Media Statement: February 1st, 2016
Andrew Weaver Comments on the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement
For Immediate Release

Victoria B.C. – Andrew Weaver, Leader of the B.C. Green Party and MLA for Oak Bay – Gordon Head.

“I am thrilled that after 20 years of negotiation and compromise that we finally have an agreement that can provide a pathway forward for our province on balancing the development of  local economies with the necessary protection of our ecosystem. This has to start with acknowledging the rights of First Nations communities.”

“I hope the newly founded Reconciliation Protocols and Strategic Engagement Agreements will result in more efficient and respectful negotiation processes going forward. The government has made it clear that they think this is a world class model for environmental and economic protection, if that is the case I hope to see it implemented province-wide.

I am optimistic about today’s Great Bear Rainforest Agreement and commend the incredible dedication and perseverance of everyone involved in the lengthy negotiation process. I look forward to talking to the government about their supporting legislation in the upcoming Spring session and learning more about how they plan to implement this landmark agreement.”

Media Contact

Mat Wright
Press Secretary – Andrew Weaver MLA
Cell: 250 216 3382
Mat.wright@leg.bc.ca
Twitter: @MatVic

Today Helen and I had the distinct honour of attending the Chinese New Year Gala 2016 at the University of Victoria, Farquar Auditorium.

I am profoundly honoured to have been asked to say a few words at the opening of the gala. Below is the text of what I said. Gong Xi Fa Cai — Gong Hey Fat Choy — 恭禧发财.

Test of Introductory Remarks

It is an honour for me to join you for the 2016 Chinese New Year Gala hosted by the Victoria Chinese Community Association and the Victoria Chinese Students and Scholars Association. It is our privilege to have this event held at the Farquhar auditorium at the University of Victoria in the constituency of Oak Bay-Gordon Head where I serve as MLA.

This is sure to be a wonderful evening of cultural celebration. It is an opportunity for the Western community to get a sample of the cultures and traditions of many regions in China in just one evening.

Congratulations to the community leaders, event organizers and many volunteers who work tirelessly to present this gala. All of the groups involved in tonight’s event contribute greatly – both within their own community and within the community of Greater Victoria.

I am very pleased to see so many young people and families engaged in cultural activities. I understand that tonight we will be treated to modern and traditional performances by BC’s Chinese Community, creatively combined with western performing arts. I have really been looking forward to this.

I would like to welcome all the visiting performers that are with us here tonight. I hope you have a very enjoyable stay in Victoria.

Thank you to the Victoria Chinese Community Association for your dedication to promoting the spirit of multiculturalism and promoting cultural awareness in the community. It is an honour for our beautiful city to have been chosen as the new home for so many families of so many different backgrounds.

My very best wishes to everyone for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year of the Monkey.

Media Statement: January 28, 2016
New Federal Rules on Energy Projects Welcome in BC
For Immediate Release

Victoria B.C. – New Federal rules on major energy projects announced today from the Government of Canada are welcomed by Andrew Weaver, Leader of the BC Green Party and MLA for Oak Bay – Gordon Head.

“I am absolutely thrilled that the new federal Liberal Government continues to exemplify leadership on climate change” says Andrew Weaver. “As a climate scientist, I see including upstream emissions on energy projects as a major step forward for Canada. It is long overdue and the federal government deserves a lot of credit for introducing this substantive change to the NEB process.”

Earlier today the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change and the Minister for Natural Resources held a joint press conference on the new regulatory changes the Federal government is implementing.

“It’s encouraging to see some leadership from our Federal Government,” says Weaver. “I strongly agree with Minister McKenna’s comments about the need to reinstate Canadian’s trust in the environmental review process.”

For Kinder Morgan, the government will appoint a ministerial representative to consult the communities, including indigenous communities, who could be affected by the project. The new rules announced today will delay the Kinder Morgan pipeline review by at least four months – a cabinet decision on the project is now expected in December 2016.

“It’s important to note, however, that as the MLA for a coastal riding, this announcement does nothing to alleviate my concerns on spill response and spill preparedness. For British Columbians the central issue is about the potential for a catastrophic accident and not as much about the climate impacts of the project. On these grounds the project should still be rejected.”

The new rules will also affect at least two LNG projects in the province: the Pacific Northwest LNG project and the Woodfibre LNG project.

“I’ve stated many times that our climate goals are incompatible with the BC Liberals’ LNG strategy so I’m encouraged to see that upstream emissions will now be considered as part of the environmental review for LNG projects” says Weaver. “While I am hopeful that the inclusion of upstream emissions will be given the importance it deserves, I caution that it will be difficult for the Federal Government to accurately account for fugitive emissions in its assessment.”

Mat Wright
Press Secretary – Andrew Weaver MLA
Cell: 250 216 3382
Mat.wright@leg.bc.ca
Twitter: @MatVic

On January 8th I submitted my final argument to the National Energy Board as part of the National Energy Board Hearings for the TransMountain Expansion Project. My final oral summary argument was given on January 20. The video of my oral testimony is now available and can be viewed below.

Video of Oral Summary Argument

Victoria, B.C. – Andrew Weaver, Leader of the B.C. Green Party and MLA for Oak Bay–Gordon Head, has issued the following statement on behalf of the B.C. Green Party in regard to the events today in La Loche, Saskatchewan:

“As with everyone in British Columbia and across our country, we have been following the tragic news of the shootings in La Loche, Saskatchewan today. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims, and the entire community who are coping with this appalling event.”

– 30 –

Media contact
Mat Wright, Press Secretary
Office of Andrew Weaver, MLA
1 250 216 3382
mat.wright@greenparty.bc.ca