioritize the wellbeing of our communities and families in tandem with addressing the climate challenge. Investments in wildfire preparedness, energy-efficient social housing, and carbon-tax rebates for lower income households are prime examples.

“A clear signal is being sent to emissions-intensive industries: competitive companies are important to B.C., and so is transitioning to a low-carbon economy. We look forward to the rollout of budget measures that will support emissions-intensive industries in making the low-carbon transition — via the creation of an industry incentive program, new investments in low-carbon innovation, and the development of an energy roadmap for B.C.

“In the next year, the province must continue to plan for further investments in climate action based on a forward-thinking climate strategy that curbs carbon pollution and stimulates growth in the clean economy. The government has pledged to make B.C. a climate leader again. To get back on track, B.C. needs a clear roadmap to meeting its climate targets for 2030 and 2050.”

Quick facts

  • Industry (41 per cent), transportation (39 per cent), and the built environment (17 per cent) are the sectors responsible for most of B.C.’s carbon pollution.
  • Oil and gas still supply four times more energy than hydropower in B.C.
  • In 2017, the four provinces (B.C., Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec) with an effective price on carbon pollution led Canada in economic growth.

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Note for media: Karen Tam Wu of the Pembina Institute attended the budget lockup and is available for comment.

Find photos for editorial use: flickr.com/pembina

Join the conversation on Twitter: #CleanGrowthBC @Pembina

Contact

Stephen Hui
Communications Lead, Pembina Institute
778-987-7654
stephenh@pembina.org
Tw: @StephenHui

Background

Op-ed: Six ways B.C. can defend the climate and economy in 2018

Op-ed: Four provinces outperformed the rest, all while pricing carbon pollution

Blog: Better homes, lower costs, less pollution: The Energiesprong model and B.C. buildings

Backgrounder: Liquefied Natural Gas, Carbon Pollution, and British Columbia in 2017

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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, Toronto, and Ottawa. Learn more: www.pembina.org

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