Thoughts on BC Politics and More

One current and one former city councillor will be battling for the BC NDP nomination in a Vancouver riding, after the environment minister announced he does not plan to run again. . . . . CLICK HERE for the full story

BC’s minister of environment and climate change strategy has had a busy week. George Heyman’s X.com account, formerly known as Twitter, has been filled with pictures showing his meetings with a menagerie of officials ... pics came amid the BC NDP minister travelling almost 12,000 kilometres from Vancouver to Dubai for the United Nations COP 28 climate change convention.  But the environment minister’s representatives have refused to reveal the approved budget for his trip to the oil and gas-rich United Arab Emirates ... CLICK HERE for the full story

Young people interested in environmental management and conservation will have opportunities to gain experience, skills and training through a new government program that offers employment with BC Parks and the BC Conservation Officer Service (COS). “ These new positions give young people an opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience in the natural environment protection sector and reflect our commitment to an inclusive and diverse workforce ,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.  “ Creating job opportunities now and providing building blocks for future careers are our priorities as we build back a better and more secure future for young British Columbians, whose jobs have been hardest hit by COVID-19. We all benefit from enhancements to BC Parks and stewardship of our natural environment .” The $1.8-million Youth Employment Program (YEP) offers employment opportunities for young people through the fall and winter months. Wi...

Today is day #6 on our journey of “20 for 2020” .   As I mentioned at the outset of this series, five of the twenty come directly from the BC Conservative Party, and this mornings commentary is no exception.   The next BC government must be committed to ... Sustainable Resource Development British Columbia is the most diverse province in Canada. Our resources are under fire and now is the time to act. We will negotiate and find new trade markets to return safe and sustainable Forestry, Natural Gas, Fishing and Farming industries back in the hands of hard-working British Columbians . From siding with environmentalists over the well-being of industry and resources workers, even though we have some of the best enviro protections in the world ... to wasting millions in court battles and fights over developing job-creating pipelines ... to doing little in the way of demanding federal action in the softwood lumber dispute with the United States ... to shacklin...

On Friday, the BC government invited all of us to ... give input on the wide range of training and job opportunities driven by CleanBC. Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training stated, “ We want to hear from people, educators, businesses, First Nations and industry on what we can do to make sure there are pathways for people throughout our province to ensure they have the skills and training they need to build a sustainable economy .” Further, Environment Minister, George Heyman also provided his thoughts saying: “ Together we can build a thriving, innovative economy that puts B.C. on the path to a cleaner, better future with new and rewarding job opportunities ”. “ As industry and businesses become more efficient, using cleaner energy, there will be changes to existing work as well as a need for new skills, which we must support through new education and training”. “We want to hear from people who have ideas about...

My favorite line of the week came from the Globe and Mail, who said, “ Trudeau is ... a Canadian brand that’s up there with canoes and beavers… ” – how can you not love that?   Well love that line or not it’s Day Seven, and that means it’s time to look back at the most read op/ed pieces, and commentaries, of the week -- including a candidate profile from the Green Party's Iain Currie -- and this week we also have the return of Gordon Wilson … so let’s get things underway … #10 … GORDON WILSON -- Canadians tend to sigh, yawn or roll their eyes when the discussion turns to the Constitution , but it’s is the very foundation that makes our country work (October 12 th )   … while it has frequented election campaigns throughout our history, rarely has it been so belligerent or poised to do so much damage. When I hear a federal leader, regardless of his or her electoral prospects, glibly say he will give provincial premiers veto over national projects, ...

Last week in Toronto two BC political leaders received top honours for what was called ... their work on building the Province’s CleanBC plan to fight climate change and put BC on the path to a cleaner, better future . George Heyman, BC’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and Andrew Weaver, leader of the BC Green Party, were honoured at the Clean50 awards in Toronto for their contributions to advance sustainability through a credible climate and economic plan. Stated Heyman, “ British Columbians expect leaders across sectors to take action on climate change and be accountable for the results. We have responded with our CleanBC plan .” Who then went on to say, “ The collaboration with Dr. Weaver, his team and my colleagues across government has resulted in a comprehensive plan with clear targets to reduce emissions while building a strong economy with healthier communities and creating new opportunities for people .” If throwing more and more conf...

A SHORT TIME AGO ... BC Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver announced that he would not be seeking re-election in the next scheduled provincial election, in 2021.   The following is a message he sent to members and supporters just after 10am.   BC Green Party leader Andrew Weaver Being an MLA has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my entire life. Making this decision was not easy, but I make it having achieved what I set out to do in running for office: get BC back on track as a climate leader. With my colleagues Environment Minister Heyman and Premier Horgan, I announced the CleanBC economic plan last December.  Our province has now embarked on an ambitious plan to sustainably propel our economy forward, while ensuring that we do our part to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

In a BC government news media release this morning, it was announced that free driver training was going to be made available to First Nations people living in BC’s north. Access to safe transportation has been identified as a critical issue for women in the North, including through the report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls , the story stated The release stated that more than ... 1,000 people in Indigenous communities in B.C.’s North Coast and Nechako regions are getting access to driver training, opening the doors to job opportunities and safer travel . The Province is partnering with Terrace-based All Nations Driving Academy (ANDA) to deliver driver training in rural Indigenous communities. The training will help people travel to work, visit family, access health care and participate in B.C.’s thriving economy. Dear government of BC, Stop the fight against the jobs ALL British Columbians can benef...