Our first 100 days in government

• After only 100 days, the BC New Democrat Government has acted quickly with consultation and policy to undo 16 years of BC Liberal neglect and build a better BC for everyone.
• For too long, British Columbians lived under a government that allowed costs such as housing, ICBC and MSP to go up,  services to be cut and wages to remain stagnant, while the top 2% got a tax cut.
• As we know, it will take time to clean up years of bad choices and neglect but your new government is proud of our commitment to finding solutions to the problems that people are facing today including making life more affordable, delivering the services people count on and creating a strong, sustainable, economy.

Closing the fixed term lease loophole

• For 16 years, the BC Liberals ignored the rising costs of housing, putting pressure on British Columbians.  Today we are following through on our commitment to make life more affordable for renters.
• On Thursday, Oct. 26, the provincial government introduced legislation to close a major loophole in fixed-term leases and improve the rights of renters.  The new legislation will mean landlords can no longer use the loophole to bypass annual rent control and renters will now be protected against massive rent hikes at the end of a lease.
• “We are protecting the rights of renters who, for too long, have been left open to unfair and unjustified rent increases,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

 New team to help British Columbia meet climate goals, grow economy

• On Monday, Oct. 23th, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, George Heyman announced the creation of a new team that will work as part of our commitment to fighting climate pollution and ensuring British Columbians can participate in a sustainable economy.
• The Climate Solutions and Clean Growth Advisory Council will provide advice to government on actions and policies that can contribute to carbon pollution reductions and optimize opportunities for sustainable economic development and job creation. This includes working with industry and the federal government to address the competitiveness of emissions-intensive trade-exposed sectors, to help them reduce their emissions and continue to thrive economically.
• “I am thrilled with the new advisory council and look forward to receiving their input as we get B.C. on track to hitting our climate targets, maximizing related job opportunities, and protecting our province for generations to come,” said Heyman.

 New management plan to be developed for grizzly bears

• This August we announced that all trophy hunting of grizzly bears would come to an end in November, and now we are taking additional steps to ensure grizzly bear populations are managed sustainably.
• The government is accepting all 10 recommendations from a recent Auditor General report, which identified historic gaps in the management of grizzly bears. The Province also will work with First Nations, natural resource industries, stakeholders in order to implement these recommendations and allow us to develop plans to protect habitats for all wildlife.
• “We will build a robust plan to manage and protect this vital species by applying more conservation resources where they are needed – in the most effective manner. A strong, clear and proactive management plan will help to ensure that grizzly bear populations will thrive in this province. We also look forward to working with all interested British Columbians to develop long-overdue species at risk legislation for our province.” George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.

 Standing up for inclusion

• We believe governments should do all they can to ensure services and communities in BC are strong and inclusive.  This includes the province’s public education system, which values human rights and democracy and the implementation of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity 123 (SOGI 123) curriculum.
• While BC Liberal MLAs such as Laurie Throness choose to endorse discrimination, we are working to counter bullying and harassment in our school system.
• “We believe that all schools in our province, public and independent, must be spaces that are safe, acceptable, respectful, and welcoming for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion or background. There is no room for discrimination in B.C. schools.” Rob Fleming, Minister of Education.