By Doug Routley, Nanaimo-North Cowichan MLA

This past Saturday marked the International Day of Climate Action. Over 5,000 demonstrations occurred world-wide making that single day the largest political action in human history. What could motivate the globe to such action? Clearly there is a growing concern and widening awareness that we face a climate threat that imperils our natural systems and presents stark challenge to our social systems.

Here in BC, we have an important role to play. The unfair carbon tax proposed by the BC Liberals will do nothing to change the course of our province in any real way. The so called neutrality of the tax means simply that the money will be collected and then paid out, largely through corporate tax breaks to the very corporations that are creating the majority of the pollution. We need carbon emission pricing but we need to act in concert with our continental neighbours and direct the funds generated to actual carbon reduction strategies such as transit, building efficiencies and reforestation.

 The B.C. Liberals have been hypocritical with their actions on the environment. During the election they promised one thing, yet delivered another. In order for us to effectively fight climate change, our provincial government needs to play a positive role. We need climate change solutions that are concrete and achievable, and we need a plan that will help us meet our emission reduction targets.

Rather than supporting the fight against climate change, the B.C. Liberals have a record of cutting back on support for climate action. During the election Campbell and the B.C. Liberals claimed that they wanted B.C. to move toward a greener, low-carbon economy. Now, just a few months after the election, they are backtracking on this announcement and cutting funding to transit expansion and environmental protection groups.

The B.C. Liberals’ legacy of broken promises on the environment include slashing the budget for environmental protection, parks and protected areas, stewardship, compliance, and enforcement between 10 and 62 per cent. They have eliminated LiveSmart BC, a program that encouraged homeowners to retrofit their homes and become more energy efficient. And they have downgraded the successful Scrap-It program, which aims to take older, polluting vehicles off the road, and replace them with newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Campbell government has also repeatedly tried to lift the ban on coastal oil drilling, despite public outcry. They have also introduced the new Harmonised Sales Tax, which will eliminate provincial tax exemptions on energy efficient products, Energy Star appliances, and even bicycles.

British Columbia needs to take a leading role in fighting global warming.  This commitment to action needs to start in our homes and communities, and needs to be echoed by the provincial government. Gordon Campbell cannot continue to ignore rising concerns about climate change. We need to take action to meet our carbon emission targets and become leaders in this global crisis. Investment in environmentally sustainable infrastructure and transit is required, alongside a commitment to lead the way to a low-carbon economy.

Carole James and the New Democrats value sustainable development, and understand the need to invest in green infrastructure. For that reason, we have proposed the new Provincial Green Fund. The Provincial Green Fund will raise over $150 million annually, and invest in transit and sustainable development all over the province. This investment will help create hundreds of new jobs and provide sustainable infrastructure for years to come.  This fund will help us reach our carbon emission reduction target.

We also need to find ways to allow individual British Columbians, local governments, first nations, small business and cooperatives to benefit in the new world of carbon reduction and carbon credit trading. All of these British Columbians should be able to benefit from their achievements in reducing emissions. Why should only large corporations benefit from trading their improvements as credits?

Finally, nothing British Columbia could do would go further in the cause of fighting climate change than to have healthy forests and a thriving value added forest industry. Our forests are the lungs of our planet. What could be greener than an industry whose very products sequester carbon and the growing of its renewable raw material absorbs carbon as well as produces oxygen. A thriving value added forest industry also provides social benefits of jobs, supports public services and encourages a strong entrepreneurial economy.

The people of British Columbia don’t want another promise, they want action. They deserve a government that understands what is needed and makes it happen. Carole James and the New Democrats are working hard to make sure that your voice is heard, and that we provide positive solutions to issues that matter to British Columbians.