VICTORIA, B.C. – A lacklustre spring session from the BC NDP has left the BC Greens feeling like the lone progressive voice in the BC Legislature.
“While inequality grows, our health care crisis worsens, and public frustration rises, the BC NDP have shown little willingness to challenge corporate power, tax the ultra-wealthy, prioritize clean energy over fossil fuels, or deliver the ambitious affordability agenda that British Columbians need,” said Jeremy Valeriote, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky.
“This session started with a budget asking more from working people than it did from concentrated wealth. It was a session where both sides were more consumed by political distractions and posturing than British Columbians urgent needs.”
“The BC NDP is handing millions to LNG proponents and rolling out the red carpet for energy-hungry AI data centres,” said Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands. “Meanwhile, ordinary British Columbians are being asked to tighten their belts, accept cuts to affordable housing programs, face growing pressure and cuts to health care, and conserve water and electricity.”
The BC Greens recognize that the passing of the K’ómoks Treaty is a monumental and positive step forward. While aspects of the treaty process remain flawed and deserve scrutiny, advancing modern treaties is necessary and important work. “The BC NDP should not be taking this summer for a vacation. There is serious work needed to be done to get reconciliation back on course and improve the treaty process,” added Botterell.
In a spring session dominated by Indigenous rights, the BC Greens maintained a steady hand, and did the outreach required to propose a responsible way forward; when asked to accept weakened freedom of information protections, the BC Greens defended the original legislation that MLA Rob Botterell helped draft; and, as artificial intelligence bulldozes into our lives without oversight, the BC Greens raised urgent concerns about the establishment of AI data centres, calling for both a moratorium and a water-use plan.
“British Columbians were promised progress on affordability, a Mental Health Act review, and proactive action on reconciliation. Instead of ambitious leadership, we are seeing a government caretaking for the status quo,” said Valeriote.
“British Columbians deserve a government willing to lead with courage, transparency, and a long-term vision. The BC Greens will continue to fight for that future.”
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Media Contact
Ryan Hook
Press Secretary
BC Green Caucus
+1 (250) 882 6187 | Ryan.Hook@leg.bc.ca