I strongly believe that our party is the only political party truly committed in words and actions to a fossil fuel free BC. Our position on these issues remains unchanged and we continue to deliver evidence informed, values based politics focused on the health of our communities and the natural world.

“The science is clear—if we want to secure a climate- safe future, we must put an immediate stop to new fossil fuel development. Across this province, British Columbians are deeply concerned about the impacts of climate change, and they have every reason to be. BC has the potential to be a climate leader, but under the NDP government, every climate target has been missed, and emissions keep rising. 

We promise a new direction—one grounded in the realities of our climate crisis. We will oversee a managed decline of gas production in this province, recognizing that continuing to expand fossil fuel projects is fundamentally incompatible with achieving our climate targets. Under our leadership, no new liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects will be approved— and fracked gas production will be phased out entirely. 

Good climate policies can be powerful tools for improving affordability, creating well-paying jobs and saving businesses and taxpayers money. This shift is not only necessary to ensure BC meets its greenhouse gas reduction goals, but it is also essential to safeguarding our environment, our health and our economy 

Despite the clear link between burning fossil fuels and catastrophic climate events, while in power the BC NDP has overseen a 44% increase in fracked gas production and an expansion of the LNG industry. If built, the six proposed LNG projects would account for 40% of BC’s 2030 emissions target and require the electricity of over eight Site C dams, reducing the electricity available for British Columbians and clean industries. 

Further investing in fossil fuels projects is not the future we want for British Columbia. Our comprehensive climate plan will help put our province back on track—providing tangible solutions that reflect the urgency of the climate crisis. It’s time to prioritize the health of people and communities over fossil fuel profits” 

When elected, the BC greens will:

• Stop permitting new fracking wells. 
• Set a date to phase out gas production in the province. 
• Prohibit any new LNG projects. 
• Stop permitting new pipelines. Direct the BC Environmental Assessment Office to allow the 2014 environmental certificate for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline to expire

(BC greens, party platform, p.39)

Championing the commitment to values and positions proposed by the BC greens, I am committed to being a strong voice and a community advocate in opposition to fossil fuel infrastructure expansion and will work alongside first nations, community leaders, activists to send a strong message that BC and our region is not interested in a story of a fossil fuel future.  

The approach to LNG liquefied natural gas development would focus on supporting resource development as a key driver of economic growth while seeking to balance environmental concerns. The BC Conservative Party has generally supported responsible resource development, including LNG, as a means to create jobs, stimulate local economies and generate government revenue.

British Columbia has an opportunity to be a global leader in the reduction of global dependence on fossil fuels.

Key aspects of the Party's stance on LNG and energy development could include:

Support for LNG development:

We would support LNG projects such as the Woodfibre LNG and Fortis BC Eagle Mountain Pipeline expansion.  These projects are seen as important for creating jobs, attracting investment and supporting economic development, particularly in the resource dependent regions of BC. The Party views LNG as a relatively clean energy source compared to other fossil fuels, emphasizing its role in reducing global GHG emissions if it replaces coal in international markets.

Balancing economic and environmental interests:

While acknowledging the contribution of LNG to GHG emissions, we would focus on balancing environmental stewardship with economic growth. They would likely argue that with proper environmental regulations and technological advancements LNG can be developed responsibly without significantly compromising environmental goals. We would also advocate for reducing emissions through innovation rather than outright opposition to LNG.

Respecting First Nation Rights:

The Conservatives would support the right of First Nations to participate in resource development projects, recognizing their interest in benefiting economically from LNG and energy projects. However, they may not automatically side with groups opposing these projects, preferring instead to support negotiated agreements that ensure economic participation and environmental protections for first Nations communities.

Opposition to new major dam projects:

On major dam projects, we would be cautious by evaluating the economic and environmental impacts on a case by case basis, considering the cost effectiveness, energy needs, and potential benefits to local communities. The Party generally supports hydroelectric development, if it aligns with their broader goals of economic growth and job creation.

Opposition to Anti-LNG Advocacy:  The Party would probably not be a voice of opposition to new LNG projects, including the Woodfibre LNG and Fortis, BC Eagle Mountain pipeline expansion given their economic potential. Instead, we would support these projects, as long as they meet regulatory standards and are shown to benefit the broader economy.  We would view opposition to LNG as potentially detrimental to jobs and economic opportunities in BC, especially in rural and resource dependent areas.

In summary, we would support LNG development, viewing it as an economic opportunity that can be managed responsibly in terms of environmental impacts. The Party would not oppose LNG or major dam projects and would be more inclined to work with First Nations and community advocates toward finding balanced solutions that support both development and environmental protection.

Some people want us to say yes to all development, regardless of the cost to the environment. Some people want us to say no to all development, regardless of the cost to jobs. We believe there’s a better way forward - by bringing the oil and gas industry within our climate commitments.

We are taking action in four areas to ensure the oil and gas industry fits within our climate commitments to reduce emissions 40% by 2030, and to support new opportunities in clean energy and technology.

We’re bringing in an emissions cap for the oil and gas industry, requiring all proposed LNG facilities to pass an emissions test with a credible plan to be net-zero by 2030, creating a Clean Energy and Major Projects Office to fast-track investment in clean energy and technology, and ramping up B.C.’s production of renewables like wind and solar to power more homes and businesses.

We have also eliminated the largest fossil fuel subsidy in B.C. - the Deep Well Royalty Credit – and brought in tough new regulations to slash methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. Our New Energy Action Framework will create good jobs and build a clean economy that works better for people, respects First Nations, and protects the climate.

I will always be open to hearing from constituents on issues of concern, and I will be a strong advocate for local priorities in Victoria. The world is heading toward a low-carbon future focused on clean energy. We need to be a leader in that clean energy future – but under John Rustad, BC will be left behind.

As as preamble I have no party affiliation and my platform is direct democracy. If elected I will provide the constituency with a private and secure voting app to vote on every piece of legislation. No political party is willing to take that step at this time. As a public servant I am only one out of 44,000 voters and when I vote it will be private and secure like every other citizen's right. Nonetheless, I have knowledge on the subject and will present that to enable citizens to add to their understanding as they sort through the various perspectives presented by the party candidates. Here we go!

Although Canada signed an international pact a few years back to discontinue subsidizing the fossil fuel industry, it has not stopped. In case you didn't know it, corporate and government agencies in Canada are banking our future on being the worlds leading supplier of fossil fuel for decades to come. To this end, the BC government would give subsidies to the LNG [gas fracking] industry, corporations that wish to develop new means of making profit. The government also offers those same industries, royalty rate reductions, discounted electricity prices, exemptions on carbon tax. As it stands now, government is willing to reduce costs and payments for their corporate partners at the expense of the public. A company that has to rely on subsidies and government investment to successfully reach its corporate goals is weak or greedy, or both. This government policy concentrates additional wealth in the hands of those who are already wealthy. This has nothing to do with protecting the public interest or doing the greatest good for the greatest number. It is 100% about corporate wealth.

But perhaps fracking is really a bad idea to begin with. Perhaps the public does not approve of investment in the fossil fuel industry. Maybe they need proof that this is the right thing to do. If government and corporate interests decide to proceed without public approval, they must do so without public money. Furthermore, all risk and reparations for environmental damage must be paid by those responsible: the corporate stakeholders, making all partners in this venture fiscally and environmentally accountable for their actions. This should certainly include the shareholders/bondholders. Unethical investing should not be rewarded. We can begin to change this if you opt for direct democracy. Over the next four years out riding would have real and tangible political power.

These ideas are part of an integrated new paradigm that encourages all citizens to carefully consider their actions and investments - civic responsibility. So, instead of public funding for corporations, the corporations could sell bonds or initiate an IPO. Wealthy folks have money to invest. If these potential stakeholders feel it is a worthwhile venture the corporation will sell its shares or bonds, and the investors will get a return. This policy saves the public money, re-distributes wealth and introduces ethical and accountable practices. If we are hoping to have good government, we have to prioritize the redistribution of wealth. Direct Democracy is a tool for accomplishing that.

Go to gregreid.website for more insights