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This weekly report produced for the BC Chamber of Commerce by Fleishman-Hillard. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information included in this publication as of the date of issue, events and government policies are subject to frequent change. Therefore, the BC Chamber of Commerce and Fleishman-Hillard cannot assume any responsibility for actions taken solely or principally on the basis on the information contained herein.
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At a time when many British Columbians are focused on heat waves, wildfires and the potential for drought, B.C. Premier Christy Clark has put a new focus on how her government is addressing the issue of climate change.Premier Clark (pictured with forest fire crews) has delivered new and updated mandate letters to members of her Cabinet that outline her priorities over the next year – and in those letters the issue of the environment figures prominently, alongside her continued emphasis on a strong economy and controlling government spending.Specific measures are spelled out in the mandate letter for Environment Minister Hon. Mary Polak, including implementing a renewed Climate Leadership Plan, making a meaningful contribution to the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP 21 in Paris later this year, and analysis of reduced snowfall and retreating glaciers as part of efforts to “protect our forests from any impacts of climate change.”Another environmental priority for Premier Clark is working with the federal government to improve marine oil spill safety and response.Tackling climate change was also on the agenda at Vancouver City Hall this week, where City Council passed an update to Mayor Gregor Robertson’s Greenest City Action Plan. The updated plan calls for four district energy systems across the city, and transit improvements aimed at ensuring 66 per cent of all trips in Vancouver are done by walking, cycling and transit by 2040.
The latest poll of federal parties suggests that Tom Mulcair and the NDP are leading among decided voters in British Columbia. The Ipsos poll gives the NDP a 10-point lead over the Conservatives and a 16-point lead over the Liberals. While the poll’s national numbers are considered accurate to within +/ – 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, the regional margin of error is larger.
