Andrew Weaver: A Climate for Hope
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HomeUncategorized Issues Blog Media Release First Nations Education Energy and Mines Environment Health Economy Resource Development Affordability One year later, CASA continues to deliver strong, stable government that puts people first

One year later, CASA continues to deliver strong, stable government that puts people first

May 29, 2018 By Andrew Weaver Comments are Off Affordability, Economy, Education, Energy and Mines, Environment, First Nations, Health, Issues Blog, Media Release, Resource Development, Uncategorized

Today the BC Green and BC NDP caucuses celebrated the one year anniversary of the signing of our historic Confidence and Supply Agreement.

The Premier and I took the opportunity to celebrate the event at the offices of Alacrity Foundation in Victoria. This was a fitting venue since Alacrity represents a stellar example of innovation in the new economy.

Alacrity has helped bring over $225 million to B.C.’s technology ecosystem through its investor readiness program and on April 19, 2018, the Province announced that it was investing more than $711,000 over the next three years in the Alacrity Foundation of B.C.’s Cleantech Scale-Up program.

Below I reproduce the brief remarks I gave at the event as well as our joint press release.

My remarks

I am delighted to be here to celebrate the one year anniversary of the announcement that we had reached a Confidence and Supply Agreement with the BC NDP.

The 2017 election was historic for our Party. We doubled our popular vote count and tripled our seat count.

When the results came in as a minority government, we felt an enormous weight on our shoulders. We took our decision very seriously.

In the end, we decided BC needed a change. It was clear that most British Columbians wanted things to be done differently.

There was a clear desire for bolder, forward-looking policies on a range of important issues:

affordability;
environmental protection;
investments like child care and public education that will give our children the best possible future.

CASA is the result of two distinct parties coming together around shared values.

Ultimately we want the same thing:

to improve the health and wellbeing of British Columbians;
to make government more responsive to the challenges and opportunities they face in their everyday lives;
and to set our province up for success.

There have been ups and downs in the first year, but like any relationship our Agreement has required us to work through our issues and come together to find solutions that we can both support.

This is a special opportunity – under majority governments, a party can get 100% of the power with as little as 39% of the vote and push through its agenda without having to consult or collaborate with any other parties.

This has often left British Columbians feeling disconnected and like their government is not listening to their concerns. In just the first year since signing our agreement, we have worked together to:

ban big money;
reform the lobbying industry;
make historic investments in childcare and public education;
advance key elements of the BC Greens’ economic vision for the province.

And we’re just getting started.

Right now, I am hard at work with Minister Heyman to develop a climate plan that puts a bold vision for BC’s economy centred around innovation at its core.

We have a unique opportunity to make BC a leader again in climate action.

While climate change poses significant risks and challenges, there are opportunities to be had as the world transitions to the low carbon economy.

But the benefits will only flow to those who are leaders – not the last adopters.

BC was once a leader in climate action, providing an example to the world that a strong economy and bold climate action are perfectly compatible.

I am looking forward to unveiling our plan to make BC a leader once again.

There are challenges that lie ahead, but I am deeply encouraged by our ability to come together to work through our differences.

John and I both know that there is more at stake than the future of our two parties – we are united in our love of this province and we want to set it up for the best possible future.

Our caucus remains committed to doing everything we can to work collaboratively to advance more solutions so that we can deliver on our shared commitments to the people of BC

Thank you.

Joint Media Release

For Immediate Release
2018PREM0081-001062
May 29, 2018		 Office of the Premier
Office of the Leader of the B.C. Greens

One year later, CASA continues to deliver strong, stable government that puts people first

 
VICTORIA – Premier John Horgan and B.C. Green Caucus Leader, Andrew Weaver, marked the one-year anniversary of the Confidence and Supply Agreement (CASA) at the Alacrity Foundation in Victoria.

The leaders highlighted co-operation to put people first, and investment in clean tech, innovation and a resilient economy that creates good jobs for people in B.C. — now and into the future.

“When we agreed to CASA, we agreed to make democracy work for people and focus on solutions to the challenges facing British Columbians,” said Premier Horgan. “By working together, we’ve accomplished a lot to make life more affordable, improve the services people count on, and build a strong, sustainable economy that works for people. And we will keep working together, every day, to make life better for people in B.C.”

The Province recently announced support for the Alacrity Foundation to help clean tech companies expand. The support for Alacrity is part of the progress made on CASA commitments to advance innovation and technology, and the collaborative work on the climate action strategy that continues.

“Over the last year, we’ve shown the people of B.C. that co-operative government can lead to better, evidence-based policies that will set our province up for a bright future,” said Weaver. “Core elements of our economic platform are part of CASA. With the establishment of the Emerging Economy Task Force and the appointment of B.C.’s first innovation commissioner, the province will be better positioned to adapt and prosper in the changing economy of the 21st century.”

CASA commitments on climate action were emphasized by both leaders, as they stressed the importance of decisive action and ongoing work to ensure B.C. is a climate leader.

“Climate change affects everyone, and our shared future depends on making B.C. a climate leader with a strong economy that works better for people and the environment,” said Premier Horgan. “The previous government stalled climate action and failed to meet targets. We are working collaboratively towards a credible and effective climate strategy that creates opportunities for people. I’m excited about what we can achieve together.”

The Government of British Columbia recently introduced legislation to update the Province’s greenhouse gas reduction targets, setting the stage for a renewed climate action strategy to be released in the fall.

“There is much more to be done, but I look forward to working together to make B.C. a leader in climate action once again,” said Weaver. “We have an incredible opportunity to build a thriving economy centred around innovation, and keep our commitment to younger generations. A climate plan that is a collaborative effort by two distinct parties is a unique chance to put people ahead of politics, to think beyond the typical electoral cycle and set our province up for the brightest possible future. British Columbia has so much to offer and we can and shall be a leader in the new economy.”

In addition to growing B.C.’s tech economy, supporting innovation and making B.C. a leader in climate action, CASA lists child care, team-based health care and housing as priorities.

Quick Facts:

  • On June 29, 2017, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia asked Premier Horgan to form government on the assurance of having the confidence of the legislative assembly.
  • CASA, signed on May 30, 2017, forms the basis for BC Green caucus confidence in government.
  • The agreement is effective from May 30, 2017, for four years or until the next fixed date election as set by the B.C. Constitution Act.
  • The CASA Secretariat is a small two-person office dedicated to managing the consultations to support CASA implementation.
  • Since 2009, companies supported by the Alacrity Foundation in Victoria and Vancouver have employed more than 200 people, and have had a direct economic impact of $300 million in B.C.
  • Between 2014 and 2017, Alacrity has helped bring over $225 million to B.C.’s technology ecosystem through its investor readiness program.
  • On April 19, 2018, the Province announced that it is investing more than $711,000 over the next three years in the Alacrity Foundation of B.C.’s Cleantech Scale-Up program.

Learn more:

To learn more about the CASA Secretariat and agreement, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/central-government-agencies/government-communications/casa

To learn more about Alacrity’s BC Cleantech Scale-Up program, visit: https://www.alacritycanada.com/programs/

Contacts:
Jen Holmwood
Deputy Communications Director
Office of the Premier
250 818-4881		 Jillian Oliver
Press Secretary
B.C. Greens
778 650-0597

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