VANCOUVER, B.C. — JESSICA MCILROY, manager, Buildings program at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to B.C.’s Budget 2025 announcement.
“In the context of growing global economic pressures, including the effects of U.S. tariffs, B.C.’s budget is focused on fiscal restraint and efforts to minimize trade war impacts. But the province has missed the opportunity to make critical investments in long-term economic resilience to protect and grow jobs while enhancing national energy security. This moment could have been viewed as an opportunity to build on B.C.’s strengths in responsible resource development and innovation, to deliver energy security and long-term prosperity.
“We were pleased to see $100 million for heat pumps over the next two years, as per the agreement with the BC Green Party. Along with maintenance of CleanBC financial incentives, this is critical to making everyday life more affordable and healthier in B.C., creating local jobs on the path to climate-resilient homes.
“Not referenced in the budget but also part of the agreement with the Greens, a review of CleanBC is essential to ensuring the province drives economic diversification, protects ecosystems, and supports national energy security. This review will ensure the province remains a climate leader and meets its 2030 climate targets, while providing British Columbians with stable, long-term jobs and affordable energy options.
“We’re keen to learn more about the province’s plans to maintain high environmental standards, while accelerating completion of key clean energy projects. If LNG projects proceed, they must not rely on public subsidies or be exempted from strong emissions requirements; they must focus on decarbonization throughout the value chain, while respecting Indigenous sovereignty at every stage.
“Accelerating clean energy, electricity grid modernization, and electrification projects is essential to B.C. building a competitive, low-carbon economy. B.C. should seize this opportunity to prioritize renewables and critical minerals, as it would strengthen energy security, create long-term jobs, and reduce emissions — positioning the province to lead and thrive in the clean energy economy.”
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Contact
Brendan Glauser (English / français)
Senior Director, Communications, Pembina Institute
(604) 356-8829
Background
Media release: Tariffs show the path to a resilient Canadian economy is built on abundant clean energy
Media release: B.C. advances energy resource development to drive investment, create long-term, local jobs
Report: A Clean, Resilient Future: Recommendations for advancing British Columbia’s net-zero energy economy
