NELSON - A re-elected BCNDP government will continue to protect the environment with new investments in the clean economy that will stimulate innovation, reduce heating and cooling costs, further build the province’s EV charging network and slash methane emissions.

“This provincial election offers a clear choice between a BC NDP government committed to creating jobs while reducing emissions and the Conservatives, who would reverse efforts to reduce emissions because many of their candidates don’t even believe in the science of climate change," said David Eby, BC NDP leader.

Eby said the BC NDP will make strategic investments in four priority areas that will ensure that economic growth in British Columbia does not come at the expense of the environment.

Expanding the Youth Climate Corps: We will expand our investment in the Youth Climate Corps of BC, providing $4 million annually to scale up workforce development and training opportunities for young people across BC. From providing FireSmart home assessments to ecological restoration and invasive species removal, the Youth Climate Corps of BC connects youth aged 17-30 with important job opportunities offering a livable wage to help build up climate resiliency.

Installing more heat pumps in homes: More British Columbians are now installing heat pumps to cool and heat their homes instead of gas-fired furnaces, a move that reduces emissions and utility bills. A BC NDP government will build on that momentum with a new $50 million per year to support even more households to make the switch. The BC Conservatives will slash these investments resulting in higher emissions and utility bills.

Reducing Hydro bills with balcony solar: A BC NDP government will cut red tape and simplify the process for households to install balcony solar and produce their own clean energy. We will eliminate administrative barriers to install hardwired balcony solar and qualify for rebates. And we will enable low-cost plug-in solutions with clear safety and electrical standards.

Building EV charging network: Significant progress has been made in building the province’s public EV charging network but there is much more to do. A new $16 million per year investment will help us triple the number of charging ports in the province over the next decade. The BC Conservative cuts will stall progress in building this sustainable alternative to rising gasoline prices.

Slashing harmful methane emissions: BC has made significant progress in our goal of cutting emissions by 75 per cent by 2030, with a 50 per cent cut achieved two years early. A re-elected BC NDP government will refocus its efforts to meet this goal and work to virtually eliminate methane emissions by 2035.