“Gordon Campbell’s has chosen to become an environmental hypocrite when he decided to back away from his responsibility to climate issues, while being quick to support what causes them,” says North Coast MLA, Gary Coons.
The Premier has moved responsibility for climate action out of his office and his hand-picked climate change deputy was also taken off the climate change file.
“It’s this sort of zig zagging of attention and responsibility in Campbell’s government that makes it virtually impossible to make headway on issues,” said Coons.
While Campbell stays head strong on an ineffective carbon tax, he promotes a pipeline corridor idea that would facilitate environmentally harmful projects and put a fleet of tankers wandering up and down our coast, one of the most sensitive ecosystems in the world.
Coons noted that this lack of commitment to fighting climate change is no different than the broken promises on revitalizing our valuable forestry industry, homelessness, rights for First Nations, and child poverty.
“Campbell is out of touch with the need to find resolutions to our growing climate issues. His support of coalbed methane extraction in the Sacred Headwaters, his support of lifting the moratorium on off shore oil and gas, his push to “feed” the tar sands and his continual denial of open-net fish farm impacts are proof of his hypocrisy,” said Coons.
Carole James and the Official Opposition are committed to building an effective consensus on climate change and bringing forward real solutions as part of a holistic approach to public policy that integrates social, economic, and environmental initiatives.
We need a comprehensive plan in consultation with British Columbians – a plan that enshrines the principles of fairness, openness, and effective environmental stewardship.
The Official Opposition Framework for Real Climate Action includes seven action items to reduce emissions:
1. Tougher regulations for polluters
2. Fair and effective emission pricing
3. Real help to increase conservation and green energy production
4. Transportation solutions
5. Local planning, land use and resource management
6. Creating a sustainable society and economy
7. Leadership and accountability