VICTORIA — Dan Woynillowicz, policy director at Clean Energy Canada, made the following statement in response to B.C.’s 2018 budget:
“Budgets are an opportunity to put your money where your mouth is, and the B.C. government has done just that with this provincial budget. Last week’s speech from the throne aspired to get B.C. back on track and demonstrating leadership on climate change, and this is reflected in today’s budget.
“With the price on carbon pollution increasing, the government has laid out its plans to ensure that while carbon pollution falls, the economy and British Columbians’ quality of life continues to improve. It just makes sense to use additional revenue to support low- and moderate-income British Columbians, to help industry transition to lower carbon operations, and to support further innovation and investment in climate change solutions.
“Key to cutting carbon pollution in B.C. is leveraging our clean electricity system, shifting from fossil fuels to clean power for heating buildings, fuelling cars and powering industry. Electrification is a key pathway for reducing emissions and creating new economic opportunities, and we expect it will be central to the energy roadmap the government has committed to develop.
“Over the next year, government-led initiatives focused on climate change, the emerging economy, and the future of energy hold great potential to position B.C. to compete and prosper as the world transitions to clean energy. It’s a huge opportunity for British Columbians, and we look forward to supporting the government’s efforts.”
KEY FACTS
- As the carbon tax increases to $35 per tonne on April 1, the government will provide an additional $40 million to low- and moderate-income British Columbians through the low-income climate action tax credit.
- The Climate Solutions and Clean Growth Advisory Council will be reviewing government proposals for the Industrial Incentive and Industrial Investment programs, which will be designed to ensure the competitiveness of B.C. industry.
- The government has allocated $4 million over three years to support the development of an “Energy Roadmap” that “will drive innovation and electrification, expand energy-efficiency and conservation programs, generate new energy responsibly and sustainably, and create lasting good jobs across the province.”
