BC NDP

VANCOUVER -- New Democrat Leader Carole James announced a plan today to stimulate job growth and the new Green economy through a new B.C. Green Bond investment. The plan will also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"Our economic partners across Canada and in the U.S. are looking for opportunities to invest in new green technology and energy alternatives. My B.C. Green Bond plan will ensure B.C. is a leader. It will create opportunities to build the new green economy and stimulate job growth while reducing greenhouse gases and fighting climate change," said James.

James outlined a plan to issue B.C. Green Bonds each year for ten years, creating a dedicated fund to invest in green infrastructure and technology. The funds will be invested to create 15,000 new, green jobs in construction, manufacturing, transportation and service sectors in the following six areas:

1) Loans to individuals and households for home retrofitting
2) Loans to business/commercial enterprise for retrofitting
3) Retrofitting and greening of public infrastructure
4) Public transit and transportation infrastructure
5) Loans to support fleet conversions
6) Green Technology Fund

"Gordon Campbell invests in offshore financiers and privatization schemes. I have a new vision. I want to see new investment in every corner of our province, creating opportunities in the new green economy for business and job growth," said James. "Our plan does that, and it offers ordinary British Columbians and investors alike a safe, sound investment in troubled times."

David Levi, founder of the Working Opportunity Fund said the B.C. Green Bond will provide a safe investment that funds a key area of the emerging economy.

"As the manager of a venture capital fund focused on the knowledge economy, I know the public is looking for safe investments linked to future opportunities that are green, and knowledge based," said Levi. "The B.C. Green Bond does that. That's why I support and encourage this proposal."

NDP environment critic Shane Simpson said the B.C. Green Bond investments will do far more to reduce greenhouse gases than the Premier's pet gas tax. "This plan offers real investments that will reduce greenhouse gases by 9.975 million tonnes over ten years," said Simpson. "Replacing old GHG intensive infrastructure, investing in new cutting edge industrial technology - these are the real changes we need to make to fight climate change."

Read the backgrounder on the BC Green Bond here.