Today I had the honour of addressing the delegates to the 2016 Convention of the Union of BC Municipalities in my capacity as Leader of the BC Green Party. I took the opportunity to announce that effective immediately, the B.C. Green Party will no longer accept any corporate or union donations. We are a party of the people, for the people and that will be mirrored in our funding structure.

Video of my Speech

Text of my Speech

Please let me start by thanking the Union of BC Municipalities for providing me this opportunity to speak to you today.

The last time I stood before you was in 2013, shortly after I was elected as the MLA for Oak Bay Gordon Head. Now I stand before you as the Leader of the BC Green Party, a party that has grown dramatically over the last few years — a party that is ready and excitedly awaiting the 2017 provincial election.

Politics wasn’t originally in my career plan. I was a Canada Research Chair at the University of Victoria working in the field of climate science.

Anyone who has attended a public lecture or class that I have given on the topic of global warming will know that I boil the entire issue down to one question.

Do we the present generation owe anything to future generations in terms of the quality of the environment that we leave behind?

It’s a complex question that science cannot answer. But if we do believe that the answer is yes, then we have absolutely no choice but to take action now.

To these same classes and in these same public lectures I note that our political leaders do not have to live the long-term consequences of the decisions that they make or don’t make.

Yet these very same decisions will have a profound effect on the type of world we leave behind to our children.

That’s why I subsequently point out that it’s critical for the young adults in the audience to participate in our democratic institutions. And, I’d say to them:

“If there are no politicians willing to tackle those problems, then they should convince someone to run that they can get behind or even consider running themselves.”

Eventually, I knew I couldn’t keep doling out that advice if I was not willing to follow it myself.

So here I am. And here we are.

Ultimately the reason I got into politics is probably very similar to the reason all of you got into politics. I care deeply about my community.

I wanted to do what I could to better it for present and future generations.

And, I was profoundly troubled by the direction that this province was heading.

I could no longer stand on the sidelines and watch the dismantling of British Columbia’s leadership on the climate change file as our government pursued an utterly unrealistic fossil fuel windfall from a hypothetical Liquefied Natural Gas sector in a desperate attempt to win an election that nobody thought they would win.

But, as I learned in my scientific career, and as I tried to teach my students, criticism is easy. What’s more difficult, yet far more valuable, is being constructive in one’s criticism.

If you’ve been watching the BC Greens in the Legislature over the last three years you’ll see that we’ve tried to offer government solutions to the problems challenging our province.

The BC Green Party is a solutions-oriented party — one that fundamentally believes that policy should flow from evidence.

I like to call this evidence-based decision-making, as opposed to what happens too often in politics today — decision-based evidence making.

In the face of sexualized violence plaguing our college and university campuses I didn’t just demand the provincial government do better and publicly thrash them in the media.

My team and I did the research, we consulted far and wide, we asked the right questions, we held town halls, and we wrote the legislation for them.

The government passed my bill within the month. It is now law and our students are safer because of it.

We’ve been able to make significant progress on MSP reform, housing, and affordability, but there is much more to be done.

In my speech to the UBCM in 2013 I emphatically stated that the BC Liberal’s promised LNG industry was not going to materialize. BC becoming a major LNG exporter was nothing more than a pipedream.

It didn’t take long for those promises to start unraveling. But the province is still scrambling to chase a falling stock, doubling down and selling out future generations along the way.

I’ve been saying the same thing now for almost four years.

The market did not, does not and will not, support a BC LNG industry anytime soon.

I stood alone in the BC Legislature voting against the LNG Income Tax Act; I stood alone voicing my opposition to the direction the province was heading.

While the Leader of the Official Opposition was noting:

“we’re going to stand side by side with you and vote in favour of it” (it being the generational sell out embodied in the LNG income tax act),

the BC Liberals were promising 100,000 jobs, a 1 trillion dollar increase to our GDP, a 100 billion dollar prosperity fund, the elimination of the Provincial Sales Tax and thriving schools and hospitals from the wealth to be created by LNG.

And they promised it would already be happening by now.

It is fiscally reckless for us to continue to hope that a nonexistent LNG industry will magically materialize while ignoring the enormous potential British Columbia has for a prosperous future.

Rather than hanging onto, or trying to go back to, the economy of the last century we should be positioning ourselves as leaders in the 21^st century economy.

We have a unique opportunity in British Columbia because of three strategic advantages that we have over virtually every other region in the world.

1. Our high quality of life and beautiful natural environment attracts, and retains, some of the best and brightest from around the globe —we are a destination of choice.
2. We have a highly skilled work force. Our high school students are consistently top ranked — with the OECD specifying BC as one of the smartest academic jurisdictions in the world.
3. We have access to renewable resources — energy, water, and wood — like no other jurisdiction. We have incredible potential to create a clean, renewable energy sector to sustain our growing economy.

But for British Columbia to actually capitalize on our strategic advantages, we must ensure we protect them.

A quality public education is not the luxury of a strong economy. A quality education is what builds a strong economy.

And we must start thinking about the long-term consequences of our decisions, decisions that put people, rather than vested corporate or union interests or re-election goals first and foremost.

So where do we go from here? In the shadows of the massive challenges that we face, our province needs new leadership.

Leaders must have the courage to be honest with British Columbians about the risks and consequences of any government decision.

We need leadership that offers a realistic and achievable vision grounded in hope and real change.

We need leadership that places the interests of the people of British Columbia — not organized union or corporate interests— first and foremost in decision-making.

As a start, political parties must stop accepting corporate and union donations in order to rebuild public trust.

Take the recent Mount Polley experience. The corporation that operates the mine is a substantial donor to the BC Liberals; the union representing the workers at the mine is a substantial donor to the BC NDP.

Whose interests are being served? Who is there to represent the people of British Columbia?

British Columbians and organized groups like the Dogwood Initiative and Fair Vote Canada have been calling for a ban on big money in politics for quite some time.

Our political parties and their MLAs should not be reduced to puppets controlled by corporate or union puppet masters with a firm grip on their purse strings.

The acceptance of this practice is undermining every sector in our province and I am tired of waiting for the B.C. government to do something about it.

I am tired of listening to the official opposition say they will change the system only if they form government. That’s not leadership.

Leadership means leading by example. And the BC Greens commit to doing just that.

Effective today, the B.C. Green Party will no longer accept any corporate or union donations.

We are a party of the people, for the people and that will be mirrored in our funding structure.

Could this move hurt us on the eve of an election? Yes, it could. But real leadership doesn’t come from doing what is easy. It is built on doing what is right.

Leadership means inspiring others to act in ways that contribute to the betterment of their society and it can’t just rest with one person. Everyone here has the opportunity and responsibility of joining me by taking on this mantle of leadership.

In 1962 John F. Kennedy announced that America would send a man to the moon by the end of the decade. He didn’t know how it was going to be done. But he knew, and I quote, “we must be bold”.

He went on to say:

“We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one we intend to win”

If ever there was a time to be bold it is now. Over the coming weeks and months the BC Greens will lay out a bold vision for a prosperous future.

We’ll start discussions on, and offer pathways forward to, the challenges facing our province in areas such as: affordability, homelessness and poverty, climate change and the decarbonization of our energy systems, responsible resource development, education and health care.

And we’ll do this not because it’s easy, but rather because it’s hard and because it’s the right thing to do. Because the challenge is one that BC Greens will accept as we work towards offering British Columbians a new choice in the 2017 election. An election we intend to win.

Media Statement: September 27th, 2016
PNW Approval Fails Climate Tests
For Immediate Release

Victoria, B.C. – Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head and Leader of the BC Green Party issued the following statement following the Federal Government’s approval of the PNW LNG facility:

“I am thoroughly disappointed in the Federal Government’s approval of the Pacific Northwest LNG facility late yesterday even though market conditions are such that it almost certainly will never be built. The Federal government is now chasing the exact same roller coaster economics that the BC Liberals committed themselves to with their LNG hype 4 years ago, and all the instability and uncertainty that it brings.

“In an initial review of the conditions provided, I am confident that the Federal government is not living up to its own rhetoric about taking climate change seriously. This project represents one of the single biggest sources of carbon pollution in the country. What’s worse, is that it sends the wrong message to the international community about Canada’s commitment to its international obligations.

“In signing the Paris climate agreement Trudeau stated: ‘Today, with my signature, I give you our word that Canada’s efforts will not cease… Climate change will test our intelligence, our compassion and our will. But we are equal to that challenge.’ Yesterday, Prime Minister Trudeau broke his word.

“British Columbians are increasingly uncertain about the path our province is on, and they only need to look next door in Alberta to see what happens when a single resource is prioritized above an innovative and diverse economy. I am constantly surprised by the narrow vision that the BC Liberals have for our economy.

“I believe our opportunities lie not in developing yet another GHG intensive fossil fuel resource, but in building on our strengths – our abundant renewable resources and our educated workforce in developing an economy that becomes an innovation hub for the world.

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Media Contact
Mat Wright – Press Secretary
1 250 216 3382
mat.wright@leg.bc.ca

Today my office sent another letter to the Honourable Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations regarding yet another derelict vessel that has washed up on the beach at Gyro Park in Cadboro Bay.

Recall that earlier this year I sent a letter to the Minister concerning a number of vessels that washed up after a winter storm. His response was not very reassuring. It suggested that both the province and federal government are mired in jurisdictional squabbles. As I noted earlier, what is desperately needed is a “one stop shopping” phone number and a timely remediation process for derelict vessels that end up on  our British Columbia beaches.

Below I reproduce the the letter that I sent. I am hoping we get a timely response to this urgent matter.

Letter to Minister Thomson

September 22, 2016

Via Email to: FLNR.Minister@gov.bc.ca

Honourable Steve Thomson
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
Room 248, Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4

Dear Minister Thomson:

Re: Derelict wreck on Cadboro Bay foreshore (27 foot sailboat “Odin”)

Once again, I am writing with respect to the ongoing problem of derelict wrecks on the Provincial Crown foreshore of Cadboro Bay at Gyro Beach in Saanich. My office is hearing from many concerned residents and the Cadboro Bay Residents Association (“CBRA”) about the danger these wrecks pose to the public.

The latest occurrence is the 27 foot sailboat “Odin” (serial number 6E4422) which is resting on its side in an area of the beach which is heavily used by people of all ages. I have attached photos that provide evidence of how hazardous this vessel is to the public. In fact, only moments before these photos were taken, two small children were playing near (and attempting to climb on) the boat before the adults with them whisked them away from the danger.

In previous correspondence to me on February 5, 2016, you have indicated that dealing with problem vessels on Crown foreshore is complex and can involve multiple levels of government and that the BC government works collaboratively to find solutions. In the case of the “Odin”, I am writing to ask the Provincial Government to take necessary steps to deal with this matter as soon as possible.

Would you kindly respond at your earliest convenience to advise me on the status of the removal of this vessel, which poses a danger to the public every day it remains there.

I look forward to your reply.

Best wishes

Andrew Weaver, MLA
Oak Bay-Gordon Head

Today I had the honour of participating in the kick off to the 2016 Mustard Seed pie off challenge. The goal of their pie off campaign is to raise $100,000 and 100,000 lbs of food before October 31, 2016. Last year they raised $42,000 and 40,000 lbs of food in the 2015 pie off challenge.

Mustard Seed has “been essential in fighting hunger and restoring faith to a large portion of people living in poverty, as well as the working poor, in greater Victoria since 1975″. And last year I rose in the Legislature to celebrate their more than 40 years of service to our community.

Attending the pie off commencement with me was Del Manak, Acting Chief Constable of the Victoria Police Department. Now it’s not often that you get a chance to put a pie in the face of the Chief Constable of your local police force. So shortly after Chief Constable Manak challenged all the principals in Great Victoria schools to initiate their own pie off, I took great pleasure in assisting Del Manak in completing his challenge. But I should have been a little less exuberant. A few minutes later, Chief Constable Manak pied me.

Just prior to being pied, and unbeknownst to them, I challenged:

1. Jamie Cassels, President of the University of Victoria
2. Tony Joe, Realtor with RE/MAX Camosun – Oak Bay
3. Lisa Helps, Mayor of the City of Victoria.

Will they accept? Stay tuned.

Finally, for those who might be wondering what the pie was made of, I am saddened to report that it wasn’t pie at all. But of course it wasn’t, Mustard Seed could not be seen to be wasting food. The pie was actually nothing more than lightly fragranced (for sensitive skin) Gillette foamy!

Video of Pie Off

Deciding who is allowed to drive and when a driver should have their license revoked is an incredibly important decision that weighs personal freedom against public safety. It’s a tough job tasked to the B.C. Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles in the Ministry of Justice, who then enlists the assistance of driving programs and medical professionals to carry out assessments that inform their decisions. Some, like the written and driving tests many of us took at 16, introduce British Columbians to the driving world. Others, like the Driver’s Medical Examination Report and DriveABLE, are used to ensure current drivers are continuing to drive safely.

There are 96,000 drivers over the age of 80 in B.C., according to ICBC’s 2014 statistics. While keeping our streets safe is undoubtedly the priority, ensuring that mandatory tests are respectful, fair, and effective is also of utmost importance.

Under the current system, when a driver turns 80 they are required to see their doctor for a Driver’s Medical Examination Report (DMER) every two years. The examination covers a lot of ground from eyesight to cardiovascular health to assessing the severity, progression, and treatment of any medical conditions that could affect the driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.

This mandatory examination is not covered by provincial health care and usually costs seniors $197 every two years (the fee recommended by the British Columbia Medical Association), but the bill is left to the clinic’s discretion and has been known to range anywhere from $50 to $500. My office called two clinics in my riding; one in Oak Bay charges $105 and another in Gordon Head charges $125.

I agree with the concerns that the Office of the B.C. Seniors Advocate has raised in the past about the indiscriminate DMER pricing scheme. Given that this is a mandatory test for drivers over the age of 80, and that is must be repeated every two years, I believe the cost should be covered by provincial health care. Seniors who are getting their DMER assessments done regularly are doing their part to ensure our streets stay safe. I do not think that is something they should be financially penalized for.

If a person passes DMER with flying colours, as we always hope they will, they are free to enjoy another two years of safe driving. If the doctor notices a potential problem during the examination, however, it will be reported to RoadSafetyBC. As the agency that oversees driver licensing, RoadSafetyBC will look at the doctor’s report and determine if the patient is going to lose their license or go for additional testing. When the doctor’s concerns relate to cognitive issues that could interfere with driving abilities, the patient may be instructed to take the DriveABLE examination.

Only a small percentage of seniors who go through the DMER process are referred to DriveABLE. A private company based in Alberta developed the DriveABLE program. The company has had a contract with the B.C. government since 2005 and receives roughly $420 from the province every time someone is tested. The test is done on a computer and is 60 to 90 minutes long and can be daunting to seniors with limited computer or video game experience. If the computer assessment is failed, as it often is, drivers can then request an on-road evaluation to demonstrate their safe driving abilities.

So what is the purpose of the BC Government making seniors jump through the costly DriveABLE hoop when they can ultimately appeal a DriveABLE test failure and ask for an on-road evaluation. It makes no sense to me. It strikes me as for more sensible to just dump the DriveABLE screening and go straight to the on road test. The monies saved in this process could be used to eliminate the DMER cost to seniors

When the time comes to see your doctor for a DMER, Steve Wallace, the owner of Wallace Driving School on Vancouver Island and former vice-president of the Driving School Association of the Americas, recommends bringing a record of your driving history. You can get a copy of your driver’s abstract, the driving record for the past five years, free of charge at any ICBC testing facility.

If you have ideas about how the driving assessment process could be improved in B.C. please feel free to contact my constituency association office at (250) 472-8528 or my legislature office by phone at (250) 387-8347, email at Andrew.Weaver.MLA@leg.bc.ca, or mail at Andrew Weaver, Room 027C Parliament Buildings, Victoria BC, V8V 1X4.