BCBC Statement on CleanBC

December 5, 2018 (Vancouver B.C.) - Tools within the CleanBC plan support the Low-Carbon Industrial Strategy and begin to position B.C. businesses and the province to be a supplier of choice for international markets seeking lower-carbon intensive energy, commodities and other inputs for their expanding economies.

“Climate change is a global challenge requiring global solutions,” said Greg D’Avignon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of British Columbia. “By leveraging our low-carbon assets, including renewable hydro electricity, British Columbia can play an outsized role in reducing global climate impacts in high-emission jurisdictions, while building a competitive and innovative economy for British Columbians and reducing emissions here at home.”

This week, world leaders converge on Katowice, Poland for COP24, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, where officials will continue work on the commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement under which a large group of countries pledge to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It is expected that details will be introduced regarding the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which enables international cooperation and new market-based mitigation mechanisms. This represents an opportunity for Canada and British Columbia to contribute to the reduction of global emissions and supports Canada’s commitments under the Agreement.

“British Columbia is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented through Article 6 of the Paris Agreement given our lower-carbon energy solutions and proximity to some of the world’s highest emitting jurisdictions,” said D’Avignon. “The Business Council will continue to work with government and our members, who are among the province’s largest employers, to support policy solutions that advance a competitive and productive economy for the benefit of all British Columbians, while supporting global climate goals.”

As has been acknowledged by government, the CleanBC plan will require more work and collaboration to achieve its goals. There is also a need for a greater understanding of the plan's cost implications for both employers and individual British Columbians. The Business Council will work with government to try and ensure policy solutions are grounded in the realities of global climate challenges, and business and economic realities here at home.

About the Business Council of British Columbia

Now in its 52nd year as the premier business organization in British Columbia, the Business Council of B.C. is a non-partisan organization made up of 250 leading companies, post-secondary institutions and industry associations from across B.C.'s diverse economy. The Council produces exceptional public policy research and advocacy in support of creating a competitive economy for the benefit of all British Columbians.

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Contact:
Cheryl.Muir[at]bcbc.com
604-812-5965