VANCOUVER— Chris Severson-Baker, executive director of the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the results of the provincial election in British Columbia:
“The Pembina Institute congratulates Premier David Eby and the NDP on winning the opportunity to form government in British Columbia after a tightly contested election.
“This election result comes during a global energy transition that is unprecedented in speed and scale, in response to climate targets and the recognized market opportunity. The massive increase in investment in clean technologies worldwide is a big opportunity for all British Columbians to thrive economically and to help prevent and respond to the devastating impacts of climate change.
“Our hope is that under the NDP government, B.C. will remain Canada’s leading province for climate leadership, building on the progress of the last decade. Maintaining momentum is essential because B.C. is not competing against its fellow provinces for climate change accolades. Rather, it is competing in a global marketplace for a share of the investment in a net-zero economy.
“Given the significant investments that industry and the public sector have already made in the net-zero economy, it is important that the re-elected NDP government keep B.C. moving forward. Any sudden changes or backsliding at this point would be destabilizing to B.C. businesses and households while also putting at risk global capital that is seeking to make long-term investments in forward-looking markets. It would also jeopardize B.C.’s chances of meeting its own climate targets.
We look forward to working with the B.C. government on building a prosperous new energy economy and good jobs, while delivering affordable energy that people and industry can count on.”
Read the Pembina Institute Report, A Clean, Resilient Future: Recommendations for advancing British Columbia's net-zero energy economy
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Quick facts
B.C. was responsible for 9% of Canada’s national emissions in 2022.
Extreme weather is costing B.C.’s economy an estimated $10.6 billion to $17.1 billion annually.
83% of British Columbians say it is important that the province has an energy strategy to meet future energy needs as the world transitions away from fossil fuels and toward net-zero energy resources.
According to the International Energy Agency, globally, two out of every three dollars invested in energy is invested in clean energy
Contact
Laurence Miall
Communications Manager, Pembina Institute
438-878-1703
Background
Report: A Clean, Resilient Future: Recommendations for advancing British Columbia's net-zero energy economy
