B.C. Green Caucus

@bcgreencaucus.bsky.social

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Representing elected Green MLAs in British Columbia.

Photo of John Horgan holding a sign that says "Site C Sucks"
Rob Botterell: Early in April, I also raised the same questions with the minister along these lines that my colleague raised. How many FOI requests were made in 24-25 that would be excluded from the act if this amendment were in force? What other metrics are available in relation to this category of requests in 24-25 - pages, percentage on time, processing days, dollars? And the answer then, as now, is that there's no data. So let me take a different approach to trying to understand the purpose of this clause, and let me paint it in a picture that somebody who's pretty old-school would appreciate, and those of you who are youngsters will get a history lesson. In the world of litigation, you have a pre-litigation phase before the proceeding starts. Applicants are quite free to make FOI requests at that stage, before there is any litigation started and before there's an "in contemplation of litigation" moment, and apply the act and get information. And that's a good thing, because it helps the applicant get some information to understand whether it's worth pursuing. Then we get into the part of this section that deals with "as part of a proceeding " Certainly in my experience in litigation and my experience in watching how the province and the Ministry of Attorney General and ministries impacted by a particular proceeding.... How that works is that the call goes out to gather the records in a great big filing cabinet, all the records that might be relevant, because the legal counsel handling the proceeding needs to know all of the relevant information in order to effectively represent their client. Then, as the litigation proceeds, there is, as required by law, a necessity to produce, list or identify records. So you've got this great big filing cabinet, and now you get your order from the court or guidance from the court, and you have to go to the filing cabinet. You say: "Okay, those are the ones that I need to produce, list or identify." And then there's the rest …
Screenshot of a Censure motion that reads: I give notice that, two days’ hence, I will move – That this House expresses its disapproval of, and dissociates itself from, continued disreputable conduct by the Member for Kelowna-Lake-Country-Coldstream, most specifically her racist and discriminatory statements and demonstration of bigotry towards Indigenous peoples, use of NAZI slogans, and the revictimization of survivors; That this House demands that the Member for Kelowna-Lake-Country-Coldstream desist from further conduct that is inappropriate and unbecoming of a Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia; And that the Speaker not recognize the Member for Kelowna-Lake-Country-Coldstream in the House until the said Member retracts her statements and makes an unqualified apology in the House.
Photo of solar panels in the sunshine. Text: If the BC Government clears barriers in areas like electricity regulations, Strata law & BC Hydro interconnection rules, balcony solar will be a booming industry. That means jobs for British Columbians, plus cheap, clean electricity powered by the sun.
Photos of BC Green MLAs, Ark Renewable Energy & Skyblue Products, and the Minister of Energy and Climate Action. Text: BC Green MLAs introduced Ark Renewable Energy & Skyblue Products (managing partner Jonathan Maile is a Salt Spring Islander!) to the Minister of Energy and Climate Action. We’re working to cut red tape & enable plug-and-play balcony solar across BC.
Photo of solar panels on an apartment balcony, with text over top. Balcony Solar What if you could put a solar panel on the balcony of your apartment, plug it into your wall outlet, and lower your electricity bill? Balcony solar may soon be a lot easier in BC
What’s best for British Columbia The BC Green Caucus will keep working for a better British Columbia for all. That means social equity, economic stability, and climate action. We expect the BC NDP to deliver on their promises. This is a big moment for our province, and we can’t afford a government that’s afraid to take courageous action.
What happens now? The BC Green Caucus will assess our confidence in this government on a vote-by-vote basis. We will continue to advocate for British Columbians. We’ll assess the budget as it’s presented, and vote in favour if it takes meaningful action on affordability, healthcare, housing and climate. The BC NDP have a majority. If they want an election, that’s their choice.
The BC NDP did not fulfill their 2025 commitments CARGA was a contract. The BC Green Caucus agreed to vote in favour of pre-determined confidence votes. The BC NDP Caucus agreed to fulfill 12 Policy Initiatives, improving healthcare, affordability, housing, climate action and more. The BC NDP government did not complete their 2025 Deliverables.
No deal. The BC Green Caucus will not be renewing the Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord (CARGA) with the BC NDP Caucus.
Quote from BC Green MLA Jeremy Valeriote: “BC has a long history of short sightedness, but a better future is possible. The climate crisis needs an urgent, global response, and I know British Columbians are ready to be a part of it.”
We tried to improve Bill 31. The BC NDP stubbornly stuck to their interests - using limited clean electricity to liquefy fossil gas and mine some non-critical minerals. We introduced 7 amendments. The BC NDP voted against: improving transparency and accountability allowing for open, clear criteria for allocation of electricity by a public utility adding heavy oil and bitumen pipelines to the list of rationed industries
Cost overruns. The first two phases of the North Coast Transmission Line are projected to cost $6 billion, double the cost estimated just two years ago. We saw how costs exploded on the fast-tracked Site C dam, and have serious concerns that BC Hydro and the BC NDP have not learned from those mistakes – especially since they haven’t even calculated the cost of constructing Phase 3.
Fast-tracked construction. The North Coast Transmission Line won’t go through the necessary BC Utilities Commission or Environmental Assessment Office process, which exists to ensure transparent, rigorous oversight and First Nations consultation. The route of this transmission line crosses traplines, woodlots and waterways. It threatens habitat for at-risk wildlife, and comes within 200 metres of archaeological sites. A project this big deserves proper oversight and due process.
Another power-grab for Eby and his cabinet. Like Bill 7 and Bill 15, this legislation gives too much unchecked power to Cabinet. Electricity decisions should be overseen by independent organizations like the BC Utilities Commission. Bill 31 moves decision-making authority to cabinet – including the option to set electricity rates.
We need a robust Electricity Allocation Framework, not piecemeal restrictions for handpicked industries. Regulations for power-hungry industries like cryptocurrency, AI and hydrogen production are a good start, but what about the massive electricity requirements for LNG & heavy oil exports? We need an independent, robust net-zero pathways assessment - so we ensure highest and best use of BC’s limited clean electricity.
Greenwashing dirty industry Electrifying LNG export terminals doesn’t change the fact that exported LNG is worse for the cimate than coal. LNG harms our planet, harms our health, contributes to climate change, and won’t deliver the jobs or the economic boost that the BC NDP are promising.
First Nations along Phase 3 of the transmission line’s route weren’t properly consulted. Bill 31 enables First Nations co-ownership for the North Coast Transmission Line. We support this concept, but the BC NDP have misrepresented the extent of their negotiation and consultation. Terms have not been agreed to by many of the Nations in Phase 1 and 2, and Gitanyow First Nation is not in any discussion for equity or ownership on Phase 3 of the transmission line, which runs through their territory.
Bill 31 is another subsidy for LNG The BC NDP have been clear: the North Coast Transmission Line will deliver electricity to LNG export terminals and mines, not to British Columbians. Now, LNG and mining companies get a heavily subsidized ride to connect to the power grid. That means the public – you and I – will pick up the tab, and corporations – some of which are owned by US billionaires – get a discount. We need to connect British Columbians to clean electricity. We don’t need another subsidy for resource extraction.
The BC NDP claim Bill 31 addresses climate change and supports First Nations partnerships. Here’s why they’re wrong. Why we voted NO on Bill 31 It’s another subsidy for LNG First Nations along Phase 3 weren’t consulted It Greenwashes dirty industries Incomplete Electricity Allocation Framework It’s a BC NDP power-grab Fast-tracked construction High cost (& high potential for cost overruns)
BC Greens MLAs Rob Botterell and Jeremy Valeriote at the Vancouver Convention Centre standing under a cedar entryway with Coast Salish carvings and cedar boughs.
BC Green Leader Emily Lowan, BC Green MLA Rob Botterell, and striking BCGEU workers on the BC legislature lawn.
Photo of tweet from MLA Amelia Boultbee: “Last night at approximately 10 PM several vehicles and individuals approached my home and rocks were thrown at my home and vehicle. Police were called and investigated. While the motive or perpetrators remains unknown to me, this is very distressing in light of recent events. If anyone has additional information please contact the local Penticton RCMP.”
BC Greens MLA with members of the Kispiox Valley who oppose PRGT
Photo of a forest with the text: The four letter word that brings us closer to a Paradigm Shift for BC's forests. PFAC's mandate to protect old growth and fix our broken system.
Green graphic with a black line similar to a heartrate monitor. Text: BC doesn't have a doctor shortage. We're just not using our doctors effectively. As part of the Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord 2025 (CARGA), the Province and the BC Green Caucus have released the first of two reports outlining key findings from an assessment of BC's primary care system. BC Green Caucus logo.
Image of a forested city with a train, and the text: We've got a better idea Demand is rising, costs are falling, and clean tech sectors—from solar and wind to batteries and EVs—are scaling fast. BC is well-positioned to be an economic powerhouse in the clean energy transition. A resilient future means centering Indigenous leadership, protecting ecological and cultural values, and prioritizing community-led innovation over boom-and-bust development.
Image of solar panels and sunshine and piles of cartoony green cash, with the text: Our Green ($) Future Global investment in renewables is growing. According to a recent report from New Economy Canada, the clean energy sector has increased 22% annually for four years, reaching nearly $3 trillion CAD in 2024... and outpacing oil and gas investments 2-to-1.
Image of solar panels and wind turbines with the text: Bitumen? In this economy? You must be joking. In 2025, investing in fossil fuels is like investing in Blockbuster Video. The world is abandoning oil for clean energy. Tar Sands bitumen needs heavy processing before it can even flow through a pipeline. It’s not a fuel of the future – which is one of the reasons there’s no business backing for a new pipeline.
Text: Politicians are talking about building a new crude oil pipeline in BC. Here's why that's a bad idea. Image: Green background with a black pipe spilling black liquid into a wavy black sea. Images of Prime Minister Carney, Premier Smith and Premier Eby are near the pipe.
Electoral Reform in BC We know there is majority support in BC for proportional representation - do you support this model? What has changed since the 2018 referendum on electoral reform, that the Committee should be aware of?
Democracy around the world: Can you provide any examples of well-functioning democracies BC could emulate? What makes them successful?
Electoral systems: What forms the basis of a good electoral system? What are the necessary components? If you prefer a specific system, please explain how it works and why you like it, as simply as you can.
Trust & Polarization: Have you noticed more or less public trust in our current democratic and electoral systems? What about polarization? Can you provide evidence/personal experience of these changes? How can we alter these systems to ensure they build trust and reduce polarization?
Current voting system: What’s your experience of our current voting system (first-past-the-post)? Do the options available meet your needs and values?
It's your democracy. It should work for you. Tell the Special Committee on Democratic & Electoral Reform what you think! Visit https://consultation-portal.leg.bc.ca/consultations/43 to enter your written submissions and learn more. (Cartoon image of a person with a megaphone)
But where do we get the money to grow a clean, local shipbuilding industry? By cutting LNG subsidies. We spend a lot of money on tax cuts and subsidies for the oil and gas industry, even though it only represents 0.2% of BC jobs. LNG takes up a lot of time, too. Have you seen how many meetings the BC NDP have with LNG lobbyists?
It's time to go electric. BC Ferries are an extension of our highway system and provide an essential service. Like good sailors, let's look to the horizon and future-proof our fleet. We have the technology to transition to electric-powered ships. It will reduce emissions now, and prepare us for rough seas ahead (when oil & gas are scarce).
Let's make shipbuilding a powerhouse in BC's new economy. Shipbuilding is a growing industry with strong ties to our past and good prospects for the future. Let's invest now, so future ships can be built in BC -- and maintenance for the current fleet happens here. Homegrown shipbuilding means local jobs, faster repairs, and better environmental and labour standards
Transparent government builds trust, and leads to better decisions. The BC Greens have always pushed for transparency, from the Lobbyist Registry (2017 CASA) to Bill 7 (2025). BC Ferries may be a corporation, but it has one shareholder: the people of BC. Let's make procurement criteria for new ferries more transparent, so we know what we're buying.
Graphic of ferry with the text: So BC Ferries is buying new ships from China. Now what? (BC Green Caucus Logo)
Graphic by BC Green Caucus. Text: Have your say on Electoral Reform. Written submissions now open for BC's Special Committee. Submit before July 25, 2025.