VICTORIA — Dan Woynillowicz, policy director at Clean Energy Canada, made the following statement in response to the B.C. government’s 2019 budget:
“The true test of any budget is whether a government puts its money where its mouth is. When the government’s CleanBC climate change plan was announced last December, the province said it would be fully funded. Working with the B.C. Greens, the government has delivered the resources required to fulfill that promise.
“British Columbians should be excited by this budget because it supports them upgrading their lives in ways that not only cut carbon pollution but also lower monthly energy bills—like more efficient homes and electric cars.
“Upgrading to new and better technologies and infrastructure creates significant economic and job opportunities for B.C. businesses. And the budget recognizes British Columbians will need training to step into new jobs and responsibilities—for example, maintaining electric vehicles.
“Industries will also need to evolve, and while resources are allocated to encourage changes in how they operate, the details still need to be sorted out. This will be critical for businesses that stand to benefit from marketing their products as “made clean” in B.C.
“Today’s announcement is an important milestone that should bolster the confidence of British Columbians in CleanBC—and in the opportunity to enhance affordability and cut pollution.”
KEY FACTS
A total of $902 million has been allocated for CleanBC’s implementation, including:
- $107 million for cleaner transportation,
- $58 million for building energy efficiency,
- $18 million to help Indigenous and remote communities switch to cleaner power,
- $168 million to support pollution reduction by industry, and
- $3 million to support implementation and monitoring of the plan by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
British Columbians will have support to increase their access to clean energy solutions from clean cars to more efficient homes, which can help cut pollution and enhance affordability, including:
- Up to $6,000 toward the purchase of a zero-emission vehicle, which can reduce fuel costs by approximately $1,500 per year, and
- Up to $14,000 for homeowners to upgrade to high-efficiency heating and homes that leak less heat.
An enhanced climate action tax credit will provide a family of four up to $400 in 2019, rising to $500 by 2021.
RESOURCES
Release | CleanBC marks a turning point for B.C.’s environment and economy
Release | Easier access to electric cars will save B.C. drivers money and cut pollution
Release | Upgrading public housing a win-win, cuts energy bills and pollution
