Today the BC NDP delivered the budget for the next fiscal year. Below I reproduce the media release my office issued in response to it. As you will see from the release (reproduced below), I was pleased with Budget 2020 and I look forward to expanding on these initial remarks when I respond in the legislature hopefully tomorrow.

Media Release

MLA Weaver responds to 2020 Budget
For Immediate Release
February 18, 2020

Victoria, BC — The BC NDP’s 2020 Budget is one that invests in the people of British Columbia and charts a path forward for a sustainable economy that works for everyone.

“I’m delighted to see this government continuing to work towards lowering the cost of living for middle class British Columbians,” said Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. “Actions such as the elimination of MSP premiums which I have long advocated for, the construction of new affordable housing units, the raising of earnings exemptions for those on income and disability assistance, and increased funding for childcare and public education should ensure that the benefits of economic growth in BC are widely shared”.

While the 2020 budget introduces several changes that positively impact the lives of British Columbians now, it is also forward looking, making significant investments into the future of the province and in particular today’s youth. Funding dedicated to increasing the supply of teachers, counsellors, and psychologists contribute to the positive social and cognitive development of our children as they move through school.

The creation of the needs-based, up-front BC Access Grant should equalize post-secondary educational opportunities in the province by allowing students to focus on their studies without worrying about how they are going to pay for their tuition. New 24/7 mental health resources for students at post-secondary institutions should no longer place young adults in a position where they feel like they have to choose between their personal well-being and academic success.

“BC’s 2020 budget also makes necessary infrastructure investments, at a time when access to capital is cheap, to manage a growing population while, at the same time, transitioning the province to a low-carbon economy by linking capital expenditures to Clean BC,” adds Weaver.

The construction of new hospitals, bridges, roads, houses, and schools promise to create numerous good, well-paying jobs in all regions of our province in addition to alleviating strains on public services.

“Innovative design and the integration of BC engineered wood products and energy/energy conservation systems into these capital projects demonstrates British Columbia’s ongoing leadership in recognizing that the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions can be paired with job creation throughout the province,” notes Weaver.

Although the budget does continue to devote resources to projects which I continue to oppose, such as the Site C dam and LNG developments, I am pleased that the government is now demonstrating its commitment to the economy of tomorrow by supporting the emerging bioeconomy, the quantum computing sector, the agri-tech and life sciences. The continued backing of renewable energy projects, ZEVs, and electric aircrafts will make our economic growth largely sustainable.

At its heart, the 2020 budget is one that places people first while embracing the opportunities created by technological and climatic change, ensuring that BC is well positioned to thrive moving forward.

MLA Weaver will monitor the progress and implementation of these budget measures to ensure they benefit the people of British Columbia.

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Media contact
Judy Fainstein
Executive Director
Legislative Office of Andrew Weaver, MLA
+1 250-744-7615 | Judy.Fainstein@leg.bc.ca

Today, I announced that effective Monday, January 20 I will sit as an independent MLA in the BC Legislature.  As the BC Green leadership race unfolds, I believe that it is important for the BC Green Party to develop a new vision and voice independent from mine. My presence in the BC Green caucus could hinder that independence. Sitting as an independent will also give me a better opportunity during the upcoming legislative sitting to attend to personal matters, including a number of health challenges affecting my family.

Below I reproduce my office’s press release.

Media Release

Weaver to step aside from BC Green Caucus to sit as an independent
For Immediate Release
January 15, 2020

Victoria, B.C. – Andrew Weaver, Oak Bay Gordon Head MLA, today announced he will leave the BC Green Caucus and sit in the legislature as an independent, effective Monday, January 20.

“Over the last few months I’ve spent a good deal of time thinking about how best to balance my commitments under the Confidence and Supply Agreement (CASA), my desire to see the BC Green Party grow its political presence in British Columbia and increasing health demands affecting my family”, Weaver said. “After careful consideration I feel it is best for all parties if I continue my legislative work as an independent member, prior to the beginning of the spring legislative session.”

“As the leadership race unfolds, I believe that it is important for the BC Green Party to develop a new vision and voice independent from mine. My presence in the BC Green caucus could hinder that independence” Weaver said. “Sitting as an independent will also give me a better opportunity during the upcoming legislative sitting to attend to personal matters, including a number of health challenges affecting my family.”

Weaver also announced today he will return to the University of Victoria to resume his academic duties upon completing his term as an MLA.

“I’m excited about the prospect of eventually getting back to the classroom”, Weaver said. “I entered politics to have a positive impact on the political discourse on climate change, and I am very proud of the accomplishments of the BC Greens under my leadership. I look forward to watching their continued growth under the party’s new leader.”

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Media Contact:
Judy Fainstein, Director of Operations
Office of Andrew Weaver, MLA
Phone: (250) 472-8528
Judy.Fainstein@leg.bc.ca

Today after Question Period in the legislature I held a brief press conference to note that as the BC Green Party prepares to choose a new Leader, I will be stepping back from my role on the first day of the upcoming leadership contest, expected to begin in early to mid-January. This will allow an interim leader to carry our party through the race. Today’s announcement follows my earlier pronouncement that I would not be seeking reelection.

I want to ensure that the focus is on the new leadership candidates and the vision they bring forward to carry on our important work. I am very proud of the work that we have accomplished – with new legislated climate targets and nearly $1 billion committed to implement CleanBC, and I will continue to serve as MLA and support the Confidence and Supply Agreement while holding the government to account to make sure we stay on track with CleanBC and with building the emerging economy.

The Provincial Council for the BC Green Party Provincial Council is currently considering the rules and timing of the leadership race, and will select an interim leader to serve as a caretaker through this period.

Below I reproduce my speaking notes and the press release that was issued.

Speaking Notes

I have asked you here today because I have concluded that, with the passage of the Climate Accountability Amendment Act, the BC Green Party has achieved what I set out to do: embed climate action goals and accountability into the very legislative fabric of British Columbia. With its passage, this province has both the roadmap to meet our targets, and the accountability and transparency measures in place to report on its progress. It now comes down to the choices this and successive government’s make as to whether we seize the opportunity in front of us to build a clean economy.

Over these many years as MLA, I have given everything I have to this work, and am proud to have done so. The work has not been restricted to climate alone. Notably, my last private member’s bill honoured all those lost in Holodomor, and Saturday’s inaugural recognition BC’s Ukrainian Famine and Genocide Memorial Day was of deep personal significance for my family. Bringing the parties together on this legislation was a highlight of my career and my life.

And now it is time for me to step aside, to make way for others. I have said before that politicians should enter with clear agendas and leave once they have accomplished them. I am a man who believes in leading by example.

And so…I will be stepping down as leader of the B.C. Green Party in January so to coincide with the start of the launch of the leadership contest. Stepping aside as leader at the start of the leadership contest allows me to offer more support and provides more space for a strong, vibrant race.

I feel a deep pride for the role the BC Greens have played in getting the province back on track to meet its climate commitments and to reframe climate change as an economic opportunity – instead of a purely environmental issue. The momentum within the BC Green Party gives me peace of mind as I turn the reins over to future Green leaders.

I am eager to begin the next chapter in my career and am proud to step aside and make way for the new people, ideas, and energy that are critical to moving the province forward for the well-being of all British Columbians.

Media Release

B.C. Green leader Andrew Weaver to step down in January
For immediate release
Wed. Nov. 27, 2019

VICTORIA B.C. – B.C. Green Party leader Andrew Weaver has announced that his resignation as leader of the party will take effect on the first day of the upcoming leadership contest, expected to begin in early to mid-January.

“This session has become a fitting conclusion to my time as leader,” Weaver said. “From the Climate Accountability Amendment Act to the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, our party has worked collaboratively to fulfill many core aspects of our vision. I have also had the distinct honour of passing the Ukrainian Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) Memorial Day Act, which is of particular personal significance.

“This makes the start of the leadership contest an appropriate time to let the party begin a new chapter. It presents an exciting time for the next generation to lead. I look forward to supporting this new period of the party’s history.”

An interim leader will be appointed by the party’s Provincial Council at its next meeting, and announced by Fri. Dec. 6, 2019. The interim leader’s term will begin and end with the leadership contest, from early to mid-January to June 28, 2020. As per the party’s by-laws, the interim leader may not run for the party’s permanent leadership position.

“We are looking forward to a robust process that builds on the achievements of the party these last four years,” Provincial Council Chair Sat Harwood said. “The party’s timeline for its upcoming leadership contest remains the same; we expect to publish the rules in mid-December, start the contest in early to mid-January and complete it during our annual convention in Nanaimo on June 28, 2020.”

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Media contact
+1 778-650-0597
newsroom@bcgreens.ca

Today was an historic day in the legislature as Bill 41: Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act passed third reading with unanimous support of all members of the house. The passage of this bill was a foundational piece of the Confidence and Supply Agreement that enabled us to support the BC NDP minority government. My colleagues ans I are thrilled to have played a part in ensuring that British Columbia is the first jurisdiction in North America to pass this legislation that implements the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into law.

Below is the press release my office issued upon the passage of the bill.

Media Release

Declaration Act passes unanimously, a crucial step forward for reconciliation efforts
For immediate release
Nov. 26, 2019

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act passed unanimously today and marks a historic moment for British Columbia.

“Passing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act today is a significant milestone on our path to reconciliation,” said B.C. Green MLA Adam Olsen for Saanich-North and the Islands and a member of Tsartlip First Nation. “This act represents a foundational change in approach to how government interacts with Indigenous people in the future, and I look forward to the work ahead.

“Generations of Indigenous people in Canada have fought to reverse the discriminatory laws and actions of successive governments. Today, for the first time in our province, we are using the powers of the Assembly to take a step towards reconciliation. I raise my hands to all who have come before and laid the foundation for this Act.

“The legislation does not immediately solve all conflict in our province, but it is my sincere belief and the belief of the B.C. Green Caucus that it puts British Columbia on a path of greater certainty. Our province has been limited by the uncertainty of litigation, and now, rather than conflict there is an opportunity of increased collaboration and of economic prosperity that is fairer for everyone.”

Bill 41 acknowledges the basic human rights that generations of Indigenous people have fought to have recognized and that have existed in Canada’s constitution for decades. This bill affirms these existing rights and is a concrete step to undo the colonial legacy imposed on Indigenous people for generations. Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into legislation was a key recommendation from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“Social justice and respect of diversity are more than core principles for the B.C. Greens, they are values that every British Columbian can embrace. And, today, MLAs stood united in support of those core values,” said B.C. Green Party Leader Dr. Andrew Weaver, MLA from Oak Bay- Gordon Head. “The passage of this bill was a foundational piece of the Confidence and Supply Agreement that enables us to support this NDP minority government.”

British Columbia is the first jurisdiction in North America to pass legislation that implements the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into law. BC is home to the second largest population of First Nations in Canada, according to Stats Canada.

“In my riding, I regularly see firsthand how a discriminatory and dysfunctional approach from governments over the last hundred years has led to sustained intergenerational trauma that continues today and will take many years of hard work to overcome,” said MLA Sonia Furstenau for Cowichan Valley. “The passage of this bill is a step forward that leaves me optimistic for the future – one that doesn’t ignore basic human rights but treats all people with respect and aims for collaboration rather than conflict.”

A commitment to adopting the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in B.C. is a component of the Confidence and Supply Agreement between the B.C. Green Caucus and the BC NDP government. In 2017, every Cabinet minister in the provincial government was tasked with a mandate to implement the UN Declaration and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

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Media contact
Macon L.C. McGinley
Communications Director and Press Secretary
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 |macon.mcginley@leg.bc.ca

In Ottawa today, Elizabeth May announced she was resigning as the leader of the Green Party of Canada. As leader of the BC  Green Party I issued a statement (reproduced below) thanking her for long-standing service. And on Twitter, I commented how she was an inspiration to me and that she demonstrated what integrity looked like in Ottawa.

Media Release

Weaver statement on resignation of Elizabeth May as leader of Green Party of Canada
For immediate release
Nov. 4, 2019