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  2. BCGEU applauds bold, inclusive plan for emissions reduction and clean growth - BCGEU

BCGEU applauds bold, inclusive plan for emissions reduction and clean growth - BCGEU

Published on December 05, 2018

The BC Government & Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) applauds the B.C. government's release today of CleanBC which outlines plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent compared to 2007 levels by 2030.

Through a sector-by-sector approach focusing on transportation, buildings and industry, government seeks to work collaboratively with stakeholders to foster economic growth and create new job opportunities as the province reduces its emissions. This includes working with the BC Green Party and the Business Council of British Columbia, representing a truly bipartisan approach across different groups and communities.

"Government has presented a bold, ambitious plan that marks a significant step towards a green economy," says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "Through consultations with environmental groups, businesses, Indigenous groups, and communities, the CleanBC plan takes the kind of collaborative approach that we will need to make progress on our climate targets."

The overall design of CleanBC aims to ensure that no one is left behind. This includes introducing programs to help British Columbians reduce their energy costs, afford cleaner vehicles and access training and re-training for the jobs of the future – particularly in the trades and the construction industry. As British Columbians continue to deal with the impacts of climate change such as the wildfires that have grown in intensity, the plan aims to ensure B.C. communities are safe and economically resilient. Finally, the plan includes meaningful collaboration with Indigenous peoples through programs that will support self-sufficiency.

While reducing B.C.'s emissions will indeed require investment, government has been financially prudent in their planning. CleanBC is fully funded with program specific details forthcoming in the 2019/2020 Budget.

In the coming days, the BCGEU will conduct an in-depth review of government's CleanBC plan, particularly to examine plans relative to environmental resolutions passed at the union's 2017 constitutional convention, as well as recommendations put forward by the BCGEU's environment committee.



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