Today I had the distinct honour of opening the 2019 Masters Provincial Swim Championships at the Saanich Commonwealth Pool. Below I reproduce the text of my opening remarks.

Text of Opening Remarks

It is an honour for me to be here with you to open the 2019 Masters Provincial Swim Championships at the Saanich Commonwealth Pool.

I’m delighted that so many athletes are participating in this event and I’m particularly impressed with the diversity among participants, with almost an equal number of men and women (48% men and 52% women), and ages ranging from 19 years to 95 years.

12% of the 228 swimmers competing are over the age of 70.

I was so impressed to learn that a 95-year-old competitor is swimming in 7 events, from 50 meters to 800 meters. What a tremendous example of healthy longevity and what is possible in the sport of swimming!

I understand the 95-year-old competitor is aiming to break the world record in her 800 meter freestyle swim event and I wish her success in this goal and I know that everyone here will cheer her on to success!

In fact, I hear that many swimmers are planning to break BC, Canadian and World records at this meet. May each of the 228 participators have a successful meet and reach your goals, whatever they may be.

Swimming is truly a wonderful sport for all ages and all levels of ability. We know that swimming is one of the best forms of exercise, contributing to good physical and mental health and well-being.

Swimming promotes inner well-being and resilience, as well as improving fitness and stamina. The benefits go far beyond fitness, and include the fellowship and pleasure that arises from participating with others who have the same interest.

“Fun, Friendship and Fitness for Life” is the motto of the Masters Swimming Association of BC.

Through your love of swimming, you can experience the team camaraderie and social contact that often leads to lifelong friendships. Swimmers of all ages and abilities can improve their technique and build stamina – and have so much fun in the process.

An event like this is only successful because of the dedicated organizers and volunteers who support the athletes. To prepare for a big event like this requires huge effort and commitment. There are over 70 volunteers and over 30 officials coming together to make this meet a success. I would like to congratulate all of you and thank you for the countless hours you put in for the sport. Without dedicated volunteers, this simply could not take place.

There will be 30 different events in the meet, ranging from 50 meters through to 1500 meters. I understand that there are 6 competitors from the U.S.A., 2 of whom are from Kona, Hawaii.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend a special welcome to the international competitors.

In closing, may I once again congratulate all the participants and wish you a wonderful weekend of competitive fun and being with friends, new and old.

Would everyone now please rise for the singing of the U.S. and Canadian National Anthems.

Today in Question Period I rose to ask the Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology whether he was aware of the critical services and programs provided by BC Tech at the Cube and the Hub in Vancouver and the positive impact they have on our innovation community.

Below I reproduce the text and video of our exchange.

Video of Exchange

Question

A. Weaver: Hon. Speaker, I must say it is a kinder and gentler question period in the Legislature here today.

On that note, I will note that on February 5, 2018, the Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology announced the appointment of B.C.’s first innovation commissioner. The announcement was at B.C. Tech’s Cube. This was widely celebrated as a significant step forward for innovation in our province. I was present at the announcement.

Just two weeks ago, at the B.C. Tech luncheon, the minister and I met some B.C. leaders in the tech sector. Companies that have grown and thrived thanks to the programs and services provided by the B.C. Tech Association.

My question is to the Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. Is the minister aware of the critical services and programs provided by B.C. Tech at the cube and the hub in Vancouver and the positive impact they have on our innovation community?

Answer

Hon. B. Ralston: I thank the member for the question. I too share his optimism about the growth of the technology sector here in British Columbia. Certainly the augmented and virtual reality sector, which the cube is a start-up laboratory for, is a very strong one. It’s a very strong sector — in fact, globally leading.

Since we have the ambassador for Korea here, on a recent trip with the Minister of State for Trade to Korea, we met with companies that are well aware of the opportunities here in British Columbia. In fact, there are exchanges, business exchanges, between the Giyungi Content Organization in the sister province to British Columbia and the sector here.

The B.C. Tech Association has provided leadership in that sector, I’m well aware of the opportunities that the cube has provided. Indeed, our government, in December, provided the sum of $500,000 to assist them in preparing as they move to a new funding model.

The initial funding for the cube came largely from the federal government, from the western diversification fund. They underwent a review of their funding of these incubators and have decided that they are heading in a different direction. So as the organization works out its approach, we have provided that money to assist the transition.

Supplementary Question

A. Weaver: Thank you for that very, very comprehensive answer.

The programs and services provided by B.C. Tech help people to take their ideas and turn them into companies. They help existing companies bridge what’s commonly known as the “valley of death.” That is, they help them manage the hyper-growth that these companies often encounter.

Programs and services are an essential engine for innovative growth in our economy, and they rely upon government and industry funding to be able to continue. But in the absence of provincial funding, these programs could be at risk.

Once again, my question is for the Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. Supporting innovation in our economy is a critical priority for the B.C. Green caucus.

Is the minister equally committed to ensuring the programs and services provided by the B.C. Tech Association at The Cube and the Hub are able to continue?

Interjections.

Answer

Hon. B. Ralston: I wish the answer were that simple.

The member has referenced the appointment of the innovation commissioner. In a recent report to the Legislature, he set out what he thought were important directions for government policy in the future. He recommends an economic and technology strategy that supports increased business investment in research and development, developing talents at post-secondary institutions and scaling up small businesses with huge growth potential. He’s suggested three different kinds of clusters, whether they’re regional community clusters, emerging technology clusters or scale-up, market-driven clusters.

Certainly, the B.C. Technology Industry Association is a strong leader in providing policy advice to the government. I think they have adopted and would recommend very similar solutions to those that the innovation commissioner put forward, particularly in relation to scaling up companies, taking companies from the start-up environment and building big companies here that are global leaders. And there are lots of opportunities to do that, given the strength of our sector here.

I thank the member for giving me the opportunity to talk about those policies, and I look forward to developing those policies with all members of the Legislature in the future.

On May 14, 2018 I first introduced Bill M216: Business Corporations Amendment Act, 2018. This bill passed second reading on May 17, 2018 but was not called for committee debate during the 3rd session of the 42st parliament. As such, I reintroduced a slightly revised version of the bill today: Bill M209: Business Corporations Amendment Act, 2019.

This bill proposes amendments to the Business Corporations Act and will create a new Part 2.3 in the Act that enables companies to become benefit companies. These companies will have to meet certain requirements, including:

• Committing in their articles to operate in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable manner, and to promote specific public benefits;
• The directors must act honestly and in good faith to pursue public benefits and consider the interests of persons affected by the company’s conduct
• Reporting publicly against an independent third party standard.

The choice to become a benefit corporation status is completely voluntary and has no impact on other existing corporations, other corporate forms, taxes or government regulation

It’s generally recognized that Canadian corporate law does not have a strict “shareholder primacy” rule as the US does, so directors of companies in Canada have more discretion to pursue a broader mandate beyond maximizing shareholder profits. However, this legislation is needed to

• Provide clarity for directors and shareholders about the nature and mandate of the company – avoid the risk of a shareholder challenge regarding the director’s duties;
• Provide certainty for impact investors of the nature and mandate of the company;
• Enable companies to attract capital while being true to their mission as they grow;
• Protect the vision of the founders of benefit companies from shareholder challenges;
• Provide a simple framework for companies to adhere to that is legally and commercially recognized.

This legislation would also encourage more companies to pursue a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable approach to business, creating beneficial outcomes for society as a whole and leveraging the power of business to help us to tackle significant social and environmental challenges.

Below I introduce the video and text of the introduction of this bill. I also attach a copy of the media release that we issued today.

Video of Introduction

Text of Introduction

A. Weaver: I move that a bill intituled Business Corporations Amendment Act, 2019, of which notice has been given in my name on the order paper, be introduced and read a first time now.

This bill amends the Business Corporations Act, adding a new part to the act that would give companies in British Columbia the ability to incorporate as benefit companies. This legislation would support companies that choose to put the pursuit of social and environmental goals at the heart of their mission. Benefit companies would embed a commitment into their articles to operate in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible way and to pursue public benefits.

B.C. is home to a number of incredibly innovative and socially responsible companies that want to play a bigger role in addressing the challenges we face collectively. This legislation is one that government can support and encourage business to take on this critically important role in our society.

Mr. Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill.

Motion approved.

A. Weaver: I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House.

Bill M209, Business Corporations Amendment Act, 2019, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

Media Release

B.C. Greens introduce legislation to support companies pursuing environmental and social goals
For immediate release
April 10, 2019

VICTORIA, B.C. – The B.C. Green caucus introduced legislation today to provide a legal framework for B.C. businesses committed to pursuing social and environmental goals to incorporate as benefit companies under theBusiness Corporations Act.If passed, the bill would become the first Private Member’s Bill from an opposition party to be passed directly into law in British Columbia.

“B.C. Greens are showing a path forward, both by supporting companies committed to pursuing a triple bottom line who choose to embed social responsibility and environmental sustainability right into their corporate DNA, and also by demonstrating yet another way a small caucus can offer leadership within a stable minority government,” said MLA Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party.

“B.C. is home to incredibly innovative companies that want to play a bigger role in addressing the challenges and opportunities we face – climate change, rapid changes in the nature of work, the gig economy, rapid technological advances, and growing income inequality,” said Weaver. “This legislation is part of positioning our province to be a leader on the cutting edge of global economic trends. We are seeing shifts in consumer patterns and behaviour, particularly among younger demographics sensitive to their social and environmental impact. By becoming the first jurisdiction in Canada to create benefit companies, B.C. can best position our economy for success.”

Government recognizes the impact B.C. businesses make in their communities, and has been supportive of the concept of benefit companies.

“I want to thank our partners in the Green Party Caucus for bringing this idea forward,” said Carole James, Minister of Finance. “Many B.C. businesses are leaders in building sustainable and socially responsible practices into their enterprises. We’ve worked closely with our minority government partners to create this opportunity for B.C. businesses to choose a new corporate structure that includes their social and environmental goals.”

The legislation amends the Business Corporations Act, and would enable companies to incorporate as a new type of company in B.C., a benefit company. Benefit companies would embed into their articles two commitments: operating in a responsible and sustainable manner, and pursuing specific public benefits. Directors of benefit companies would need to balance this broader mandate against their traditional duty to pursue the best interests of the corporation. Companies would also need to report their progress against an independent third-party standard. This legislation would ensure that mission-driven companies can stay true to their mission as they grow, and it would help them to attract capital by providing investors with certainty about the mandate of the company without being overly prescriptive with regards to how companies must spend profits.

“B.C. is already home to number of socially responsible companies,” said Weaver. “But government should do more to support those companies that want to create environmental and social value. More companies want to follow the leadership of the early adopters, so let’s give them the framework that will best support them as they take on this critical work.”

Quotes:

Catherine Warren, CEO, Vancouver Economic Commission-

“As Vancouverites and British Columbians, we are proud to be a hub for bold, mission-driven companies, so it comes as no surprise to us that B.C. could pass the first benefit company legislation in the country. Jobseekers, international businesses, and investors with common values come here to build on common ground. The Vancouver Economic Commission is focused on inclusive, resilient economic development and prosperity for all. We recognize that we can always do more – to help local companies lead for people, planet, and prosperity – and VEC’s sees this legislation as one way to ensure that social and environmental values advance tomorrow’s economy.”

Chris Arkell, co-founder of Sea to Sky Removal-

“As a company focused on waste management in the construction industry, we wanted to hold ourselves to the highest available standard of public accountability. Unlike traditional corporations, companies like ours are committed to considering the impact of their decisions not only on their shareholders, but also on their stakeholders – workers, suppliers, community, consumers, and the environment. This legislation would strengthen our ability to maintain our core values even as future directors, management or ownership changes may happen.“

Michelle Reid, sustainability czar, Mills Office Productivity-

“We have been a B.C.-based family business for 70 years. Multiple generations of our family have continued our founder’s commitment to delivering office products ethically and sustainably. This legislation sends a strong signal to the market that businesses like ours are moving in the right direction. We thank the B.C. Greens for showing the way forward for more companies to join us in doing the right thing for our customers, our community and our planet.”

Quick Facts:

What does this legislation do?

• This legislation provides a simple framework for companies to adhere to that is legally and commercially recognized and creates a higher standard, by requiring that:

○     Directors act with a broader purpose with respect to society and the environment, and balance this commitment against the best interests of the company.

○     Companies promote a specific “public benefit”, or a positive effect.

○     Directors must publish an annual report that describes the company’s activities in relation to their benefit commitments, and they must select an independent third party standard to report their work against.

• This legislation creates clear expectations about the nature and mandate of the company and provides protections for directors who choose to prioritize public benefits, not only profits.
• It will provide certainty for impact investors of the nature and mandate of the company.
• It will enable companies to attract capital while being true to their mission as they grow.
• It will protect the vision of the founders of benefit companies by embedding the environmental and social benefits into the company’s mandate.

How do benefit companies differ from Community Contribution Companies (C3s)?

• Government introduced C3 legislation in 2012 as a hybrid option between for-profit businesses and non-profit enterprises.
• C3s and benefit companies are complementary ways for government to support a spectrum of socially and environmentally responsible business.
• C3s are subject to restrictions related to their allocation of profits and their transfer of assets, while benefit companies would have no such restrictions.

How can a company become a benefit company?

• A company can become a benefit company by altering its notice of articles to include the required benefit statement through a special resolution, which would require two-thirds approval to pass.
• A company would need to include in its articles a commitment to operate in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible manner, and to promote one or more specific public benefits.

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Media contact
Macon McGinley, Press Secretary
+1 250-882-6187 |macon.mcginley@leg.BC.ca

Today the government introduced Bill 28: Zero-emission vehicles act. This bill sets into law the zero-emission vehicle mandate that was announced in the fall as part of the CleanBC economic agenda. It further outlines a credit/debit system, similar to what exists in California, that will allow new vehicle car dealers to meet the provincial compliance targets. In particular, the bill legislates that:

“(a) in 2025 and in each subsequent year, at least 10% of all new light-duty motor vehicles sold or leased in British Columbia must be zero-emission vehicles;

(b) in 2030 and in each subsequent year, at least 30% of all new light-duty motor vehicles sold or leased in British Columbia must be zero-emission vehicles;

(c) in 2040 and in each subsequent year, 100% of all new light-duty motor vehicles sold or leased in British Columbia must be zero-emission vehicles.”

Below is the media release we issued in support of this bill.

Media Release

B.C. zero-emission vehicle standard is CleanBC in action
For immediate release
April 10, 2019

VICTORIA, B.C. – Today’s announcement of a ZEV standard marks a critical step towards creating a low carbon, innovative economy free from dependency on fossil fuels, and the implementation of a key piece of the B.C. Green’s vision that they have pushed for since the start of this minority government.

“I am thrilled that B.C. is adopting a rigorous zero-emission vehicle mandate,” said Dr. Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green caucus. “Climate change is the biggest threat facing our province, and, after B.C. NDP just doubled down on the crisis by adding 3.45 million tonnes of emissions from the first phase of LNG alone, we must do everything we can to decrease our emissions elsewhere. This legislation is one way CleanBC empowers each of us to do our part. Transportation makes up 40 per cent of B.C.’s household emissions. By improving the affordability and accessibility of clean vehicles we are helping support British Columbians who make the shift towards zero-emission vehicles.

“But we must follow through with this initiative to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to support the added demand this creates. Government needs to invest in more charging stations, especially in rural areas and throughout Northern B.C., and incentives should be given to homeowners to install generators to capture and store leftover electricity.

“Establishing a ZEV standard is a flagship program; it gives people the power to do their part to fight climate change and it drives the advancement of a modern economy. It would not exist without the work of my caucus and I in making the CleanBC a priority for this government. However, it is deeply counterproductive that such important policy is advanced at the same time as the B.C. NDP have chosen to set us farther down the wrong path with new tax credits for fossil fuel companies.

“Governments continue to think they can have it both ways, but our coastal communities feel the pressure from impending sea level rise and British Columbians know that their country is taking the brunt of climate change with warming rates twice the global average. B.C. can and should be positioned as a leader in sustainable technologies and renewable energy. Our caucus will continue to force change for the betterment of our province and future generations.”

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Media contact
Macon McGinley, Press Secretary
+1 250-882-6187 macon.mcginley@leg.BC.ca

Today I had the distinct honour of speaking at the launch of the six-week countdown to the 25th annual Bike to Work Week. Below I attach a copy of my brief remarks.

Opening Remarks

It is a pleasure for to join you today for the 25th annual Greater Victoria Bike to Work Week launch event.

I’d like to start by congratulating the Greater Victoria Bike to Work Society for 25 years of tremendous success. This event has become an institution in our region and this is a milestone worth celebrating!

Through your outstanding efforts, more than 14,000 new riders have been introduced to commuter cycling and more than 100,000 cyclists have been engaged through events and education over the past 25 years.

Thank you for the work you have done with young cyclists to foster their love of cycling from an early age. We know people are most likely to develop life long habits if they start young. Bike to School events and your educational programs help to get youth comfortable and equipped with the knowledge and skills required to be confident, safe and happy cyclists.

Bike to Work Week is an important gateway event to draw new people into commuter cycling. Once they give it a try and have a positive experience, it can lead to a change in behaviour; some participants become regular bike commuters. It’s all about creating an environment of fun, positive encouragement and community building that works to promote behaviour change.

Active transportation, including commuter cycling, can have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions as more and more people reduce their dependence on cars.

In fact, this is a critical part of the CleanBC plan – to which the BC Green Caucus is firmly committed.

The Province has committed to offer incentives to local governments and public sector organizations to support active transportation, including cycling. The CleanBC plan includes providing grants to communities throughout BC to support cycling infrastructure and cycling tourism.

The government is seeking public input on active transportation and I hope you will participate – go online to CleanBC Active Transportation. The current consultation online is open until April 15^th.

At the BC Legislature, the bike parking room is always overflowing and people have started campaigning for more bike parking. Most of the staff in my office commute to work by bike, on foot or by bus. In fact, we’ll be registering a team in Bike to Work Week in May.

The personal benefits of commuting by bike are many, including the enjoyment of starting the day with a ride in our beautiful city and the opportunity to unwind from a hectic day on the way home.

Thank you again for inviting me today and I wish you much success on this year’s Bike to Work Week and continued success in the years to come.