B.C.’s two main opposition parties have unveiled their own emission reduction policies to compete with the governing NDP, asserting that their strategies will deliver results while preventing financial hardship for the province’s residents. B.C. United leader Kevin Falcon and B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad both pledged to eliminate the NDP government’s Clean B.C. emissions-reduction targets and subsidies for electric vehicles.
In a release, Mr. Falcon stated that the NDP’s CleanBC Plan would result in job losses, reduced funding for essential public services, and a recession in the province. He referred to information from the Business Council of B.C., which indicated that the government’s plan would cost the provincial economy $28 billion by 2030.
Mr. Falcon said that his party’s alternative plan focuses on reducing coal consumption, supporting private sector innovation, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, overhauling forestry management practices, and eliminating the EV subsidy. Conservative Leader John Rustad, who was ousted from the B.C. United Party due to his climate change and carbon emissions stance, emphasized the importance of safeguarding B.C.’s future and making life more affordable for residents.
The Conservatives’ climate plan includes eliminating the carbon tax and gas tax, as well as increasing food production and improving water management. However, NDP Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy George Heyman dismissed the rival parties’ proposals, stating that “CleanBC is reducing emissions and creating jobs.” The Epoch Times sought input from the United Party and the Conservative Party but did not receive a response by publication time.