The BC Greens call on the BC NDP to withdraw Bill 9 or amend it to remove any provisions that reduce openness, and to implement the recommendations of the all-party 2022 Special Committee report.
British Columbia’s Freedom of Information system was once considered one of the strongest in the world. It was built on a simple democratic principle: government information belongs to the public.
Amendments in Bill 9 eviscerate freedom of information in BC. Access delayed is access denied.
#bcpoli
In 1991, BC Green MLA @robbotterell.bsky.social led the team that drafted BC’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation for the BC NDP government of the day.
A new bill seeks to weaken the FOI Act, and we're calling on the BC NDP to withdraw.
#bcpoli
BC Green MLA Botterell asks the BC NDP if they will fulfill their promise to protect 30% of BC's land & water by 2030.
#30x30 #bcpoli #bcbiodiversity
Questions include:
-What work is Gov doing to dispel misinformation & facilite public education re: Cowichan Tribes decision, Gitxaala ruling, and DRIPA?
-Dock Management in Gulf Islands
- Joffre Lakes Park misinformation and First Nations support
ICYMI
We've put the full hour of MLA Botterell questioning the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation on our YouTube channel.
#bcpoli
youtu.be/fqpOzq-lh9Q
File this under #GreensDoingTheWork:
MLA Valeriote introduces an amenment to Bill 3 "to put some boundaries on what this investment fund can be used for." Especially to make sure that it conforms with BC's obligations under the Climate Change Accountability Act.
youtu.be/EUk6Lm4LdzM
MLA Botterell is up in Budget Estimates for the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation for the next hour!
Tune in here from about 4:45pm - 5:45pm
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVHj...
#bcpoli
"B.C. Greens MLA Rob Botterell called the Conservatives’ critique 'irresponsible political theatre,' saying it is unfortunate the agreement was made public in this way, adding that the Musqueam have been clear that they are not trying to take people’s private property away."
#bcpoli
Does BC's Minister of State for AI have a plan?
We've seen the BC NDP's interest in profiting from the AI boom, but what about regulations that protect the public.
Today in Question Period, MLA Valeriote asked for the Minister's plan for artificial intelligence. We weren't reassured.
#bcpoli
We look to Federal leaders to support the people of Iran to form a government of their own making, in their own way. To do all that they can to stop the bloodshed that we have seen for too long in this part of the world.
Daste shoma dard nakoneh , peace be with you.
Open warfare serves no ones' security, least of all the Iranian people.
We look to our Federal leaders in Ottawa to be a voice for peace – to call out our allies who lecture us about peace while tearing up agreements and throwing bombs.
The regime led by Ali Khamenei was responsible for sweeping mass arrests, torture, and repression. We celebrate the freedom that Iranians in British Columbia and across the world are feeling today.
And yet, we know that this is an illegal attack under international law, led by the USA President.
The people of Iran have been protesting for their rights and freedoms for years – including nationwide protests in 2019 and the Woman Life Freedom uprising in 2022.
Protests earlier this year culminated in the deadliest period of repression by Iranian authorities in decades.
My statement in the BC Legislature on the attack in Iran, death and disruption throughout the Middle East, and the fear and anxiety it's causing around the world and here in BC.
youtu.be/Ypfjh9VbIts
#bcpoli
Pleased to see the broad scope of the Coroner's Inquest into events at Tumbler Ridge, in line with our call from Feb. 27.
British Columbians deserve a thorough examination of the contributing factors, and evidence-based recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
#bcpoli
Vancouver General Hospital was given 24 hours notice that Obstetrical care for pregnant patients will be diverted elsewhere.
Diversion can be a matter of life or death. The Ministry of Health is adding pressure to surrounding hospitals, who are already over capacity.
#bcpoli
This is not about assigning blame. It's about understanding the full spectrum of factors that led to such a devastating event and developing meaningful recommendations to prevent it from happening again. Mental health supports, policing responses, health & housing, firearms access, AI and more.
OpenAI must be part of a fulsome review that respects any criminal investigation and looks across the full scope of what happened on February 10.
We need our governments to act on systemic issues, including any related to a lack of access to mental health supports.
#bcpoli #tumblerridge
At the start of this crisis, we said every drug death is a policy failure. A decade in, we must change our language. Every drug death in BC is a policy choice.
#bcpoli
The only solution to an increasingly poisoned and chaotic supply, is a regulated alternative.
#bcpoli
Jan. 21 was the highest single day record for drug-poisoning calls in BC’s history, and April will mark 10 years of this public health emergency.
Despite report after report describing evidence-based solutions to this crisis, this government fails to listen and respond like it is an emergency.
Over the past 20 years we’ve seen the unregulated drug supply become more toxic, chaotic, and deadly.
In November, we saw the sharp rise of medetomidine in the unregulated opiate supply. It is one of many substances that can complicate overdose reversals.
#bcpoli
Today BC Green MLA Botterell asked the Minister of Forests to protect BC's last remaining old growth.
It was disappointing to hear the Minister blame CARGA for his government's 5 years of neglect of the Old Growth Strategic Review. His majority government has the power to act.
#bcpoli
There’s significant avalanche risk on BC’s south coast.
Get training, check conditions, and bring proper equipment before deciding to go into the backcountry.
Sincere condolences to those who’ve lost loved ones this spring.
#seatosky
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
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 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.
#bcpoli
There's a Private Members Bill before the BC Legislature today, addressing highway safety and reckless driving.
BC Green MLA Jeremy Valeriote spoke at 2nd Reading, referencing safety & enforcement issues on the Sea to Sky Highway (and the need for public transit).
#bcpoli
youtu.be/A93cgUq3BLE
Frustrating, inconsistent, opaque.This devastating decision will have long-term impacts on those most vulnerable in our affordability crisis.
It sends a chill through the non-market housing sector, leaving municipalities and non-profits in limbo.
#bcpoli
If this government truly wants to save lives, it must support domestic pharmaceutical production and expand regulated alternatives to replace the toxic illicit drugs that are killing British Columbians every day.
While expanding naloxone access is important, it does not address the root cause of the crisis: a poisoned and unregulated drug supply.
