| NDP Oppose Clean Energy, Rural Job Creation
June 3, 2010 NDP Oppose Clean Energy, Rural Job Creation VICTORIA – The NDP delivered a slap to the face to northern and rural British Columbia by opposing the Clean Energy Act, an initiative that sets the foundation for a new future of electricity self-sufficiency, job creation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, powered by unprecedented investments in clean, renewable energy across the province with a particular focus on economic development for B.C.’s regions. “I can’t believe any political party that claims to support green energy and regional development could possibly have any reason to vote against Bill 17,” says Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm. “This is an act that sets out B.C.’s route to self-sufficiency but also demonstrates a clear commitment to good-paying jobs in rural B.C.” Instead of putting petty politics aside, the entire NDP opposition voted to try and delay the implementation of legislation that means thousands of jobs for rural B.C. “There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the lion’s share of investment and job creation from this historic act will be directed at northern and rural communities,” says Pimm. “The NDP do their typical double talk where they claim to want to help working families within our regions, but almost every time, we see them putting politics before people.” “When I see NDP MLAs like the Kootenay’s Norm MacDonald and the North’s Doug Donaldson and Gary Coons speaking in opposition to this legislation that will create tremendous opportunities and jobs for their constituents, I have to wonder who do they actually represent,” says Pimm. The act advances 16 specific energy objectives by expediting clean energy investments, protecting B.C. ratepayers, ensuring competitive rates, encouraging conservation, strengthening environmental protection and aggressively promoting regional job creation and First Nations’ involvement in clean electricity development opportunities. Key projects include: • The North Northwest Transmission Line • Development of the Site C dam project in northeast B.C. • The Kootenay’s Mica and Revelstoke dam upgrades “Perhaps, they don’t understand the ramifications of their opposition, so let me explain to the NDP just what they are voting against,” says Pimm. “They are voting against literally thousands of jobs, against helping struggling regional communities, and against clean energy, power smart technologies, environmental stewardship and climate action that will ensure a greener, cleaner province for generations to come.” Pimm challenges the NDP to stand up and put forward meaningful contributions to helping our regions and helping our environment. “British Columbians have had enough of the NDP’s waffling,” concludes Pimm. “If they don’t support the Clean Energy Act, then they simply have no credibility whatsoever when it comes to northern and rural development, job creation, and progressive environmental policy.” Visit Pat’s website at www.patpimmmla.bc.ca -30- | |
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