Consolidated Policies 2014 May31 2014

BC GREEN PARTY
Consolidated Policies 2014

Including policies approved by Membership;
May 31, 2014

Updated by Bill Masse, Research & Policy Chair
6/30/2014

BC Green Party

This document includes resolutions adopted by members of the BC Green Party. The policies contained
herein have been approved by Provincial Council, the membership at policy conventions and annual
general meetings held by the BC Green Party since 1985.
Consolidated Policies 2014: Including policies approved by Membership; May 31, 2014

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Contents

Foreword

Interpretation

Index of Policies

Policies

Guide to Writing Policy Resolutions

Policy Notification (example)

The entire contents of this document are

Copyright 2014 BC Green Party.

All rights reserved.


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Foreword

This document includes resolutions adopted by the members of the BC Green Party. The policies contained herein
have been approved by Provincial Council, the membership at policy conventions and annual general meetings held
by the BC Green Party since 1985. It is intended that this document be updated following each Annual General
Meeting. BC Green Party members campaigning for provincial public office with the endorsement of the BC Green
Party use this document as a guide to their campaign platforms, and for their actions once elected to public office.

The Research & Policy Committee acknowledges the contributions of Steve Kisby who produced the first policy
listing, maintained it from 1987 to 1993, and established the numbering and naming conventions.

Consolidated Policies 2013 was updated by using Consolidated Policies 2006 and Consolidated Policies 2012 as the
base documents. Policies passed at AGMs from 2007 to 2012 were included in the 2012 edition. Policies adopted at
Provincial Council Meetings; September 29, 2012; November 21, 2012; January 26, 2013; and March 20, 2013
(approved by Membership April 16, 2013) were added to the 2013 edition. Policy deletions were made according to
the Omnibus Resolution passed at the AGM in 2011. Some policy deletions were made according to
recommendations in the five-part Energy Policy statements adopted at the Provincial Council Meeting; September 29,
2012. The membership rescinded part of Policy 4.2.1., namely 4.2.1.1., at the AGM held August 24, 2013. This is
noted alongside the original numbering on page 22. The multilevel list numbering was redone in the 2012 edition
because of the numerous policy additions and deletions. Therefore, specific policy references in Consolidated
Policies 2012 and, hence, Consolidated Policies 2013 will not match those in earlier Consolidated Policies
documents.

Policies are numbered as: Part. Sub-part. Sequence of policy in sub-part. A complete reference to a policy must refer
to the Consolidated Policies document year. For example, the policy 2.4.3., Regional Teacher Bargaining, is in Part 2
(Economics); Sub-part 4 (Labour); Sequence 3 in sub-part 4. Refer to it as Policy 2.4.3. Consolidated Policies 2013.

Minor errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar were corrected during updating of the policy list. Care was taken
not to alter the original meaning or intent of the policy statements.

If you notice errors in this document, please inform the Research & Policy Chair at policy@greenparty.bc.ca.

Original Policy Briefs or statements with background information and references may be viewed and downloaded
from the BC Green Party Policy Site Library BC Green Party Policy Documents Archive page at http://gpbc-
policy.weebly.com/gpbc-policy-documents-archive.html.

Note to future updaters and editors of this document:

- This document was produced using Word 2010 (file type docx)
- The Index to Policies is actually an automatic Table of Contents
displaying text associated with the first three levels of a multilevel list
- When adding policies (which are at list level 3), it is best to do so at
the end of a list section (level 2; e.g., section 5.1), otherwise
renumbering of policies in the section will automatically occur.
- Enter new policies with a date reference for the readers ease in
cross-referencing the original policy document which has
background information and references
- Maintain the list annually! This should avoid the need for extensive
changes to the numbering.
- If numerous additions and deletions do need to be made just alert
readers that policy numbering has changed from earlier versions of
the policy list
- Update the Index of Policies (using the Update Table instruction in
Word 2010) when you have added the text to appear in the table
(specifying the level in the list)

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Interpretation

Some abbreviations used in this document:

BC Province of British Columbia
the province Province of British Columbia
GMO Genetically Modified Organism


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Index to Policies

1. GOVERNANCE ............................................................................................................................................. 10
1.1. Provincial Constitution ................................................................................................................................ 10
1.1.1. Provincial Constitution (1995) ........................................................................................................................................ 10
1.2. Government Ministries, Cabinet and Legislators ..................................................................................... 10
1.2.1. Environmental Regulatory Efficiency (1996) ................................................................................................................. 10
1.2.2. Cabinet Structure (1996) ................................................................................................................................................. 10
1.2.3. Indexing of Legislators Salaries (1996) ......................................................................................................................... 10
1.3. Rights and Entitlements .............................................................................................................................. 10
1.3.1. Basic Human Rights (1986, 1990, 1997) ........................................................................................................................ 10
1.3.2. Environmental Rights (1996) .......................................................................................................................................... 10
1.3.3. Inter-Species Rights (1986, 1996) ................................................................................................................................... 10
1.4. Justice Reform ............................................................................................................................................. 11
1.4.1. Public Process Interveners (1987) ................................................................................................................................... 11
1.4.2. Non-interference in Citizen Prosecutions (1991, 1996) .................................................................................................. 11
1.4.3. Reducing Prison Population (1996) ................................................................................................................................ 11
1.4.4. Sex Trade Workers (1998) .............................................................................................................................................. 11
1.4.5. Court Injunctions (1996) ................................................................................................................................................. 11
1.4.6. Crown Land (1993) ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
1.4.7. Access to Justice (1998) .................................................................................................................................................. 11
1.4.8. Expansion of restorative justice processes to a broader range of offences (2004-14) ..................................................... 11
1.4.9. Policing and Law Enforcement (2008-06) ...................................................................................................................... 12
1.5. Electoral Reform .......................................................................................................................................... 12
1.5.1. Tax Credit for Municipal Donations (2005-15) .............................................................................................................. 12
1.5.2. Political Participation (1996) .......................................................................................................................................... 12
1.5.3. Electoral Finance Reform (2008-01) ............................................................................................................................... 12
1.5.4. Youth Voting (2004-45) .................................................................................................................................................. 12
1.5.5. Voters Rights (2012) ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
1.6. Public Information ....................................................................................................................................... 13
1.6.1. Access to Information (1989) .......................................................................................................................................... 13
1.6.2. Advancing BCs Public Information Practices (April 16, 2013) ..................................................................................... 13
2. ECONOMICS ................................................................................................................................................. 14
2.1.1. Economic Growth (1990) ................................................................................................................................................ 14
2.1.2. Economic Indicators (1993) ............................................................................................................................................ 14
2.2. Government Finance ................................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.1. Community Economic Development (1988) ................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.2. Crown Corporation Publications (1996) ......................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.3. Bonds for Dangerous Goods (1996) ................................................................................................................................ 14
2.2.4. Government Executive Remuneration (2010-03)............................................................................................................ 14
2.2.5. Subsidy Shift (smart versus perverse subsidies) [2008-10] ............................................................................................. 14
2.3. Taxation ........................................................................................................................................................ 15
2.3.1. Carbon Tax and Other Environmental Taxes (1996) ...................................................................................................... 15
2.3.2. Deferred Taxes (1995) .................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.3.3. Tax Reform (1995) ......................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.3.4. Corporate Taxation (1996) .............................................................................................................................................. 15
2.3.5. Alcohol Taxes (1996)...................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.3.6. Waste Management & Disposal Tax (1988) ................................................................................................................... 15
2.3.7. Surtax on Disposable Products (1996) ............................................................................................................................ 15
2.3.8. Elimination of Poverty Taxation (2005-01) .................................................................................................................... 15
2.3.9. Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (2010-05) ................................................................................................... 15
2.4. Labour ........................................................................................................................................................... 16
2.4.1. Low Wage and Service Industry Workers (1996) ........................................................................................................... 16
2.4.2. Government Contract Services & Employment Equity (1996) ....................................................................................... 16
2.4.3. Regional Teacher Bargaining (1993, 1996) .................................................................................................................... 16
2.4.4. Legislated Return to Work for Teachers (2005-12) ........................................................................................................ 16
2.5. Social Transfers ........................................................................................................................................... 16
2.5.1. Income Assistance Reforms (1995, 1996) ...................................................................................................................... 16
2.5.2. Income Assistance Rates (1996) ..................................................................................................................................... 16
2.5.3. Supplementary Earnings for Social Assistance Recipients (1996) .................................................................................. 16
2.6. Consumer Affairs ......................................................................................................................................... 17

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2.6.1. Standardized and Reusable Packaging (1987, 1996) ....................................................................................................... 17
2.6.2. Food Containers (1988) .................................................................................................................................................. 17
2.6.3. GMO Food Labelling (December 25, 2012) ................................................................................................................... 17
2.7. Corporate Relations..................................................................................................................................... 18
2.7.1. Small Business Regulatory Burden (1996) ..................................................................................................................... 18
2.7.2. Small Business Support (1996) ....................................................................................................................................... 18
2.7.3. Corporate Social Responsibility (2008-03) ..................................................................................................................... 18
2.7.4. Zero-Waste Strategies (2008-14) .................................................................................................................................... 18
2.8. Trade ............................................................................................................................................................. 18
2.8.1. Raw Log Export (1986, 1996) ........................................................................................................................................ 18
2.8.2. Water and Power Export (1986, 1996) ............................................................................................................................ 18
2.9. Cooperative and Social Economy (April 16, 2013) .................................................................................... 19
2.9.1. Implement strategies to assist in the economic development of co-operatives and social enterprises in BC. ................. 19
2.9.2. More efficient provision of community based health, education and social services. ..................................................... 19
2.9.3. Provide vital, community-based care to vulnerable individuals and the broader community. ........................................ 19
2.9.4. Co-operative housing to provide affordable housing options for lower-income British Columbians. ............................ 19
2.9.5. Assign the Co-operative and Social Enterprise development to a Ministry for Economic Development. ...................... 19
3. TRANSPORTATION ..................................................................................................................................... 20
3.1. Governance .................................................................................................................................................. 20
3.1.1. Equity and Access to Destinations (1998) ...................................................................................................................... 20
3.2. Walking And Cycling ................................................................................................................................... 20
3.2.1. Equitable Access to Existing Infrastructure (1998) ......................................................................................................... 20
3.3. Transit ........................................................................................................................................................... 20
3.3.1. Transit Funding (1998) ................................................................................................................................................... 20
3.3.2. Transit Fares (1998) ........................................................................................................................................................ 20
3.3.3. Driver Contracts for Low-Load Routes (1998) ............................................................................................................... 20
3.3.4. Safety of Night Service (1998) ....................................................................................................................................... 20
3.3.5. Frequency and Type of Service (1998) ........................................................................................................................... 20
3.4. Ferries ........................................................................................................................................................... 20
3.4.1. Passenger Terminals (1998) ............................................................................................................................................ 20
3.5. Motor Vehicles ............................................................................................................................................. 20
3.5.1. Regulation of Small Vehicles (1998) .............................................................................................................................. 20
3.5.2. Auto Insurance (1998) .................................................................................................................................................... 20
3.5.3. Subsidies and Taxes (1998) ............................................................................................................................................ 20
3.6. Highways ...................................................................................................................................................... 21
3.6.1. High-Occupancy Lanes (1998) ....................................................................................................................................... 21
3.7. Shipping ....................................................................................................................................................... 21
3.7.1. Oil Transport (1989) ....................................................................................................................................................... 21
3.7.2. Ensure BC Coastal Waters are Crude Oil Tanker-Free, Forever (2012) ......................................................................... 21
4. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HOUSING ..................................................................................................... 22
4.1. Structure ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
4.1.1. Accountable Regional Government (1996) ..................................................................................................................... 22
4.1.2. Revoking BCs Alternate Approval Process (April 16, 2013) ........................................................................................ 22
4.2. Zoning And Land Use .................................................................................................................................. 22
4.2.1. Regional Growth and Density (1996) ............................................................................................................................. 22
4.2.2. Eliminating Tax Breaks for Megastores (1996) .............................................................................................................. 22
4.3. Housing ........................................................................................................................................................ 22
4.3.1. Home Ownership (1996) ................................................................................................................................................. 22
4.3.2. Tenants' Rights (1996) .................................................................................................................................................... 22
4.3.3. Assistance for Sustainable Housing (1996) ..................................................................................................................... 22
4.3.4. Universal housing to stop homelessness in British Columbia (2004-12) ........................................................................ 22
4.3.5. Adequate housing for the mentally and physically disabled and persons with mental health problems (2004-
13) 22
4.3.6. Strata Property (April 16, 2013) ...................................................................................................................................... 22
5. HEALTH ........................................................................................................................................................ 23
5.1. Principles (2004-25) ..................................................................................................................................... 23
5.1.1. Embrace the principles of Medicare under the Canada Health Act, which states, .......................................................... 23
5.1.2. Public health care is a right, available to all, not a privilege reserved for those who can pay. ........................................ 23
5.1.3. Support the main findings of the Romanow Report ........................................................................................................ 23
5.1.4. Reinstate workers and services now being replaced under private contracts. ................................................................. 23
5.1.5. Provide a new model of community-based, holistic, public health care that places as much emphasis on

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prevention and wellness as on the treatment of illness (2004-26) ................................................................................................... 23
5.1.6. Public health care is a right, available to all, not a privilege reserved for those that can pay (2004-45) ......................... 23
5.1.7. Healthcare based on European experience (2004-30) ..................................................................................................... 23
5.1.8. BC Access and Ability Strategy (2008-11) ..................................................................................................................... 23
5.1.9. Triple Aim Approach to Healthcare (April 16, 2013) ..................................................................................................... 24
5.2. Governance .................................................................................................................................................. 24
5.2.1. Health Governance (2008-04) ......................................................................................................................................... 24
5.3. Funding ......................................................................................................................................................... 24
5.3.1. Healthy Kids Program Dental Amalgam (2012) .......................................................................................................... 24
5.3.2. Restore the Intensive Care and emergency diagnostic facilities to the Nelson hospital (2004-27) ................................. 24
5.3.3. Evaluate all wages, earnings, contracts bonuses, expenses and severance packages of CEOs of the Health
Authorities and administrative positions for all hospitals and public health facilities and programs (2004-28) ............................. 24
5.4. Practice ......................................................................................................................................................... 25
5.4.1. Nurses and Alternative Providers (1996) ........................................................................................................................ 25
5.5. PharmaCare .................................................................................................................................................. 25
5.5.1. Prescription Drug Coverage (1996) ................................................................................................................................ 25
5.6. Mental Health ............................................................................................................................................... 25
5.6.1. Mental Health Care (1996)............................................................................................................................................. 25
5.6.2. Climate Change and Mental Health (2010-01) ............................................................................................................... 26
5.6.3. Mental Health and Social Justice (2012) ......................................................................................................................... 27
5.7. Women's Issues ........................................................................................................................................... 28
5.7.1. Choice on Abortion (1994) ............................................................................................................................................. 28
5.7.2. Alternatives to Abortion (1988) ...................................................................................................................................... 28
5.7.3. Abortion Services (1988, 1998) ...................................................................................................................................... 28
5.7.4. Lactation (1994) .............................................................................................................................................................. 28
5.7.5. Sexual Assault Care (1986) ............................................................................................................................................. 28
5.8. Food .............................................................................................................................................................. 28
5.8.1. Organic Food (1987, 1989) ............................................................................................................................................. 28
5.8.2. Agriculture (1996) .......................................................................................................................................................... 28
5.8.3. Raw Milk Sales Policy (2010-04) ................................................................................................................................... 28
5.9. Addictive Substances .................................................................................................................................. 29
5.9.1. Tobacco Advertising (1988) ........................................................................................................................................... 29
5.9.2. Tobacco Purveyors (1996) .............................................................................................................................................. 29
5.9.3. Tobacco Taxes (1985, 1994) ........................................................................................................................................... 29
5.9.4. Substance Use (2008-05) ................................................................................................................................................ 29
5.10. Seniors Healthcare (April 16, 2013) ............................................................................................................ 30
5.10.1. Improve home and community care ................................................................................................................................ 30
5.10.2. Give a voice to patients ................................................................................................................................................... 30
5.10.3. Provide social support network ....................................................................................................................................... 30
5.10.4. Improve public reporting ................................................................................................................................................ 30
6. EDUCATION ................................................................................................................................................. 31
6.1. Principles (2008-12) ..................................................................................................................................... 31
6.1.1. Apply these principles to all education policy development ........................................................................................... 31
6.2. Governance .................................................................................................................................................. 31
6.2.1. Regional Consultancies for Smaller Districts (1996) ...................................................................................................... 31
6.2.2. Alternative Schools (1986) ............................................................................................................................................. 31
6.2.3. Independent and Alternative Schools (1996) .................................................................................................................. 31
6.2.4. Governance (2004-05) .................................................................................................................................................... 31
6.2.5. Rethinking Schooling (2004-09) ..................................................................................................................................... 31
6.2.6. Community Schools (1986) ............................................................................................................................................ 31
6.3. Primary Education Financing ..................................................................................................................... 32
6.3.1. Capital Funding for Multi-Use Public Facilities (1996) .................................................................................................. 32
6.3.2. User Fees and Private-Public Funding (1996) ................................................................................................................. 32
6.3.3. Funding (2004-04............................................................................................................................................................ 32
6.4. Primary Education Curriculum ................................................................................................................... 32
6.4.1. Education Curricula (1986) ............................................................................................................................................. 32
6.4.2. Core Curriculum (1996) .................................................................................................................................................. 32
6.4.3. Local Curriculum Initiatives (1996) ................................................................................................................................ 32
6.4.4. Community Schools (1986) ........................................................................................................................................... 32
6.4.5. Community-based education (2004-06) .......................................................................................................................... 32
6.4.6. Environmental Education (1996) .................................................................................................................................... 32

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6.4.7. Greening of schools (2004-07) ........................................................................................................................................ 33
6.4.8. Non-Sexist Education (1986) .......................................................................................................................................... 33
6.4.9. Domestic Violence Awareness (1996) ............................................................................................................................ 33
6.5. Post-Secondary Education Funding .......................................................................................................... 33
6.5.1. Donations to Post-Secondary Institutions (1996) ............................................................................................................ 33
6.5.2. College Funding Formula (1996) .................................................................................................................................... 33
6.6. Post-Secondary Education Curriculum ..................................................................................................... 33
6.6.1. Engineering Curriculum (1986) ...................................................................................................................................... 33
6.6.2. Post-Secondary Institutions (1986) ................................................................................................................................. 33
6.6.3. Nutrition Education (1986) ............................................................................................................................................. 33
6.6.4. Industrial Job Training (1996) ........................................................................................................................................ 33
6.6.5. Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy (2008-16) ............................................................................................. 34
6.6.6. Funding Higher Education (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012) ............................................................. 34
6.7. LGBTQ Education (April 16, 2013).............................................................................................................. 35
6.7.1. Establish antihomophobia policies and action plans ....................................................................................................... 35
6.7.2. Create inclusive K-12 curriculum and learning resources ............................................................................................... 35
6.7.3. Ensure accurate and inclusive sexual health education ................................................................................................... 35
6.7.4. Provide teacher education programs ............................................................................................................................... 35
6.7.5. Work with the LGBTQ community and parents ............................................................................................................. 35
7. SOCIAL ISSUES ........................................................................................................................................... 36
7.1. Community ................................................................................................................................................... 36
7.1.1. Doukhobor Communities (1996) .................................................................................................................................... 36
7.1.2. Metis Communities (1996) ............................................................................................................................................. 36
7.1.3. Francophone Culture (1996) ........................................................................................................................................... 36
7.1.4. Indigenous Cultures (1996) ............................................................................................................................................. 36
7.2. Family ........................................................................................................................................................... 36
7.2.1. Common-law Relationship Act (1990) ........................................................................................................................... 36
7.2.2. Family Law (1987) ......................................................................................................................................................... 36
7.2.3. Child welfare through family restoration (2008-18) ....................................................................................................... 36
7.2.4. Polygamous Marriage Assets (2012) .............................................................................................................................. 37
7.3. Population .................................................................................................................................................... 37
7.3.1. Population and Immigration (1990, 1995) ...................................................................................................................... 37
7.4. Feminism ...................................................................................................................................................... 37
7.4.1. Financial Equity for Women (1996) ............................................................................................................................... 37
7.5. Lifestyles ...................................................................................................................................................... 37
7.5.1. Naturist Policy (1987) ..................................................................................................................................................... 37
7.6. Arts, Recreation and Sport ......................................................................................................................... 37
7.6.1. Arts Funding (1996) ........................................................................................................................................................ 37
7.6.2. Motor Sport and Off-Road Recreation (1991, 1996) ...................................................................................................... 37
7.6.3. Provincial Bikeway Network (1996) ............................................................................................................................... 37
7.6.4. Funding Professional Sports (1996) ................................................................................................................................ 37
7.6.5. Hunting and Fishing Licenses (1996) ............................................................................................................................. 37
7.6.6. Cooperation with all levels of government to support and enhance protective regulations and controls for
Canadian creators and the Canadian cultural industry (2004-31) ................................................................................................... 37
7.6.7. Supporting Arts & Culture in BC (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012) .................................................. 38
8. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................................................... 39
8.1. Water, Hydroelectric Development and Energy ........................................................................................ 39
8.1.1. Fish Friendly Energy Projects (1993) ............................................................................................................................. 39
8.1.2. Water Diversion (1993) ................................................................................................................................................. 39
8.1.3. Equity in Energy Production (1996) ............................................................................................................................... 39
8.1.4. Hydroelectric Flow (1996) .............................................................................................................................................. 39
8.1.5. Restoration of Ecosystems Impacted by Hydroelectric Development (1996) ................................................................. 39
8.1.6. Williston Reservoir (1996) .............................................................................................................................................. 39
8.1.7. BC Energy Strategy (1986, 1993) ................................................................................................................................... 39
8.1.8. Energy Emergency Response Plan (2005-05) ................................................................................................................. 40
8.1.9. Renewable Energy (1986) ............................................................................................................................................... 40
8.1.10. Alternative Power Generation (1996) ............................................................................................................................. 40
8.1.11. Expanding BC's Power Grid (1996) ................................................................................................................................ 40
8.1.12. Water Treatment (1996) .................................................................................................................................................. 40
8.1.13. Water Safety (1987, 1994) .............................................................................................................................................. 40
8.1.14. Water Quality Standards (1993) ...................................................................................................................................... 41

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8.1.15. Clean Drinking Water Act (2004-29) .............................................................................................................................. 41
8.1.16. Public Ownership of BC Hydro (2004-01) ..................................................................................................................... 41
8.1.17. Re-integration of BC Hydro (2010-02) ........................................................................................................................... 41
8.1.18. Energy Efficiency (2004-2)............................................................................................................................................. 41
8.1.19. Renewable Energy (2004-03) ......................................................................................................................................... 41
8.1.20. Renewable Electrical Energy Generation (2005-16) ....................................................................................................... 41
8.1.21. Smart Meters (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012) .................................................................................. 42
8.1.22. EnergyGovernance & Planning (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012) ................................................. 43
8.1.23. EnergyConservation (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012) .................................................................. 44
8.1.24. EnergyRenewable Energy (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012) .......................................................... 45
8.1.25. EnergyNon-renewable Energy (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012) ................................................... 46
8.1.26. EnergyEnergy Transmission and Distribution (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012) ........................... 46
8.1.27. Fracking (April 16, 2013) ............................................................................................................................................... 47
8.1.28. Columbia River Treaty (April 16, 2013) ......................................................................................................................... 47
8.2. Agricultural Land, Practices and Self-Reliance ........................................................................................ 48
8.2.1. Agricultural Land Preservation (1986) ............................................................................................................................ 48
8.2.2. Agricultural Land Reserve (1996) ................................................................................................................................... 48
8.2.3. Aerial Spraying (1987).................................................................................................................................................... 48
8.2.4. Agricultural Land Care (1986) ........................................................................................................................................ 48
8.2.5. Grazing (1990) ................................................................................................................................................................ 48
8.2.6. Game Ranching and Game Farming (1987) .................................................................................................................... 48
8.2.7. Intensive and Factory Farming (1996) ............................................................................................................................ 48
8.2.8. Animals in Agriculture (1990) ........................................................................................................................................ 48
8.2.9. Food Self-Reliance (1986) .............................................................................................................................................. 48
8.2.10. Hemp Cultivation (1994) ................................................................................................................................................ 48
8.2.11. Local Food Self Sufficiency (1986) ................................................................................................................................ 48
8.2.12. Supporting Farmers and the ALR: our economic security (2004-43) ............................................................................. 49
8.2.13. Social justice and equity: Food security is a human right ............................................................................................... 49
8.2.14. Food democracy and security: bringing food home ........................................................................................................ 49
8.2.15. Food Security & Local Food Production (2008-08) ........................................................................................................ 50
8.2.16. Pulp Fibre (1996) ............................................................................................................................................................ 51
8.2.17. Plant Patent Legislation (1985) ....................................................................................................................................... 51
8.2.18. Sustainable practices: responsible stewardship pays (2004-42) ...................................................................................... 51
8.3. Wildlife and Domestic Animals ................................................................................................................... 52
8.3.1. Predator Control Measures (1988, 1987) ........................................................................................................................ 52
8.3.2. West Coast Seal Hunt (1987) .......................................................................................................................................... 52
8.3.3. Seal Hunt (2004-39) ........................................................................................................................................................ 52
8.3.4. Protection of Threatened Species (1996) ........................................................................................................................ 52
8.3.5. Wildlife Protection Staff (1996) ...................................................................................................................................... 52
8.3.6. Wildlife Ranges (1996) ................................................................................................................................................... 52
8.3.7. Trophy Hunting Ban (1996) ............................................................................................................................................ 52
8.3.8. Humane Societies and Clinics (1986, 1990) .................................................................................................................. 52
8.3.9. Bear Smart (April 16, 2013)............................................................................................................................................ 52
8.4. Parks, Protected Areas and Other Public Land ........................................................................................ 53
8.4.1. Flathead/Akamina Kishinina Area (1989) ...................................................................................................................... 53
8.4.2. Clayoquot Sound (1993) ................................................................................................................................................. 53
8.4.3. New Protected Areas (1996) ........................................................................................................................................... 53
8.4.4. Wilderness Preserves (1986) ........................................................................................................................................... 53
8.4.5. BC Old Growth (1993) ................................................................................................................................................... 53
8.4.6. Rationalisation of Parkland and Protected Areas (1996) ................................................................................................. 53
8.4.7. Parks (1987) .................................................................................................................................................................... 53
8.4.8. New Protected Areas Strategy (1996) ............................................................................................................................. 53
8.4.9. Marine Protected Areas (1996) ....................................................................................................................................... 53
8.4.10. Land Use Inquiry (1996) ................................................................................................................................................. 54
8.4.11. Dedicated Use Areas (1996) ........................................................................................................................................... 54
8.4.12. Jumbo Ski Development (2004-36) ................................................................................................................................ 54
8.4.13. Demand high standards for BC Parks (2004-17) ............................................................................................................ 54
8.4.14. Addition of Perry Ridge to Valhalla Provincial Park (2005-13) ..................................................................................... 54
8.5. Mining ........................................................................................................................................................... 55
8.5.1. Offshore Drilling (1986, 1996) ...................................................................................................................................... 55
8.5.2. Mining Industry Review (1986) ..................................................................................................................................... 55

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8.5.3. Uranium Mining (1987, 1996) ........................................................................................................................................ 55
8.5.4. Uranium Moratorium (2005-04) ..................................................................................................................................... 55
8.5.5. Responsible Mining (1996) ............................................................................................................................................. 55
8.5.6. Mining Land Claims (1996) ............................................................................................................................................ 55
8.5.7. Moratoria on the Exploration and Transportation of Ecologically Unsafe Fuels (2008-09) ........................................... 55
8.5.8. Mineral Tenure Reform (April 16, 2013) ........................................................................................................................ 55
8.6. Atmospheric Change and Air Quality ........................................................................................................ 56
8.6.1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions (1993, 1996) ........................................................................................................................ 56
8.6.2. Ozone Layer (1989, 1993) .............................................................................................................................................. 56
8.6.3. Burning of Wood Waste (1989) ...................................................................................................................................... 56
8.6.4. Climate Change (2008-02) .............................................................................................................................................. 56
8.7. Forest Practices and Regulations .............................................................................................................. 58
8.7.1. Silviculture (1987) .......................................................................................................................................................... 58
8.7.2. Forest Practices (1987).................................................................................................................................................... 58
8.7.3. Small Business (1996) .................................................................................................................................................... 58
8.7.4. Forest Arbitration (1987) ................................................................................................................................................ 58
8.7.5. Residency Requirement for Tenure (1987) ..................................................................................................................... 58
8.7.6. Community Forest Boards (1987) ................................................................................................................................... 58
8.7.7. Private Forest Lands (1996) ............................................................................................................................................ 59
8.7.8. Diameter-Based Logging (1996) ..................................................................................................................................... 59
8.7.9. Succession Forests (1996) ............................................................................................................................................... 59
8.7.10. Forest Deficit (1996) ....................................................................................................................................................... 59
8.7.11. Clear-cutting Ban (1996) ................................................................................................................................................ 59
8.7.12. Logging Plan Appeals (1996) ......................................................................................................................................... 59
8.7.13. Simplified Forest Legislation (1996) .............................................................................................................................. 59
8.7.14. Forest-Dependent Jobs (1996) ........................................................................................................................................ 59
8.7.15. Log Markets (1996) ........................................................................................................................................................ 59
8.7.16. Forestry (2008-19) .......................................................................................................................................................... 60
8.7.17. Forestry Review (April 16, 2013) ................................................................................................................................... 61
8.8. Fisheries Protection, Practices and Regulation ........................................................................................ 61
8.8.1. Protection of Wild Fish Stocks (1996) ............................................................................................................................ 61
8.8.2. Fish Hatcheries and Genetic Diversity (1996) ................................................................................................................ 61
8.8.3. Salmon Fish Farming (1987) .......................................................................................................................................... 61
8.8.4. Fish Farming (1996) ....................................................................................................................................................... 61
8.8.5. Fishery Management (1998) ........................................................................................................................................... 61
8.8.6. Commercial Fisheries (1996) .......................................................................................................................................... 61
8.8.7. Fisheries Jurisdiction (1996) ........................................................................................................................................... 61
8.8.8. Fish Farms (April 16, 2013) ............................................................................................................................................ 61
8.9. Environmental Toxins ................................................................................................................................. 62
8.9.1. PCBs (1987) .................................................................................................................................................................... 62
8.9.2. Environmental Toxins (1987) ......................................................................................................................................... 62
8.9.3. Toxic Waste (1987) ......................................................................................................................................................... 62
8.9.4. Controlling Use of Toxic and Hazardous Waste (1987) ................................................................................................. 62
8.9.5. Toxic and Hazardous Waste Disposal Research (1987) .................................................................................................. 62
8.9.6. Pesticides (1987) ............................................................................................................................................................. 62
8.9.7. Pesticide Appeals (1987) ................................................................................................................................................ 62
8.9.8. Pulp Bleaching (1996) .................................................................................................................................................... 62
8.9.9. Pulp Mill Pollution (1990) .............................................................................................................................................. 62
8.9.10. Pesticides Reduction (2008-15) ...................................................................................................................................... 62
8.10. Tourism ......................................................................................................................................................... 63
8.10.1. Tourism Megaprojects (1987, 1996) ............................................................................................................................... 63
8.10.2. Heli-assisted Recreation (1990) ...................................................................................................................................... 63
8.10.3. Promoting an indigenous and eco-tourism industry to aid local economies (2004-15) ................................................... 63
8.10.4. Support the integrity of communities for a sustainable tourism industry (2004-16) ....................................................... 63
8.10.5. Demand high standards for BC Parks (2004-17) ............................................................................................................ 63
8.10.6. Environmental Assessment (2008-07) ............................................................................................................................ 63


Page 10 of 65

Policies

1. GOVERNANCE
1.1. Provincial Constitution
1.1.1. Provincial Constitution (1995)
1.1.1.1. A procedure for amendment should be added to the constitution of the province of British
Columbia which can either be initiated by an act of the legislature or petition by the public (an
initiative) which must then be put to binding public referendum.

1.2. Government Ministries, Cabinet and Legislators
1.2.1. Environmental Regulatory Efficiency (1996)
1.2.1.1. The environmental regulatory functions of the departments of Mines, Energy, Forests,
Fisheries, Environment and Agriculture should be combined into a single regulatory agency.
This agency should attempt to secure federal funding by enforcing federal environmental and
fisheries regulations.
1.2.1.2. The Ministries of Mines and Forests should be reduced to crown corporations regulated by the
Ministry of Environment and charged with selling cutting rights to BCs working forest, and
extraction rights to BCs petroleum and mineral resources.

1.2.2. Cabinet Structure (1996)
1.2.2.1. There should be an immediate moratorium on ministerial and government restructuring until a
non-partisan non-ideological taskforce of individuals familiar with the efficient operation of
government can be convened and report to cabinet. The results of such an inquiry should be
adopted with necessary amendments to reflect new government directions and public service
employment.

1.2.3. Indexing of Legislators Salaries (1996)
1.2.3.1. Legislator salaries should be indexed to the minimum income in BC.

1.3. Rights and Entitlements
1.3.1. Basic Human Rights (1986, 1990, 1997)
1.3.1.1. All people should have access to food, clothing, shelter, health care, and due process under the
justice system.
1.3.1.2. Every human being should have equitable access to opportunities regardless of race, creed,
colour, sex, mental or physical condition, nationality, language normally spoken, ancestry, place
of origin, age, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, family composition, source of income,
or political belief.
1.3.1.3. This legislation should be one of the pieces of legislation in the BC Constitution Act, and this
legislation empower individuals to seek relief through the courts against individuals,
corporations and governments that infringe on these rights.

1.3.2. Environmental Rights (1996)
1.3.2.1. All people should have the right to clean air, clean water, shelter, and adequate food and
nourishment.
1.3.2.2. Future generations should have the right to a clean environment, and the material rights of
those living in the present do not supersede this right.

1.3.3. Inter-Species Rights (1986, 1996)
1.3.3.1. All species should have the inherent right to:
1.3.3.1.1. Exist in at least one geographical location without human interference,
1.3.3.1.2. Access to their natural habitat in an unpolluted state, and
1.3.3.1.3. Fair and ethical treatment by human beings.

1.3.3.2. These rights should be legislated into the BC Constitution Act with provisions that allow
individuals to seek relief through the courts against individuals, corporations and governments
that infringe on these rights.


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1.4. Justice Reform
1.4.1. Public Process Interveners (1987)
1.4.1.1. A program should be established to provide funding for intervener groups at public hearings
and commissions.

1.4.2. Non-interference in Citizen Prosecutions (1991, 1996)
1.4.2.1. Governments should cease intervening to stop private prosecutions of environmental offenders
and the Attorney Generals office be unable to take up private prosecutions without the consent
of the private prosecutor.
1.4.2.2. A fund should be established, similar to the Charter Challenge Fund maintained by the federal
government, to subsidize important private prosecutions in areas of human rights and
environmental protection.

1.4.3. Reducing Prison Population (1996)
1.4.3.1. The house arrest program should be expanded and direct crown prosecutors to request that
non-violent first offenders be placed under house arrest.
1.4.3.2. Crown prosecutors should be directed to include more requests for community service in their
submissions to sentencing.
1.4.3.3. More house arrest and parole officers should be hired, using savings from reducing the prison
population.

1.4.4. Sex Trade Workers (1998)
1.4.4.1. Trading sex for money should be regulated and treated as a health problem.
1.4.4.2. A co-operative model such as a licensing system or unionization of sex trade workers should be
developed in consultation with sex trade workers.
1.4.4.3. Models of sex trade regulation used elsewhere in the world should be fully examined.

1.4.5. Court Injunctions (1996)
1.4.5.1. The state should be prohibited from seeking court injunctions.
1.4.5.2. The BC government should make greater use of negotiation and arbitration in dealing with
individuals and corporations.
1.4.5.3. In the cases where state intervention is required, means such as prosecution for mischief,
trespassing, safe zone violation, and promotion of hatred should be used instead.

1.4.6. Crown Land (1993)
1.4.6.1. Crown Land should be open to public access.

1.4.7. Access to Justice (1998)
1.4.7.1. Adequate funding for the Legal Service Society and Native Legal Aid Centres should be
restored.

1.4.8. Expansion of restorative justice processes to a broader range of offences (2004-14)
1.4.8.1. Renew and strengthen commitment to restorative justice processes,
1.4.8.2. Advocate for the application of restorative justice beyond the minor property crimes typically
handled through diversion to a broader range of offences, including those of a serious nature,
1.4.8.3. Advocate for new educational programs for justice system staff describing the positive benefits
of restorative practices, and
1.4.8.4. Request that the Ministry of Attorney General and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor
General shift a portion of the funding currently spent on lower-level legal matters (civil and
criminal) and on correctional services to restorative justice processes.


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1.4.9. Policing and Law Enforcement (2008-06)
1.4.9.1. Amendments to the Police Act that:
1.4.9.1.1. Limit police in investigating themselves,
1.4.9.1.2. Establish an independent police complaints commission,
1.4.9.1.3. Make that commission responsible for all investigations of allegations of serious policing
conduct or process, and
1.4.9.1.4. Include RCMP, where this may be applied within the provincial purview

1.4.9.2. Disallow the use of electric stun devices by all law enforcement agencies within BC.
1.4.9.3. Establish a citizens assembly to make recommendations on new policing and law enforcement
models for British Columbia.

1.5. Electoral Reform
1.5.1. Tax Credit for Municipal Donations (2005-15)
1.5.1.1. Adopt a tax credit for municipal political donations at a rate equivalent to provincial tax credits.

1.5.2. Political Participation (1996)
1.5.2.1. Candidate deposits and other electoral laws which discriminate against candidates on the basis
of wealth or income should be repealed.

1.5.3. Electoral Finance Reform (2008-01)
1.5.3.1. Establish a citizen's assembly to:
1.5.3.1.1. Study electoral finance systems,
1.5.3.1.2. Propose a made-in-BC electoral financing system ("Ask the people"),
1.5.3.1.3. Review public and private funding of parties; If there is to be public financing, at what rate
and on what basis would parties be financed?; Who can donate to political parties?; What
constitutes a donation (e.g. cash, "in-kind" donations, services); Donation and expense
limitations; Provincial tax credits; Whether or not municipal donations should be eligible
for tax credit, as in Quebec; Loans made to political parties and if they must be at current
market interest rate; Equitable party access to free media time during elections.

1.5.4. Youth Voting (2004-45)
1.5.4.1. Reduce the voting age to 16 for provincial elections.

1.5.5. Voters Rights (2012)
1.5.5.1. Voters Rights legislation wherein:
1.5.5.1.1. Voters have the right to honest election platforms.
1.5.5.1.1.1. All political parties participating in an election must declare their election platforms
with Elections BC three weeks before the election date.
1.5.5.1.1.2. An Independent Platform Commissioner will be established to perform an audit in
between elections to determine if each party has adhered to their platform
promises.

1.5.5.1.2. Voters have the right to easy access to election platforms from all political parties.
1.5.5.1.2.1. Elections BC must post the declared platforms online, with one hard copy available
at each public library and each Service BC location, no less than two weeks before
the election date.

1.5.5.1.3. Voters have the right to impartial politicians.
1.5.5.1.3.1. Political donations from any one organization and individual will be limited to
$2,000 per political party per year.

1.5.5.1.4. A political party receiving at least 10% of the total votes cast in an election will receive an
annual subsidy of $2 per vote until the next election.

1.5.5.1.5. An Independent Debates Commission will be established to ensure fair rules for the
televised debates.


Page 13 of 65

1.6. Public Information
1.6.1. Access to Information (1989)
1.6.1.1. Amendments to Freedom of Information legislation to broaden and to make more information
related to public health and safety, available and easily accessible to the general public in a
format that can be easily understood.

1.6.2. Advancing BCs Public Information Practices (April 16, 2013)
1.6.2.1. Duty to Document
1.6.2.1.1. Establish the administrative legal requirement for detailed documentation in key decisions
of government.
1.6.2.1.2. Establish appropriate penalties of non-compliance in the duty to document.
1.6.2.1.3. Powers of the Office of the Information & Privacy Commissioner
1.6.2.1.3.1. Amend FIPPA (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act) to empower
the Commissioner to investigate the inappropriate destruction of government
documents.
1.6.2.1.4. Duty to Declare Lobby Status
1.6.2.1.4.1. All lobbyists must declare their lobby status when providing information and
recommendations to public agents.


Page 14 of 65

2. ECONOMICS
2.1. Governance
2.1.1. Economic Growth (1990)
2.1.1.1. The BC government should support economic activity sufficient to give everyone the basic
necessities of life and a reasonable quality of living.

2.1.2. Economic Indicators (1993)
2.1.2.1. The BC government should base its economic policies and economic analyses on economic
indicators which quantitatively represent changes in environmental, ecological, and social
well-being, such as those suggested by Hazel Henderson, Herman Daly, and the WorldWatch
Institute.

2.2. Government Finance
2.2.1. Community Economic Development (1988)
2.2.1.1. A capital fund should be provided to assist with infrastructure costs associated with community
economic development.
2.2.1.2. Public land to be leased to community organizations to assist with community economic
development.
2.2.1.3. Technical expertise be provided for some community economic development projects
2.2.1.4. These forms of assistance be managed by a local economic development authority and be
granted only to projects which have been demonstrated to be ecologically sustainable and
which build community self-reliance.

2.2.2. Crown Corporation Publications (1996)
2.2.2.1. Crown Corporations should be required to print all publications on recycled materials where
possible.

2.2.3. Bonds for Dangerous Goods (1996)
2.2.3.1. Corporations transporting hazardous chemicals through BC should be required to post bond to
cover the cleanup costs of accidents.

2.2.4. Government Executive Remuneration (2010-03)
2.2.4.1. Enact the Provincial Government Management Remuneration Act to greatly tighten severance
pay-out conditions, and to reduce the severance pay-out amounts written into future contracts
with non-union provincial government employees and managers in provincial government
operations, crown corporations and other provincial government funded organizations.
2.2.4.1.1. Provincial management severance pay packages will be brought in line with the
maximum requirement (8 weeks wages) of the BC Employment Standards Act.
2.2.4.1.2. Require that the government will move to first try to fill management and other non-union
positions from within, through a program of mentoring and on-the-job training, before
seeking candidates from further afield.
2.2.4.1.2.1. Reduce the perceived need to seek staff from outside the region and to attract
them with overly generous remuneration schemes.

2.2.5. Subsidy Shift (smart versus perverse subsidies) [2008-10]
2.2.5.1. Appointment of a broadly representative (e.g. independent economists, Auditor Generals
Office, and citizens) independent task force to:
2.2.5.1.1. Identify and publicize perverse subsidies with the aim of providing greater transparency
and educating the public, and to
2.2.5.1.2. Recommend:
2.2.5.1.2.1. Timetables for the elimination of environmentally harmful subsidies;
2.2.5.1.2.2. Transition strategies for affected communities;
2.2.5.1.2.3. Targets for the transfer of subsidies to transit expansion;
2.2.5.1.2.4. Renewable energy expansion; and
2.2.5.1.2.5. Programs for assisting small to mid-sized businesses to reduce energy use and
GHG emissions


Page 15 of 65

2.3. Taxation
2.3.1. Carbon Tax and Other Environmental Taxes (1996)
2.3.1.1. The corporate tax burden should be shifted in favour of Carbon Taxes and other environmental
taxes.

2.3.2. Deferred Taxes (1995)
2.3.2.1. The cutting rights of logging firms whose deferred taxes have not been paid by the end of each
fiscal year should be cancelled, and that these firms be required to pay all deferred taxes plus
interest before being considered for new tenures.

2.3.3. Tax Reform (1995)
2.3.3.1. The provincial tax structure should be altered to reduce the disproportionate tax burden on low
income people.
2.3.3.2. An investigation should be conducted into inappropriate deductions in current tax regulations
.
2.3.4. Corporate Taxation (1996)
2.3.4.1. A public review of the government practice of "deferring" corporate taxes should be undertaken,
and the collection of deferred taxes owed by corporations be carried out.

2.3.5. Alcohol Taxes (1996)
2.3.5.1. Provincial alcohol surtax, set higher for non-domestic products, should be directed to prevention
and addiction treatment programs.

2.3.6. Waste Management & Disposal Tax (1988)
2.3.6.1. The tax system should be reformed so that manufacturers rather than municipal governments
ultimately bear the costs of disposal of their products or packaging.

2.3.7. Surtax on Disposable Products (1996)
2.3.7.1. Surtax should be applied on disposable products such as diapers.

2.3.8. Elimination of Poverty Taxation (2005-01)
2.3.8.1. Set the basic personal amount for income tax purposes to be higher or equal to the Low Income
Cut Off (LICO; also known as "the poverty line") as set by Statistics Canada.

2.3.9. Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (2010-05)
2.3.9.1. Prohibit the Province from using ICBC as a vehicle for provincial taxation.


Page 16 of 65

2.4. Labour
2.4.1. Low Wage and Service Industry Workers (1996)
2.4.1.1. The minimum wage should be indexed to the rate of inflation and subject to periodic review.
2.4.1.2. A public process should be established to receive input from employers and service industry
workers on how to improve wages, working conditions, and regularity of hours within the service
sector.
2.4.1.3. The definition of self-employed should be tightened so that this designation is not used by
corporations to pay their employees less than minimum wage.
2.4.1.4. Minimum wage legislation should be tightened so employers do not pay their employees less
than minimum wage through commission and piecework structures.

2.4.2. Government Contract Services & Employment Equity (1996)
2.4.2.1. Fair wage legislation should be applied to all government contracted services, including mental
health.
2.4.2.2. A fair wage scale that recognizes the principle of equal pay for work of equal value should be
implemented.
2.4.2.3. Affirmative action and employment equity legislation that applies to large private sector
employers should be implemented.
2.4.2.4. A provincial childcare program, including more on-site childcare, should be implemented so
parents can have contact with their children at or near their place of work.

2.4.3. Regional Teacher Bargaining (1993, 1996)
2.4.3.1. The district-by-district collective bargaining process should be reinstated.

2.4.4. Legislated Return to Work for Teachers (2005-12)
2.4.4.1. Support local collective bargaining for our teachers that include negotiating classroom and
working conditions.

2.5. Social Transfers
2.5.1. Income Assistance Reforms (1995, 1996)
2.5.1.1. The following improvements should be made to income assistance programs in BC:
2.5.1.1.1. Indexing of social assistance payments to the rate of inflation for British Columbia with
periodic review by a non-partisan body which includes welfare recipients,
2.5.1.1.2. Establishing a discount card for government sponsored transportation, education and
cultural events for social assistance recipients,
2.5.1.1.3. Guaranteeing access to social assistance to all British Columbians in need, regardless of
past employment history,
2.5.1.1.4. Recognizing the care of children as a legitimate full time occupation for custodial parents
receiving social assistance, and
2.5.1.1.5. Allowing social services workers to give as many hardship and crisis grants as they deem
appropriate, rather than the arbitrary limits set by the BC Benefits program

2.5.2. Income Assistance Rates (1996)
2.5.2.1. A commission should be struck to establish the minimum income needed for a person to live a
life of health and dignity in the mainstream of society, including the basic human need for
recreation and social activities.
2.5.2.2. The findings of this commission should be enshrined in law.
2.5.2.3. Income assistance rates should be indexed to the consumer price index upon implementation
of the commission's findings.

2.5.3. Supplementary Earnings for Social Assistance Recipients (1996)
2.5.3.1. Income assistance recipients should be permitted to keep 100% of the wages they earn up to
the poverty line (officially also the Low Income Cutoff) as determined by Statistics Canada.


Page 17 of 65

2.6. Consumer Affairs
2.6.1. Standardized and Reusable Packaging (1987, 1996)
2.6.1.1. A Product Packaging Act should be implemented to:
2.6.1.1.1. Standardize packaging including but not limited to jars, bottles, boxes and other
containers,
2.6.1.1.2. Reduce packaging,
2.6.1.1.3. Restrict the use of plastic containers and bags where unnecessary, and
2.6.1.1.4. Encourage refilling of reusable containers.

2.6.1.2. There should be a minimum $1.00 deposit on any standardized food packaging.
2.6.1.3. A five-year program to phase-out unnecessary disposable products, such as diapers, should be
implemented as support services and supplies for non-disposable products become more
available.

2.6.2. Food Containers (1988)
2.6.2.1. Regulations should require all restaurants and food outlets including the BC Ferry Corporation
to use permanent wares, except for biodegradable containers for take-out orders.

2.6.3. GMO Food Labelling (December 25, 2012)
2.6.3.1. Genetically altered food products and food products containing genetically altered food
ingredients, for sale or distribution in BC, shall require labelling information notification.


Page 18 of 65

2.7. Corporate Relations
2.7.1. [Rescinded May 31, 2014] Small Business Regulatory Burden (1996)
2.7.1.1. The number of regulatory agencies with which small businesses are required to deal directly
should be reduced.

2.7.2. Small Business Support (1996)
2.7.2.1. The following changes should be made to legislation affecting small business:
2.7.2.1.1. A program of provincial interdepartmental co-operation and co-operation with federal and
municipal government to provide "one stop shopping" for small businesses to interface
with local, provincial and federal bureaucracies and develop fairer taxation systems,
2.7.2.1.2. A program of subsidies, tariffs and marketing assistance (such as local log markets) to
help consumers more easily purchase locally produced products instead of imports, and
2.7.2.1.3. Legislation to better protect the owners of existing franchises with BC from unfair
measures by their parent corporation.

2.7.3. Corporate Social Responsibility (2008-03)
2.7.3.1. Amend the Business Corporations Act of British Columbia to mandate:
2.7.3.1.1. That the public interest be represented in the Business Corporations Act of British
Columbia conduct of corporations by drafting amendments based on the principles of the
Global Green Charter (including Ecological Wisdom, Social Justice, Participatory
Democracy, Nonviolence, Sustainability, Respect for Diversity, Political Action).
2.7.3.1.2. Amended charter can be referred to as the Social Corporate Charter (SCC).
2.7.3.1.3. All corporate action will be measured against the standards of the SCC.

2.7.4. Zero-Waste Strategies (2008-14)
2.7.4.1. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to include all manufactured products;
2.7.4.1.1. Based on regulatory requirements that manufacturers be responsible for their product
from the manufacture to the re-cycling of their products (cradle to cradle) or when that
product is discarded (cradle to grave).

2.7.4.2. A comprehensive organics waste management strategy; which would divert compostable
kitchen, garden, paper and related vegetable and animal natural products from landfills by:
2.7.4.2.1. Mandating the establishment of composting facilities and organics collection and
providing the necessary financial assistance and programs for the development of the
required infrastructure, and
2.7.4.2.2. Recommending the timelines for the phasing-in of provincial landfill bans for all organic
waste, recyclable materials and products covered under schedules of the Recycling
Regulation.

2.7.4.3. Maximum reuse of materials used in construction, demolition and renovation; through
2.7.4.3.1. An inspection and certification program to promote the use of recycled and reclaimed
materials in new and renovated buildings and other infrastructure.

2.8. Trade
2.8.1. Raw Log Export (1986, 1996)
2.8.1.1. The export of unprocessed and minimally-processed wood such as log cants should be
banned.

2.8.2. Water and Power Export (1986, 1996)
2.8.2.1. Water export should be banned, including export of water for power production.


Page 19 of 65

2.9. Cooperative and Social Economy (April 16, 2013)
2.9.1. Implement strategies to assist in the economic development of co-operatives and social enterprises in
BC.
2.9.1.1. Extend to co-operative and social enterprises British Columbias tax credit for venture capital
corporations (VCCs) and eligible small businesses (ESBs) which has been a productive
facilitator of equity investment into BC companies.
2.9.1.2. Amend the Small Business Venture Capital Act to designate Social Enterprises and Co-
operatives as a new eligible category for VCCs and ESBs.
2.9.1.3. Re-allocate $1 to 2 million from other categories in the Provincial budget to signal a
commitment to support these creative new entities that have the promise to deliver so much
more to society than pure profit-oriented companies.
2.9.1.4. Create a co-op and social enterprise development and incubation initiative to provide financial
and technical support for new co-op and social enterprise start-ups; for further development of
existing co-op and social enterprises; and, for assisting in the transition of financially viable but
challenged companies to a co-operative or social enterprise form through employee buy-outs.
2.9.1.5. Create tax incentives to promote investment by members and community supporters in co-
operative and social enterprises.
2.9.1.6. Adopt innovations in the financing of co-operatives and social enterprises by removing barriers
to local investing.
2.9.1.7. Enhance job and business retention by providing assistance to employees who want to buy-out.
2.9.1.8. Develop an affordable business space strategy that can assist in the incubation, start-up and
development of co-operatives and social enterprises throughout BC.

2.9.2. More efficient provision of community based health, education and social services.
2.9.2.1. Establish an initiative to support the development of co-ops and social enterprises for the
provision of community-based health, social and education services.
2.9.2.2. Mandate that Requests for Proposal (RFP) processes and selection criteria by all government
bodies will facilitate participation by health, social service and education co-operatives and
social enterprises.
2.9.2.3. Establish education programs about co-ops and social enterprises in the training and retraining
programs of existing health, social service and education professionals; for Health Authorities
and social and educational agencies; and, for the governing bodies of these professions.

2.9.3. Provide vital, community-based care to vulnerable individuals and the broader community.
2.9.3.1. Support co-ops and social enterprises as a means of training and employing marginalized
individuals and people with disabilities.
2.9.3.2. Remove income and social assistance restrictions to individuals being trained by social co-ops
and other social enterprises.
2.9.3.3. Promote the use of social co-ops and social enterprises to serve high priority groups, especially
the elderly and those living with disabilities.
2.9.3.4. Develop a co-operative and social enterprise shared service strategy to support the growth and
competitive capacity of small and medium firms in strategic sectors.

2.9.4. Co-operative housing to provide affordable housing options for lower-income British Columbians.
2.9.4.1. Partner with the co-op housing sector and other levels of government to:
2.9.4.1.1. Support the development of new, non-profit housing co-ops for low and moderate-income
households, and
2.9.4.1.2. Explore the potential for using the co-op model to create affordable home ownership
opportunities for British Columbians.

2.9.5. Assign the Co-operative and Social Enterprise development to a Ministry for Economic Development.


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3. TRANSPORTATION
3.1. Governance
3.1.1. [Rescinded May 31, 2014] Equity and Access to Destinations (1998)
3.1.1.1. The mandate of the Ministry of Transportation should be to provide equity of access and
mobility among citizens, economic efficiency, and above all a choice of viable transportation
modes other than the private auto.
3.1.1.2. The primary mandate of the Ministry of Transportation should be to provide access to
destinations, with transportation planning thus closely integrated with and complementary to
land use planning and economic policy.

3.2. Walking And Cycling
3.2.1. [Rescinded May 31, 2014] Equitable Access to Existing Infrastructure (1998)
3.2.1.1. Bus, Rail, Ferry, and Air modes should be required to offer convenient carriage of bicycles.

3.3. Transit
3.3.1. Transit Funding (1998)
3.3.1.1. Funding to BC Transit and TransLink should be markedly increased, to allow improvements in
the extent, frequency, and comfort of service in urban, suburban, and especially small-town and
rural British Columbia.

3.3.2. Transit Fares (1998)
3.3.2.1. BC Transit fares should be set at a rate that is both lower than the per-trip cost of a trip by
automobile, and affordable to low-income residents.

3.3.3. Driver Contracts for Low-Load Routes (1998)
3.3.3.1. Transit operators should be paid a wage commensurate with their training.

3.3.4. Safety of Night Service (1998)
3.3.4.1. BC Transit should develop better night bus facilities that address safety concerns through
dial-a-bus programs, improved lighting, better bus stops, and more frequent, smaller buses.

3.3.5. Frequency and Type of Service (1998)
3.3.5.1. BC Transit should implement a system of Light Rapid Transit (LRT) in areas of high volume
circulation and small buses in areas or times of lower volume circulation.

3.4. [Rescinded May 31, 2014] Ferries
3.4.1. Passenger Terminals (1998)
3.4.1.1. Priority should be given to passenger traffic over private vehicle traffic at all ferry terminals, both
in their construction and their operation.

3.5. Motor Vehicles
3.5.1. Regulation of Small Vehicles (1998)
3.5.1.1. Legislation should be enacted to allow and encourage the use of small neighbourhood electric
vehicles on local roads.

3.5.2. Auto Insurance (1998)
3.5.2.1. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) should sell insurance in a way that is
directly linked to distance driven over a period.
3.5.2.2. ICBC should adjust insurance rates to strongly reflect the differing levels of damage imposed in
accidents by different types and masses of vehicles.
3.5.2.3. These ICBC policies also apply to all private auto insurers within BC.

3.5.3. Subsidies and Taxes (1998)
3.5.3.1. The Ministry of Transportation should no longer subsidize motor vehicle use from general
revenues, and enact a tax shift, increasing provincial gas taxes to cover the market and
non-market monetary costs of provincial roadway use and construction.


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3.6. Highways
3.6.1. High-Occupancy Lanes (1998)
3.6.1.1. In any place where high occupancy lanes would be beneficial, they should be provided through
the conversion of normal lanes to high-occupancy lanes, rather than the construction of
additional lanes.

3.7. Shipping
3.7.1. Oil Transport (1989)
3.7.1.1. All oil tanker traffic off the BC coast should stay outside the 200 mile limit.
3.7.1.2. The Canadian Armed Forces and Coast Guard should enforce the 200 mile limit for tanker
traffic.

3.7.2. Ensure BC Coastal Waters are Crude Oil Tanker-Free, Forever (2012)
3.7.2.1. Protect BCs statutory right for final decision on the Northern Gateway (Enbridge) proposal by
taking immediate action to exercise its 30 days notice to withdraw from the National Energy
Boards (NEBs) Joint Review Process for this project and clarify now that BC will not delegate
to the NEB its responsibility to assess Kinder Morgans proposal, and
3.7.2.1.1. Establishing a permanent ban on crude oil tankers on the west coast of BC to protect
BCs fisheries, tourism, coastal communities and natural ecosystems, forever.


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4. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HOUSING
4.1. Structure
4.1.1. Accountable Regional Government (1996)
4.1.1.1. Regional district representatives should be directly elected in all areas of BC, rather than just
rural BC, in the short term.
4.1.2. Revoking BCs Alternate Approval Process (April 16, 2013)
4.1.2.1. Revoke the Alternate Approval Process from BCs Community Charter

4.2. Zoning And Land Use
4.2.1. Regional Growth and Density (1996)
4.2.1.1. [4.2.1.1. Rescinded by membership at AGM August, 24, 2013] Cities should be required to
maintain the same average density within their limits so that when one area's density is
increased, another area's density should be proportionally decreased.
4.2.1.2. Residential zoning designations should be made more flexible so that densification can take
place through secondary suites instead of demolition.
4.2.2. Eliminating Tax Breaks for Megastores (1996)
4.2.2.1. Megastores should be banned from operating on land zoned as industrial, and commercial
property taxes should be levied equally to all commercial property users.
4.2.2.2. The creation of special types of zoning for these outlets to circumvent established land use
plans should be outlawed.

4.3. Housing
4.3.1. Home Ownership (1996)
4.3.1.1. More British Columbians have the opportunity to own their own homes through co-op shares,
strata title or other innovative programs including
4.3.1.1.1. Easing zoning and title restrictions to allow for gradual tenant-directed conversion of
rental buildings to strata-titled buildings or co-op managed buildings

4.3.2. Tenants' Rights (1996)
4.3.2.1. A registry of rental housing units should be maintained by the BC government.
4.3.2.2. The office of Rentalsman should be reinstated to monitor owner-tenant relations.
4.3.2.3. Guidelines and requirements for municipal inspection of rental property should be improved and
that a backup provincial inspection office should be provided for unincorporated areas and for
emergency situations.
4.3.2.4. Rent control legislation should be enacted to allow the Rentalsman's office to establish controls
in emergency situations.

4.3.3. Assistance for Sustainable Housing (1996)
4.3.3.1. Tax concessions and professional assistance should be offered to individuals wishing to set up
energy-efficient homes through co-generation, such as solar power, or weather-proofing and
grey-water, or other resource saving systems.
4.3.3.2. Building codes should be tightened to make these requirements mandatory for new buildings as
technologies become more accessible and affordable.

4.3.4. Universal housing to stop homelessness in British Columbia (2004-12)
4.3.4.1. Immediately increase funding for crisis, short-term and long-term housing accommodation to
stop the unacceptable level of homelessness.

4.3.5. [Rescinded May 31, 2014] Adequate housing for the mentally and physically disabled and persons
with mental health problems (2004-13)
4.3.5.1. Earmark one-half of one per cent of the annual provincial budget to be invested in affordable
housing for providing adequate and appropriate housing for British Columbians with disabilities
and/or mental health problems.

4.3.6. Strata Property (April 16, 2013)
4.3.6.1. Conduct a comprehensive and public review of the Strata Property Act that is focused on (1)
protection of the rights of strata owners, and (2) the sustainability of strata communities.


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5. HEALTH
5.1. Principles (2004-25)
5.1.1. Embrace the principles of Medicare under the Canada Health Act, which states,
5.1.1.1. "The primary objective of the Canadian health care policy is to protect, promote and restore the
physical and mental well-being of residents of Canada and to facilitate reasonable access to
health care services without financial or other barriers."

5.1.2. Public health care is a right, available to all, not a privilege reserved for those who can pay.
5.1.2.1. Do not support the privatization of public health care services and facilities.
5.1.2.2. Restore the publicly delivered services privatized by the [previous] BC government, including
the delivery of food, cleaning and security services in public hospitals and facilities, and the
processing and maintenance of health care records.

5.1.3. Support the main findings of the Romanow Report

5.1.4. Reinstate workers and services now being replaced under private contracts.

5.1.5. Provide a new model of community-based, holistic, public health care that places as much emphasis
on prevention and wellness as on the treatment of illness (2004-26)
5.1.5.1. Increase the number of Primary Health Care Centres that provide multi-disciplinary, 24 hour-a-
day, community-based lifestyle, prevention, early intervention and monitoring, and health
management services to all regions of the province.
5.1.5.2. Increase Home Care and Home Support and expand Long-Term, Palliative, and Convalescent
Community-based Care Centres.
5.1.5.3. Increase support for Mental Health and special needs.
5.1.5.4. Increase access to preventative, complementary and alternative medical treatments by
restoring funding to the pre-2001 level and by restoring lab test privileges, funded by increases
in federal government transfer payments.
5.1.5.5. Establish universal dental care for low-income residents.
5.1.5.6. Initiate policies and increase spending on education and programs to reduce the root causes of
health problems: poverty, environmental degradation and unhealthy lifestyles.
5.1.5.7. Adopt a comprehensive anti-poverty strategy that will include low-cost housing and increased
employment opportunities.
5.1.5.8. Work with health authorities to improve staffing levels of nurses and other skilled health care
workers to ensure patients are adequately provided for, including reopening beds where
required.
5.1.5.9. Provide a publicly funded transportation system for rural BC communities giving access to
primary and secondary health care, and air ambulance services, including airevac services for
interior cities and rural areas.

5.1.6. Public health care is a right, available to all, not a privilege reserved for those that can pay (2004-45)
5.1.6.1. Do not allow the privatization of currently publicly delivered health care services and facilities.

5.1.7. Healthcare based on European experience (2004-30)
5.1.7.1. Immediately review the European experience with mixed public/private health care systems so
as to assess whether or not to support such a system.
5.1.7.2. Carry out a further review of European experiences with mixed public/private health care
systems.

5.1.8. BC Access and Ability Strategy (2008-11)
5.1.8.1. A partnership approach to developing the details of a strategy which supports persons with
impairments to be full citizens, within a framework that: provides a comprehensive continuum of
ongoing services, as well as appropriate capital and one-time investments.
5.1.8.1.1. Supports their inclusion in the social fabric of BC.
5.1.8.1.2. Promotes their full economic participation in the province.

5.1.8.2. The implementation of an Access and Ability Strategy, with a commitment to fully fund its
components.
5.1.8.2.1. Initial actions must address improvements in accessible transportation, health and
assistive services, and income supports.


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5.1.8.3. The establishment of infrastructure that ensures fair access to programs and services,
including:
5.1.8.3.1. Appointing an Advocate for Persons with Disabilities, as an independent officer of the
Legislature;
5.1.8.3.2. Require an annual report be tabled in the Legislative Assembly; and
5.1.8.3.3. Enter into a formal agreement with the federal government to ensure full coverage for
those who have some form of fiduciary relationship with Canada.

5.1.9. Triple Aim Approach to Healthcare (April 16, 2013)
5.1.9.1. Improve population health and reduce health inequities.
5.1.9.2. Improve the patient experience and the quality of care.
5.1.9.3. Reduce healthcare costs to improving healthcare delivery and outcomes in BC.

5.2. Governance
5.2.1. Health Governance (2008-04)
5.2.1.1. Support reforms to the governance of provincially-funded health services that encompass:
5.2.1.1.1. Responsiveness
5.2.1.1.1.1. Creating more effective and responsive provincial health services by establishing
Regional Health Trusts, whose catchment area takes into account the
demographic and geographic realities of all British Columbians.

5.2.1.1.2. Accountable governance
5.2.1.1.2.1. Establishing public accountability in provincially-funded health organizations by
restoring a mix of directly elected, local government-appointed and provincially-
appointed members.

5.2.1.1.3. System Fairness
5.2.1.1.3.1. Institute a health ombudsman process to ensure fairness and equitable access to
health services.
5.2.1.1.3.2. Establish executive pay scales in line with compensation levels for similar positions
in other provinces taking into account the cost of living in British Columbia. [existing
2004-28]

5.2.1.1.4. Sustainable Funding of, and Payment for, Services
5.2.1.1.4.1. Ensure all residents with federal coverage enjoy equitable access to provincial
health programs by negotiating:
5.2.1.1.4.1.1. Improved access for members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP and
other federal employees, and
5.2.1.1.4.1.2. An on-going Health Canada investment in First Nations health programs in
BC.

5.3. Funding
5.3.1. Healthy Kids Program Dental Amalgam (2012)
5.3.1.1. Improve the Healthy Kids Program and any similar future program to pay for dental fillings
that do not contain mercury
5.3.1.1.1. Pay for dental fillings that do not contain mercury which has harmful side effects to
children and adults.
5.3.1.1.2. The improved program will cease to reimburse providers for administering mercury based
fillings and the provincial government will cover any increased costs.

5.3.2. Restore the Intensive Care and emergency diagnostic facilities to the Nelson hospital (2004-27)
5.3.2.1. Provide funding for a new Nelson/Health Campus as model of community based, holistic, public
health care.

5.3.3. Evaluate all wages, earnings, contracts bonuses, expenses and severance packages of CEOs of the
Health Authorities and administrative positions for all hospitals and public health facilities and
programs (2004-28)
5.3.3.1. Bring them in line with compensation levels for similar positions in other provinces taking into
account the cost of living in British Columbia.


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5.4. Practice
5.4.1. Nurses and Alternative Providers (1996)
5.4.1.1. A certification process should be developed for naturopaths, homeopaths and other alternative
practitioners to be integrated into the public healthcare system.
5.4.1.2. Greater use and regulation of nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals should be
implemented.
5.4.1.3. More than 10% of the healthcare budget should be targeted to home care, including visiting
nurses, dieticians, homemakers, and occupational and recreational therapists.
5.4.1.4. Community health centres should be developed along a model similar to that supported by the
BC Nurses' Union, in which nurses are the primary referral agents.

5.5. PharmaCare
5.5.1. Prescription Drug Coverage (1996)
5.5.1.1. The government's reference-based pricing system should be made more patient-friendly, so
that patients do not bear the costs of disagreements between PharmaCare and their doctor.
5.5.1.2. Funding and recognition of medicines prescribed by certified alternative practitioners should be
provided for.

5.6. Mental Health
5.6.1. Mental Health Care (1996)
5.6.1.1. All mental health bureaucracies run by different government ministries should be consolidated
into a single agency administered by the Health Ministry.
5.6.1.2. More regular review and liaison with de-institutionalized individuals take place, and
re-institutionalization where requested by the individual concerned.
5.6.1.3. A fair wage policy for firms sub-contracted to care for mentally disadvantaged people should be
implemented.
5.6.1.4. Ongoing upgrading and education programs should be provided for care-givers in mental health
facilities.
5.6.1.5. Regular mandatory inspections of all facilities contracted by government ministries take place.


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5.6.2. Climate Change and Mental Health (2010-01)
5.6.2.1. Implement a full range of direct and supportive programs for people to help mitigate the impact
of climate change on mental health and psychosocial well-being as part of a fully costed
preventative health care budget:
5.6.2.1.1. Education
5.6.2.1.1.1. Both specialized and non-specialized staff must receive training in mental health
and psychosocial care. Local professionals (e.g. school teachers, nurses, doctors,
and first responders) must be trained in the basic principles of psychological first
aid and in providing referrals to specialized staff if necessary.
5.6.2.1.1.2. K - 12 education should include modules in social studies on the potential impacts
of climate change and response strategies. The intent is to familiarize children with
the potential problems, and empower them to overcome fear, or deal with it in a
positive way.
5.6.2.1.1.3. In high-risk areas, provide community-based training in the form of disaster
response, first aid, urban search and rescue, and disaster mental health using
existing community training models used successfully in Japan, the United States,
and elsewhere. From grade 8 onwards, for example, students should be taught
disaster first aid in a progressive fashion, so that they are better able to assist their
communities should climate-related disasters increase in severity and frequency.
Individuals who are able to function, contribute to community recovery, and
maintain their role during stress often cope better and experience less disability
following a stressful event.

5.6.2.1.2. Social Services
5.6.2.1.2.1. Building resilient communities involves capacity-building, strengthening existing
structures, creating new or reinforcing social networks and recognizing the value of
local and Indigenous community knowledge and perspectives, as well as
increasing the availability of psychosocial resources and services. Existing social
services in communities at high risk should inventory the strengths of specific
social groups as well as talents and skills within the community that could
contribute to mitigation, and alleviation of the psychosocial impacts of climate
change.

5.6.2.1.3. Public Information
5.6.2.1.3.1. Information on mental health and psychosocial issues, which is aimed at improving
coping strategies and reducing the stigma associated with psychological problems
or stress reactions must be disseminated to the general public. We must actively
educate community members regarding false beliefs or harmful practices. Media
guidelines, advocating against the use of harmful images and for the broadcasting
of accurate information, must be implemented. Stories of resilience must be
included when reporting on disasters and/or events related to climate change.

5.6.2.1.4. Healthcare
5.6.2.1.4.1. Access to quality psychosocial and mental health services must be scaled up,
especially to underserved and vulnerable populations. Mental health services must
be integrated with primary care and other community health services. Since most
groups suffering from distress respond better to people from within their own
community, community support services should be given particular attention.
Interventions must be empirically based and culturally sensitive and follow recently
developed Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) guidelines.


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5.6.3. Mental Health and Social Justice (2012)
5.6.3.1. Protect Human Rights
5.6.3.1.1. Ensure the BC Mental Health Act complies with the Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedoms and the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
5.6.3.1.2. Support independent mental health advocacy services that help maintain universal
access to a comprehensive range of programs and ensure accountability.
5.6.3.1.3. Enact legislation to establish the right to appoint substitute decision makers and develop
advance directives.
5.6.3.1.4. Provide increased support to parents and families impacted by mental illness.

5.6.3.2. Support Prevention and Recovery
5.6.3.2.1. Revitalize social services which have been shown to have direct impacts on mental
health outcomes, such as affordable and supportive housing, education and work training
opportunities, and prison recidivism programs.
5.6.3.2.2. Broaden the publicly-funded treatment options available in our hospitals and communities
such as counselling and psychotherapy services, peer support groups, and physician-
recommended exercise and nutrition programs.
5.6.3.2.3. Improve accountability of the mental health system by developing clear goals for recovery
with measurable outcomes, and better evaluations of program effectiveness.
5.6.3.2.4. Assist post-secondary institutions in providing specialized training to psychiatrists and
physicians in the value to mental health of complementary treatments like exercise,
nutrition and other non-drug therapeutic interventions.

5.6.3.3. Encourage Participation and Cooperation
5.6.3.3.1. Support the involvement of families, patients and ex-patients, consumers, and survivors
in the on-going development of mental health research, policies and practices.

5.6.3.4. Improve Access
5.6.3.4.1. Increase funding to independent mental health legal advocacy to adequately meet British
Columbia's needs in order to:
5.6.3.4.1.1. Help reduce demands on extremely expensive hospital services,
5.6.3.4.1.2. Allow people who do not need to be treated in psychiatric hospitals to access
services in their communities instead, and
5.6.3.4.1.3. Free up needed beds for people who do want treatment in hospital.

5.6.3.5. Increase Participation and Prevention
5.6.3.5.1. Increase funding to disability benefits, supportive housing and low-cost counselling
services.
5.6.3.5.2. Encourage creation of networks of peer-run crisis supports and non-medical emergency
responders in order to reduce costly police encounters and use of emergency hospital
services.

5.6.3.6. Research and Accountability
5.6.3.6.1. Establish clear, achievable, short- and long-term goals for our mental health care
programs, and systems for monitoring, evaluating and identifying the most successful
and cost-effective programs by using measurable outcomes such as people engaged in
recovery, returning to work, and finding and remaining in appropriate housing.
5.6.3.6.2. Follow the Ombudsperson's recommendation and re-establish the office of the Mental
Health Advocate to provide on-going, independent feedback and recommendations to the
legislature regarding improvement and cost-effectiveness of our mental health care
system.
5.6.3.6.3. Fund an independent scientific team (like the UBC Therapeutics Initiative
http://www.ti.ubc.ca/) to evaluate the long-term efficacy of the major psychiatric drug
classes and provide recommendations on the most appropriate uses of these drugs.


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5.7. Women's Issues
5.7.1. Choice on Abortion (1994)
5.7.1.1. Choice on abortion should be solely the province of the woman seeking the abortion.

5.7.2. Alternatives to Abortion (1988)
5.7.2.1. The BC government work with women's organizations to improve the inadequate support
system offered to pregnant women and young mothers with few financial resources.

5.7.3. Abortion Services (1988, 1998)
5.7.3.1. Abortion services receive full government funding.
5.7.3.2. Abortion services should be made available free at source, in at least one location in each
health region in British Columbia

5.7.4. Lactation (1994)
5.7.4.1. The BC government fully complies with the World Health Organization's Code of Marketing of
Breast Milk Substitutes.

5.7.5. Sexual Assault Care (1986)
5.7.5.1. Full and sufficient funding should be provided for emergency care centres for rape or assault
victims.

5.8. Food
5.8.1. Organic Food (1987, 1989)
5.8.1.1. An Organic Food Consumer Advisory Board should be established, including consumers and
producers of organic food.
5.8.1.2. This board should administer the certification of organic food in BC.

5.8.2. Agriculture (1996)
5.8.2.1. All synthetic chemical pesticides and herbicides should be phased-out over a three year period
in favour of organic pest control measures including more labour intensive practices.

5.8.3. Raw Milk Sales Policy (2010-04)
5.8.3.1. Amend provincial legislation and regulations to remove language that presumes a health
hazard from raw milk.
5.8.3.2. Reinstate a permit system, based on scientific criteria for milk grading by authorized inspectors.


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5.9. Addictive Substances
5.9.1. Tobacco Advertising (1988)
5.9.1.1. Adequate funding for preventative education and withdrawal programs related to nicotine
addiction should be provided.

5.9.2. Tobacco Purveyors (1996)
5.9.2.1. A registry of existing tobacconists should be developed.
5.9.2.2. A permit process should be established for tobacco distributors similar to that for beer and wine
stores.

5.9.3. Tobacco Taxes (1985, 1994)
5.9.3.1. Compensatory taxes on tobacco should be levied at the provincial level in the event that federal
tobacco taxes are reduced.

5.9.4. Substance Use (2008-05)
5.9.4.1. Substance use and harm reduction:
5.9.4.1.1. Use of evidence-based, harm reduction practices such as needle-exchange, substitution
treatments, and safe consumption sites in order to reduce the potential personal and
public health harms of substance use;
5.9.4.1.2. Public Health approach to substance use: To reduce the harms associated with
substance useand to stop illegal drug profits from ending up in the hands of organized
crime:
5.9.4.1.2.1. Legalize and regulate the production and distribution of cannabis through licensed
outlets, and pardon past convictions for cannabis possession and trafficking; and
5.9.4.1.2.2. Support access to pharmaceutical substitutes for illegal drugs through a
physicians recommendation;
5.9.4.1.3. Prevention and demand reduction: Implement school-based drug education focused on
science and reason, rather than fear and misinformation, and evidence-based public
education and awareness campaigns directed at reducing the potential harms of both
legal and illegal substances;
5.9.4.1.4. Treatment - British Columbians who suffer from substance dependence deserve the
opportunity to obtain treatment on demand. Ensure that regional health authorities in
British Columbia offer a variety of options for treatment of addictions of all kinds. Clients
would receive treatment in a timely fashion and would be treated with dignity and respect
by health professionals;
5.9.4.1.5. Compassionate access to medical cannabis - Legal access to medical cannabis with a
health care practitioners support, and cost-coverage of medical cannabis by provincial
healthcare programs. Legalization and regulation of community-based medical cannabis
dispensaries and cultivators at the provincial level;
5.9.4.1.6. Therapeutic and spiritual use of entheogenic (mind altering) substances; Regulated
access to entheogens; Funding for research into their therapeutic potential, particularly in
the treatment of addictions and other psychological ailments;
5.9.4.1.7. Enforcement - Enforcement can and should play a role in a public health approach to
substance use; however, it should be focused on policing serious crime, rather than
personal substance use. Cross-border drug trade and the distribution of psychoactive
substances by adults to minors without parental permission should be the primary focus
of drug interdiction strategies and resources; Redirect provincial police funding to
address these issues rather than targeting substance users.


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5.10. Seniors Healthcare (April 16, 2013)
5.10.1. Improve home and community care
5.10.1.1. Integrate community, home and primary care services for seniors in order to address their
unique, complex needs, focusing on preventative healthcare initiatives.
5.10.1.2. Reconfigure services around seniors home-based care needs, provided by an interdisciplinary
team (nurses, care aids and community workers) of healthcare professionals, 24/7.
5.10.1.3. Increase funding to residential care facilities, increasing staffing levels in order to ensure a
higher quality of care.

5.10.2. Give a voice to patients
5.10.2.1. Provide transition coaches (specially trained nurses or case managers) to aid seniors in the
transition from hospital to home care.
5.10.2.2. Expand BCs Chronic Disease Self-Management Program and other educational programs to
ensure more accessibility to low income and immigrant seniors as well as those living in rural
areas.

5.10.3. Provide social support network
5.10.3.1. Establish a community support network to help seniors remain independent, build self-esteem
and improve knowledge and understanding of available health and community resources.
5.10.3.2. Provide funding to create a broader network of seniors outreach programs in the community
and/or seniors centres.
5.10.3.3. Encourage the construction of senior-oriented communities, providing housing options to suit
all seniors different needs, ensure proper access to healthcare facilities and offer social
engagement opportunities.

5.10.4. Improve public reporting
5.10.4.1. Follow the BC Ombudsperson recommendations and improve public reporting of key indicators
in order to increase accountability and aid in effective planning and health system
improvements.
5.10.4.2. Provide an independent review of all public reporting to ensure transparency and
accountability.


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6. EDUCATION
6.1. Principles (2008-12)
6.1.1. Apply these principles to all education policy development
6.1.1.1. Develops all British Columbian's strengths, potential, natural desire to learn, and curiosity.
6.1.1.2. Nurtures and encourages the disposition and passion for lifelong learning and the skills needed
for students of all ages to participate meaningfully in society.
6.1.1.3. Provides choices in education and access to a wide range of education programmes that meet
the diverse needs and unique learning styles of students of all backgrounds and learning
abilities, as well as the needs of various learning communities.
6.1.1.4. Fosters the disposition to respond positively and effectively to the significant challenges posed
by global warming and increasing environmental and social stress.
6.1.1.5. Celebrates and rewards (environmental and social) sustainability initiatives and solutions to
pressing, significant environmental and social challenges.
6.1.1.6. Fosters the disposition in students of all ages to embrace and create new learning innovations
and opportunities arising from the Internet, best learning practices, and recent insights from the
learning sciences.
6.1.1.7. Supports and encourages educational innovation to create new, cost-effective, multipurpose
learning opportunities, especially for groups marginalized and/or constrained by present
education policy.
6.1.1.8. Supports and advocates on behalf of reducing educational service access fees and tuition
charges for students of all ages and especially teen and college-age students.
6.1.1.9. Models and advocates on behalf of optimal communication, mutually-supportive conflict
resolution, peace, inclusion, tolerance, diversity and social sensitivity.
6.1.1.10. Models and advocates on behalf of environmental sensitivity, sustainability, appropriate
stewardship and the Precautionary Principle.

6.2. Governance
6.2.1. [Rescinded May 31, 2014] Regional Consultancies for Smaller Districts (1996)
6.2.1.1. Provincially funded regional consultancies should be established that would provide specialized
professionals to local boards.

6.2.2. Alternative Schools (1986)
6.2.2.1. A strategy should be developed to better fund alternative and experimental schools.

6.2.3. Independent and Alternative Schools (1996)
6.2.3.1. The diversity of the school system should be increased, by phasing private independent and
alternative schools and programs into the provincial funded system, without reducing the
diversity and autonomy of these schools.

6.2.4. Governance (2004-05)
6.2.4.1. The provincial government, local boards, teachers, students and the community, will need to
have a framework of "reciprocal accountability" so that roles and responsibilities are clearly
understood and performance is monitored and reported at the appropriate level.
6.2.4.2. School boards should have the flexibility to tailor policies to local community needs, teachers
should have the ability to use their classroom environment and teaching styles to meet the
needs of their students, and students should have a bill of rights and responsibility.
6.2.4.3. Community should have input into the system at the "ground level" through advisory boards, so
it can monitor the quality of the education students are getting.

6.2.5. Rethinking Schooling (2004-09)
6.2.5.1. Education Commission to determine the place and role schools should play in communities in
the information era, to identify the values/knowledge/competencies that graduating students
should have, and to establish a comprehensive framework for learning and curriculum
development.

6.2.6. Community Schools (1986)
6.2.6.1. Greater control over schools should be transferred to local school boards from the provincial
government.


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6.3. Primary Education Financing
6.3.1. Capital Funding for Multi-Use Public Facilities (1996)
6.3.1.1. Capital funding programs should be encouraged, assisted, and coordinated between civic
governments, provincial and federal ministries, and school boards to develop community
schools which physically integrate community centres, recreation facilities, libraries and
schools.

6.3.2. User Fees and Private-Public Funding (1996)
6.3.2.1. User fees for basic school services should be prohibited.

6.3.3. Funding (2004-04)
6.3.3.1. The long-term goal of the Green Party of BC is that public education will be universal and free
at every level: primary, secondary, and post-secondary.
6.3.3.2. Corporate funding of any kind will not be allowed in the public (K-12) education system.

6.4. Primary Education Curriculum
6.4.1. Education Curricula (1986)
6.4.1.1. Educational curricula place a greater emphasis on:
6.4.1.1.1. Ecological awareness
6.4.1.1.2. Social and citizenship responsibilities
6.4.1.1.3. Critical thinking
6.4.1.1.4. Conflict resolution
6.4.1.1.5. Peace issues
6.4.1.1.6. Parenting
6.4.1.1.7. Financial planning

6.4.2. Core Curriculum (1996)
6.4.2.1. A core curriculum aimed at literacy and problem-solving should be retained, including the
non-violent resolution of conflict, computational and computer skills, liberal arts and physical
and health education.

6.4.3. Local Curriculum Initiatives (1996)
6.4.3.1. Local curriculum initiatives should be encouraged and supported, especially local second
language programs.

6.4.4. Community Schools (1986)
6.4.4.1. Schools should be utilized for a variety of community functions, based on the community school
model, including:
6.4.4.1.1. Integration of libraries, art and music facilities with community facilities, and
6.4.4.1.2. Mixed-age classes, adult education and self-directed learning for a broader concept of
learning.

6.4.5. Community-based education (2004-06)
6.4.5.1. More Community Schools will be established and supplemental funding will be provided to
community schools that provide licensed after-school childcare.
6.4.5.2. Communities will have more control over education and decision making will be at the local and
individual level, as much as possible.
6.4.5.3. Schools will seek partnerships with the community, including seniors, parents, organizations,
and other educational institutions.

6.4.6. Environmental Education (1996)
6.4.6.1. The current environmental education program should be supplemented by designating specific
environmental studies courses at the high school level.
6.4.6.2. The international and personal focus of existing environmental studies curricula should be
balanced with a focus on local and provincial environmental challenges and their public policy
solutions.
6.4.6.3. Holistic schoolyards program should be created to provide information and support for
developing community gardens, orchards, composting facilities and other facilities to integrate
students with their communities and the natural world.


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6.4.7. Greening of schools (2004-07)
6.4.7.1. School grounds will be maintained with organic practices including alternatives to pesticides
and chemical fertilizers, use of native plants, and progressive, water-conservation methods.
6.4.7.2. Healthy food will be served in school cafeterias, including organic, locally grown food wherever
possible and no junk food.
6.4.7.3. New schools will be built using environment friendly and energy-efficient practices, with
materials and labour acquired from the local community if available.

6.4.8. Non-Sexist Education (1986)
6.4.8.1. School materials which portray people in sexist stereotypes should be replaced with non-sexist
materials.
6.4.8.2. Women's studies courses should be offered in BC public schools.
6.4.8.3. Non-sexist vocational and academic counseling should be provided.
6.4.8.4. A province-wide sexual harassment policy should be mandated for BC public schools.

6.4.9. Domestic Violence Awareness (1996)
6.4.9.1. Mandatory programs should be developed to educate students better about domestic violence
and their right to live in a safe home.

6.5. Post-Secondary Education Funding
6.5.1. [Rescinded May 31, 2014] Donations to Post-Secondary Institutions (1996)
6.5.1.1. A provincial Donation Review Board should be established to ensure that donations to
post-secondary institutions are without strings attached.

6.5.2. College Funding Formula (1996)
6.5.2.1. The funding formula for post-secondary funding should be reviewed with a view to better
addressing the real costs of programs, particularly science programs at the Community College
level.

6.6. Post-Secondary Education Curriculum
6.6.1. Engineering Curriculum (1986)
6.6.1.1. Small-scale hydro, wind power, methane and biomass energy should be included in the
engineering curricula at post-secondary institutions in BC.

6.6.2. Post-Secondary Institutions (1986)
6.6.2.1. Post-secondary institutes for peace research and education should receive funding.
6.6.2.2. Alternative energy and ecological research post-secondary institutes should receive funding.
6.6.2.3. Registered Professional Forester Apprenticeship (1987)
6.6.2.4. A multi-year apprenticeship should be required for the certification of Registered Professional
Foresters.

6.6.3. Nutrition Education (1986)
6.6.3.1. Food and nutrition education programs should encourage the consumption of locally grown
organic foods.

6.6.4. Industrial Job Training (1996)
6.6.4.1. The BC government should develop a system of industry-based funding of job training
programs in line with European systems of apprenticeships and partnerships.


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6.6.5. Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy (2008-16)
6.6.5.1. Ensure that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in British Columbia have
access to a full range of affordable public post-secondary education, from brief vocational and
trades training program to PhD and MD degrees, regardless of their own or their parents
financial situation.
6.6.5.2. Reduce tuition fees at public post-secondary institutions by 20% for the next four years and
increase government operating grants to compensate for reduced income via tuition fees.
6.6.5.3. Expand the budget of the BC Student Assistance Program, with an emphasis on grants to low-
income students, including community service grants, and review and expand loan remission
programs.
6.6.5.4. In consultation with labour market experts, economists and representatives from the public
post-secondary system, increase funding to provide more student spaces in fields only where
they are needed, in order to address the uncoordinated expansion of student spaces in the last
five years.
6.6.5.5. Through financial incentives and a public education campaign, encourage prospective students
to enter programs focused on protecting the environment and developing sustainable
technology and lifestyles and encourage public post-secondary institutions to develop more
programs in this area.
6.6.5.6. Establish a comprehensive trades training and apprenticeship model, with balanced input from
industry, labour, trades associations and the public post-secondary education system.
6.6.5.7. Through financial incentives and a public education campaign, encourage prospective students
to enter the skilled trades.
6.6.5.8. Ensure the protection of students at private colleges by introducing stricter regulations and
establishing a tuition insurance fund, to which all private post-secondary schools will
contribute.
6.6.5.9. Establish programs to encourage and support people on Income Assistance to earn a post-
secondary credential as a route to long-term financial independence.
6.6.5.10. Encourage public post-secondary institutions to expand programs for foreign-trained
immigrants, especially those with a professional designation from their home country, with the
purpose of integrating them as quickly as possible into BCs workforce.

6.6.6. Funding Higher Education (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012)
6.6.6.1. Implement a program similar to that of Newfoundland and Labrador to eliminate the interest on
student debt, to be phased in over five years.
6.6.6.2. Introduce a needs-based grants program to assist low-income students with tuition. A students
financial need will be determined by a means test, based upon the students finances.
6.6.6.3. Increase core funding to colleges and universities by at least $200 million annually.
6.6.6.4. Lift enrolment targets and provide the funding to support new and existing adult basic education
spaces.
6.6.6.5. Re-balance the oversight of the Industry Training Authority (ITA) to reflect all the stakeholders,
work with employers to guarantee apprenticeship spaces, and restore a system of employment
counselors to liaise between the public's investment in skills training and the employment
market.
6.6.6.6. Provide long-term funding support for the U-Pass BC program to keep the cost of the U-pass
affordable for students.


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6.7. LGBTQ Education (April 16, 2013)
6.7.1. Establish antihomophobia policies and action plans
6.7.1.1. Build upon the ERASE Bullying program to ensure uniformity in implementation.
6.7.1.2. Ensure all policies and action plans are found at the provincial, school district and school level.

6.7.2. Create inclusive K-12 curriculum and learning resources
6.7.2.1. Ensure that references to Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ) people are
included in learning resources.
6.7.2.2. Provide learning resources that address current issues facing the LGTBQ community, i.e.
bullying.

6.7.3. Ensure accurate and inclusive sexual health education
6.7.3.1. Provide sexual health education that addresses the needs of the LGBTQ community.
6.7.3.2. Establish several educational courses providing a choice for parents about which program their
child will attend, aiming to address personal and religious concerns regarding LGTBQ sexual
health education.

6.7.4. Provide teacher education programs
6.7.4.1. Require education on the needs of LGBTQ youth added to Bachelor of Education programs in
BC.
6.7.4.2. Ensure that educational information is up to date, accurate and inclusive of the needs of
LGBTQ youth.

6.7.5. Work with the LGBTQ community and parents
6.7.5.1. Provide inclusive dialogue with LGBTQ community and parent groups to develop best practice
guidelines and curriculum.


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7. SOCIAL ISSUES
7.1. Community
7.1.1. Doukhobor Communities (1996)
7.1.1.1. Agreements made by previous governments with Doukhobor communities should be legally
entrenched.
7.1.1.2. Doukhobor communal systems of property ownership and management should be recognized
and accommodated within local and provincial tax structures.

7.1.2. Metis Communities (1996)
7.1.2.1. A department of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs should be established for the sole purpose of
working with Metis communities to resolve outstanding grievances and assist these
communities in developing self-government.

7.1.3. Francophone Culture (1996)
7.1.3.1. An agreement should be negotiated with the federal government departments which currently
provide French services in BC to pool resources with provincial departments to facilitate the
provision of more services in French.

7.1.4. Indigenous Cultures (1996)
7.1.4.1. A department should be established to provide inter-ministerial co-ordination to promote
aboriginal cultures and languages involving the ministries of Education, Aboriginal Affairs and
Attorney-General.

7.2. Family
7.2.1. [Rescinded May 31, 2014] Common-law Relationship Act (1990)
7.2.1.1. A Common-law Relationship Act should be enacted which would allow any two people who
choose to live together the same benefits and recognition accorded to women and men in
traditional marriages.
7.2.1.2. Amendments to other laws, such as the Family Compensation Act, should be enacted so as to
end discrimination against non-traditional marriages and single people.

7.2.2. Family Law (1987)
7.2.2.1. A publicly funded enforcement system should be established to ensure compliance with the
terms of custody, separation and divorce agreements and judgments by all parties.
7.2.2.2. Quasi-judicial processes of mediation and arbitration in family law should be promoted and
more adequately funded.

7.2.3. Child welfare through family restoration (2008-18)
7.2.3.1. The most effective form of child welfare is family restoration. In support of that goal:
7.2.3.1.1. Implement a full range of direct and supportive programs for families that ensure
adequate access to remediation services that contribute to that goal.
7.2.3.1.1.1. Direct services would include: parent education training; life skills training, Training
and education for employment; programs in support of completing grade school
and high school; and health and mental health education.
7.2.3.1.1.2. Supportive, indirect services would include: prevention services, which include
child care, in-home support, emergency and crisis services when needed - in their
community; a guaranteed livable income; and adequate and safe housing.

7.2.3.1.2. Establish local child care trusts, whose compliance with provincial standards would be
monitored by the Ministry for Children and Families.
7.2.3.1.2.1. Trusts would develop prevention and remediation strategies that address the
health and social issues of local at-risk families. Local authorities would be
responsible and accountable for planning and coordinating complete support
service plans addressing housing, education, employment, remediation and
prevention for children and families faced with the challenge of overcoming their
histories.
7.2.3.1.2.2. Trust programs would be designed that remediate family needs and foster healthy
family functioning. Whenever possible families be supported to: stay together; be
gainfully employed; practice appropriate life and family skills; have access to
services in all communities.


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7.2.3.1.3. Where adult activity is clearly of criminal intent, involves financial gain at a cost to
children and youth, and where children or youth are abused or neglected, such activity
will be handled within the criminal justice system, rather than the child welfare system.

7.2.4. Polygamous Marriage Assets (2012)
7.2.4.1. Amending the Family Relations Act of BC as it may apply to anyone leaving a de-facto plural
(polygamous or polyamorous) marriage so that the person leaving the marriage is entitled to
make application for a fraction of all the assets shared in that relationship.

7.3. Population
7.3.1. Population and Immigration (1990, 1995)
7.3.1.1. BC should seek a special deal for immigration management similar to that between the
Canadian and Quebec governments, transferring control over immigration from the federal to
the provincial government.
7.3.1.2. BC's immigration policy should be to welcome political refugees (as determined by international
standards) and immigration to re-unify the immediate family of Canadian residents.

7.4. Feminism
7.4.1. Financial Equity for Women (1996)
7.4.1.1. A main priority of government should be to address economic inequality between men and
women through the following measures:
7.4.1.1.1. Immediate increases in welfare rates for custodial parents on social assistance so that
they can meet theirs and their children's basic educational and nutritional needs,
7.4.1.1.2. A provincial childcare program with a focus on providing childcare in or adjacent to the
workplace so that parents can have contact with their children throughout the work day,
7.4.1.1.3. Restoration of funding to women's programs cut by federal government cutbacks, and
7.4.1.1.4. A study into legislating affirmative action and pay equity programs for large private sector
corporations as was implemented by the Rae government in Ontario

7.5. Lifestyles
7.5.1. Naturist Policy (1987)
7.5.1.1. Nudity should be decriminalized in designated special recreational areas already used for this
purpose.

7.6. Arts, Recreation and Sport
7.6.1. Arts Funding (1996)
7.6.1.1. Core funding for cultural organizations should be increased.

7.6.2. Motor Sport and Off-Road Recreation (1991, 1996)
7.6.2.1. Local governments should be asked to develop legislation regulating all-terrain vehicles and
off-road vehicle use on private and public lands under their jurisdiction.
7.6.2.2. Motor sport on provincial highways should be prohibited.
7.6.2.3. Motorized sport in provincial recreation areas and other crown land not designated as parkland
should be regulated, requiring that permits be issued for motorized recreation in areas where
fish, wildlife or local residents' quality of life could be compromised.

7.6.3. [Rescinded May 31, 2014] Provincial Bikeway Network (1996)
7.6.3.1. A cycle tourism office should be established within the department of tourism to develop a
province-wide system of scenic bikeways.

7.6.4. Funding Professional Sports (1996)
7.6.4.1. Government loans, gifts and promotions, including those through Crown Corporations, which
are directed to commercial sports teams and facilities, should be terminated.
7.6.4.2. Cost savings realized by these measures should be redirected to amateur sport.

7.6.5. Hunting and Fishing Licenses (1996)
7.6.5.1. Hunting and fishing license costs for non-British Columbians should be increased to a level
commensurate with those in adjacent jurisdictions.

7.6.6. Cooperation with all levels of government to support and enhance protective regulations and controls
for Canadian creators and the Canadian cultural industry (2004-31)

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7.6.6.1. Vigorously promote and distribute Canadian films and music to support the digital development
and delivery of the arts.

7.6.7. Supporting Arts & Culture in BC (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012)
7.6.7.1. Restore arts and culture funding to 2008-09 levels of $23.8 million.
7.6.7.2. Expand BC Arts Council mandate to include liaison with the sponsorship world by connecting
arts and culture programs with corporate benefactors, in a way that provides the excitement,
profile and accolades that a sponsor might be looking for.
7.6.7.3. Establish funding objectives including measurable outcomes focusing on prudent fiscal
practices rather than only on artistic output.
7.6.7.4. Provide multiyear funding to emerging and experimental A&C groups to incubate their
programs; also provide multiyear funding to established and traditional A&C groups necessary
in their transition to financial independence.
7.6.7.5. Provide funding to develop affordable rental facilities for local arts and culture development.
7.6.7.6. Maintain stock of affordable housing in arts and culture hot spots in BC.
7.6.7.7. Sponsor annual international events and competitions hosted by the Arts & Cultural community.
7.6.7.8. Enhance Arts & Cultural community capacity for fashion design and industrial design.
7.6.7.9. Encourage the formation of co-operatives within the community to reduce members operation
costs and improve profits.
7.6.7.10. Strengthen school curriculum on arts and culture subjects to encourage young people to
develop an interest in arts and culture, to take part in art activities as amateurs or as
professionals.
7.6.7.11. Establish a separate Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage.
7.6.7.12. Cooperate with other levels of government to provide funding for an indigenous peoples
culture and arts plan for BC.


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8. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
8.1. Water, Hydroelectric Development and Energy
8.1.1. Fish Friendly Energy Projects (1993)
8.1.1.1. There should be no further hydroelectric generation which has negative impact on salmon
fisheries or other wildlife, especially watershed diversion.
8.1.1.2. Existing power generation sites should be converted to fish friendly systems
.
8.1.2. Water Diversion (1993)
8.1.2.1. Laws, regulations and incentives should be enacted to promote small-scale as opposed to
large-scale hydroelectric development.

8.1.3. Equity in Energy Production (1996)
8.1.3.1. Support those areas outside of the Kootenay and Peace regions move toward greater energy
self-sufficiency through ecologically-friendly, small scale energy production, so that the Peace
and Columbia river systems can be gradually returned to their natural flows over the long term.
[updated by 8.1.28.3.; April 16, 2013]

8.1.4. Hydroelectric Flow (1996)
8.1.4.1. The Ministry of Environment should be empowered to dictate the water flow of hydroelectric and
flood control projects, to preserve the integrity of marine and surface wildlife.

8.1.5. Restoration of Ecosystems Impacted by Hydroelectric Development (1996)
8.1.5.1. The Keenleyside and Duncan Dams should be de-commissioned. [Rescinded by 8.1.28.4.; April
16, 2013]
8.1.5.2. A program to restore agricultural and forests lands in the Columbia and Duncan valleys should
be undertaken by the BC government.
8.1.5.3. A steady flow water flow through the Terzaghi Dam should be maintained to maintain and
enhance fish stocks.

8.1.6. Williston Reservoir (1996)
8.1.6.1. Williston reservoir's levels should be maintained at sufficiently stable levels to allow local
businesses to operate without undue interruption.

8.1.7. BC Energy Strategy (1986, 1993)
8.1.7.1. A comprehensive Soft Energy strategy should be implemented including:
8.1.7.1.1. Measures to reduce energy demand;
8.1.7.1.2. Construction of small-scale, decentralised power plants;
8.1.7.1.3. Funding for alternative energy research and development;
8.1.7.1.4. Energy prices based on ecological impacts and replacement costs;
8.1.7.1.5. A new utility rate structure to encourage conservation;
8.1.7.1.6. The appointment of Energy Supply Councils to advise all levels of government including
representatives from government, citizens' groups and energy companies;
8.1.7.1.7. Infrastructure funding of municipal biomass conversion facilities;
8.1.7.1.8. Phasing out use of non-renewable energy sources; and
8.1.7.1.9. Annual greenhouse gas reduction targets


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8.1.8. Energy Emergency Response Plan (2005-05)
8.1.8.1. Support and work towards a BC Emergency Response Plan, which will require the province to
create and pursue a protocol for the preparation and handling of an energy shortage or
disruption through a pre-established conservation framework.

8.1.9. Renewable Energy (1986)
8.1.9.1. Development of renewable energy resources and technologies such as wind, water, solar, and
small scale geothermal should receive the highest priority and commitment.

8.1.10. Alternative Power Generation (1996)
8.1.10.1. An environmental review process should be established for small-scale energy projects
currently not covered under legislation.

8.1.11. Expanding BC's Power Grid (1996)
8.1.11.1. A special branch of BC Hydro should be established to set up and maintain local systems to
serve households and small communities, independent of the larger power grid, including local
windmills, small scale hydro, etc.
8.1.11.2. BC Hydro should be required to provide service to any community whose property or habitat
values have been impacted by transmission equipment or water diversion.

8.1.12. Water Treatment (1996)
8.1.12.1. All new provincial, regional and local government water purification systems in British
Columbia should utilize rapid sand filtration, ozonation, and/or ultraviolet treatment as an
alternative to chlorination and chloramination.
8.1.12.2. A timeline should be established for existing provincial, regional and municipal systems to
phase out chlorine use in favour of rapid sand filtration, ozonation and/or ultraviolet treatment.
8.1.12.3. All logging, gravel pits and other ecologically interruptive activities in consumptive watersheds
should be prohibited by law with penalties including fines and custodial terms for violation.

8.1.13. Water Safety (1987, 1994)
8.1.13.1. Enterococci testing of marine waters should be introduced in order to develop better water
safety testing.
8.1.13.2. Studies should be conducted with a view to providing regional and local governments with a
wider range of sewage treatment options.
8.1.13.3. The BC government should regularly publish, through news media and other means, the
results of ongoing water quality testing year round with text clearly explaining the sampling
methods, frequency and significance of results.
8.1.13.4. Water quality testing should be extended to sampling sites adjacent to points of entry into
water for recreational purposes.
8.1.13.5. Water quality testing should be extended to all areas most affected by faulty storm drains and
industrial outfalls.
8.1.13.6. Future water quality testing should be full spectrum testing, so that toxic and harmful
substance levels are also checked, in addition to indicator bacteria, for all water quality tests,
including drinking water.
8.1.13.7. Any laws and regulations that require the use of chlorine in water purification should be
rescinded or amended to include and favour healthier alternatives.


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8.1.14. [Rescinded May 31, 2014] Water Quality Standards (1993)
8.1.14.1. The laws should be enacted to set minimum water quality standards pursuant to federal health
law.

8.1.15. Clean Drinking Water Act (2004-29)
8.1.15.1. Legislate watershed reserves for domestic consumptive watersheds and ban logging, road
building, spraying of herbicides and pesticides, grazing and industrial development in domestic
consumptive watersheds.
8.1.15.2. Ban the privatization of municipal water and wastewater management.
8.1.15.3. Ban bulk water exports.
8.1.15.4. Ban the dumping of untreated waste and untreated sewage into waterways.
8.1.15.5. Require the phase-out of chlorination systems, replacing them with ozonation, ultra violet
sterilization, sand filtration and other safer water purification systems.
8.1.15.6. Create incentives for water conservation, such as providing assistance for municipalities to
modernize their water delivery systems to metered user-pay systems.

8.1.16. Public Ownership of BC Hydro (2004-01)
8.1.16.1. BC Hydro remains in public hands as a publicly regulated utility and that the BC Hydro
information services now owned by Accenture is returned to public ownership.

8.1.17. Re-integration of BC Hydro (2010-02)
8.1.17.1. Terminate the Accenture contract in 2013.
8.1.17.2. Re-integration of business operations back into BC Hydro.
.
8.1.18. Energy Efficiency (2004-2)
8.1.18.1. BC Energy Efficiency Act which will require the province to set and pursue clear goals and
objectives in increasing the efficiency of energy use in BC.

8.1.19. Renewable Energy (2004-03)
8.1.19.1. Carbon tax will be imposed on fossil fuel combustion used to generate electricity with the
proceeds going to a Renewable Energy Fund devoted to the support and implementation of
renewable energy technologies by BC Hydro and other companies.
8.1.19.2. The provincial government will set an example and create a market incentive by using
sustainably generated energy in its own operations.
8.1.19.3. The provincial government will lease Crown lands at affordable rates to allow the
establishment of renewable energy projects.
8.1.19.4. Guaranteed retail pricing will be established for renewable energy supply delivered to the
public distribution grid.

8.1.20. Renewable Electrical Energy Generation (2005-16)
8.1.20.1. Goal of 100% energy generation from renewable resources and that in achieving this goal, the
following steps are recommended:
8.1.20.1.1. That the province rescind the water license presently owned by Alcan on the Nechako
reservoir and that BC Hydro assume ownership of the generation station Kemano with
the same goals of improved power supply management and river flow as given above
(2005-16a TABLED); and
8.1.20.1.2. That existing fossil fuel powered generation stations be phased out or put on standby
at the earliest possible date.


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8.1.21. Smart Meters (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012)
8.1.21.1. Instruct BC Hydro to provide any customer with health, privacy or security concerns who
requests it a replacement wired-in Smart Meter at no added or at minimal cost to the consumer.
8.1.21.2. Provide rural internet providers with compensation to cover costs arising from disruption of
internet services due to Smart Meter installation and use.
8.1.21.3. Place BC Hydro under the jurisdiction of the BC Utilities Commission, whose mandate will be
strengthened so that the provincial government cannot interfere in the operations of BC Hydro
and other utilities.
8.1.21.4. Call a commission of inquiry into the Smart Meter program and more generally, into the
operations of BC Hydro. This inquiry would look at:
8.1.21.4.1. Technical aspects of the Smart Meter program including the decision to use wireless
Smart Meters rather than wired-in meters;
8.1.21.4.2. The use of threats and intimidation against BC Hydro customers who refused to have
a Smart Meter on their premise and/or those who demanded removal of Smart Meters.
The inquiry will look at the cultural deficiencies at BC Hydro that allowed rudeness,
threats of service removal and disdain and ridicule of genuine concerns to be the norm
rather than a customer/consumer focus;
8.1.21.4.3. The decision to continue the program after public and community opposition
mounted. Many local and regional governments throughout BC called for either a
moratorium on further installations in their area or an opt-out provision for concerned
citizens. The Union of BC Municipalities called for a moratorium at their annual meeting in
2011;
8.1.21.4.4. What can be the anticipated additional long-term costs to the program and how the
Smart Grid will be achieved;
8.1.21.4.5. Whether Time of Use rates can be advantageous for large industrial and commercial
users;
8.1.21.4.6. Why BC Hydro paid almost twice as much per meter as was paid in many US
jurisdictions;
8.1.21.4.7. The suspicious ties between Corix Utilities, the Itron meter manufacturer and the BC
Liberal Party; and
8.1.21.4.8. How the successive governments of the NDP and the Liberals have interfered with
BC Hydro's operations and got it into the financial mess it is in.


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8.1.22. EnergyGovernance & Planning (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012)
8.1.22.1. Reorganize government Ministries to better reflect priorities while keeping the cabinet as small
as possible. In the reorganization, establish a focused Ministry of Energy.
8.1.22.2. Redesign BC Hydro as the BC Energy Authority (BCEA) as a reflection of support and interest
for a diversity of energy sources.
8.1.22.3. Establish real public oversight of all energy-related activities in BC by:
8.1.22.3.1. Making BC Transmission Corporation (BCTC) a division of the BCEA; and
8.1.22.3.2. Creating a clear reporting relationship for the BCEA to the Ministry of Energy.

8.1.22.4. Amend the Utilities Commission Act to include the regulation of municipal and regional
generation systems.
8.1.22.5. Mandate Regional Energy Boards that report to the BCEA for planning purposes, and approval
of regional energy generation and distribution systems.
8.1.22.6. Repeal Bill 30, which prevents local oversight of public resources.
8.1.22.7. Require the new BCEA to eliminate the current calls for power and implement Feed-in Tariffs
that will:
8.1.22.7.1. Promote the development of geothermal, solar, ocean and wind power generation,
and run-of-river in remote areas where it will replace diesel generators and where the
geography allows power generation with minimal or no impact to river flows and fish
health, and where access to transmission will result in minimal environmental damage;
8.1.22.7.2. Favour local generation projects scaled to serve the local region; and
8.1.22.7.3. Favour public, co-operative and community ownership in participation with or as well
as private ownership.

8.1.22.8. Restore public ownership of the Nechacko/Kemano generation system.
8.1.22.9. Ensure that BC Hydro power generation assets remain in public hands as a publicly-regulated
utility; and that the BC Hydro information services, now owned by Accenture, will be returned to
public ownership. [2004-01 Public Ownership of BC Hydro]
8.1.22.10. Make BC energy self-sufficient by 2025, with all power coming from clean power
generated within BC.
8.1.22.11. Immediately ban power imports from fossil fuels or other greenhouse gas emitting
sources.
8.1.22.12. Ensure BC citizens are the first to benefit from BC's natural endowment of energy
resources; legislate an Energy Security Act that require BCs short- and long-term energy
needs be fully met first, before foreign energy sales take place.


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8.1.23. EnergyConservation (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012)
8.1.23.1. Put into place incentives for efficiency and conversion projects, including:
8.1.23.1.1. Refundable tax credits for all energy retrofit costs, based on before-and-after
Energuide or infrared heat tests for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional
buildings;
8.1.23.1.2. Tax-deductible Green loans for homeowner energy retrofit costs;
8.1.23.1.3. 100% Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance for all businesses for energy retrofit costs;
and
8.1.23.1.4. Revolving loans for residential or business energy retrofits.
8.1.23.2. Updates to the BC Building Code for the purpose of energy conservation, including:
8.1.23.2.1. Mandatory installation of solar hot water systems and pre-wiring for solar PV on all
new buildings;
8.1.23.2.2. Mandatory 2 kW solar PV system on all roofs two years after the price of solar falls to
$2 / watt;
8.1.23.2.3. Building codes must include pre-wiring for electric cars - 220V circuits and higher
amperage 20A 120V circuits need to be available for all parking spots over time.
Particular attention will be given to implementation for multi-tenant buildings, workplace
parking, and public parking lots;
8.1.23.2.4. Phase out electric resistance heating (such as baseboard heating) for all new
developments in favor of geothermal, solar hot water, and ground/water/air source heat
exchange; and
8.1.23.2.5. Heat recovery devices put in place on suitable (water and waste) drains.

8.1.23.3. Implement a provincial program to energy retrofit public sector buildings such as universities,
schools, museums, and hospitals.
8.1.23.4. Mandate the use of occupancy sensors on all public area lighting, including all multitenant
buildings to be implemented as soon as possible.
8.1.23.5. Require that starting in 2016 that all new publicly funded buildings in BC are energy self-
sufficient as well as net-zero GHG emitting.
8.1.23.6. Require energy efficiency labeling for all housing and buildings before they are sold or leased,
by 2015.
8.1.23.7. Work with the full range of industrial sectors to achieve energy conservation goals within
timeframes consistent with other initiatives identified in policy.


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8.1.24. EnergyRenewable Energy (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012)
8.1.24.1. Support the private production of green power by taking maximum advantage of federal
renewable energy subsidy programs, by immediately expanding the bidding process for green
electrical energy projects; and offering firm agreements to purchase green power at fair rates
that assure a reasonable profit for the companies undertaking the development.
8.1.24.2. Expand geothermal, wind, and tidal monitoring stations to provide the data needed to
encourage investment in renewable energy resource
8.1.24.3. Lead by example in creating a market incentive by using sustainably generated energy in
provincial government operations.
8.1.24.4. The provincial government leasing of Crown lands at affordable rates [amended from no cost]
to allow the establishment of renewable energy projects.
8.1.24.5. Guaranteed retail pricing will be established for renewable energy supply delivered to the
public distribution grid.
8.1.24.6. Proceeding swiftly towards the goal of 100% energy generation from renewable resources.
[2005-16 Renewable Electrical Energy Generation].
8.1.24.7. Support the use of cellulosic forest waste products as a source for ethanol and for the forestry
industry in co-generation facilities, but prohibit its use as a fuel or fuel additive by 2030 to
correspond with a near no-emission BC by 2030.
8.1.24.8. Prohibit the growth of food products for the production of fuels.
8.1.24.9. Make it mandatory to build methane capture and power generation (for those of a size that can
make this work) plants at all wastewater and landfill sites by 2020.
8.1.24.10. Rescind the water license presently owned by Alcan on the Nechako reservoir and that
BC Hydro assume ownership of the generation station Kemano with the same goals of
improved power supply management and river flow as given above (2005-16a TABLED).
8.1.24.11. No further hydroelectric generation that has negative impact on salmon fisheries or other
wildlife, especially watershed diversion. Existing power generation sites should be converted to
fish friendly systems.
8.1.24.12. Place a moratorium on all new run-of-river projects pending new, stronger environmental
assessments.
8.1.24.13. Where necessary, revoke water licenses granted for the purposes of river-based energy
generation and provide fair compensation to the organizations that invested in licenses.


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8.1.25. EnergyNon-renewable Energy (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012)
8.1.25.1. Prohibit:
8.1.25.1.1. The mining of gas and oil deposits for purposes of energy generation by 2020.
8.1.25.1.2. The mining and shipment of coal for purposes of energy generation by 2020.
8.1.25.2. Phase out or put on standby existing fossil fuel powered generation stations at the earliest
possible date [2005-16].
8.1.25.3. Establish a permanent moratorium on offshore oil and gas exploration and development as
well as on coal bed methane exploration and development, providing adequate compensation
to those who have obtained government leases to pursue coal bed methane development.
[Green Book 2005].
8.1.25.4. Shift all subsidies and grants to BCs natural gas and other fossil fuel producers to green
producers.
8.1.25.5. Implement a phase-out program ending in 2020 for the use of fossil fuels (including oil, natural
gas and coal) for use in energy production and heating.
8.1.25.6. Instate new moratoria on methane hydrates.
8.1.25.7. Institute immediate, substantial carbon taxes on oil and gas extraction industries ($50/tonne).
8.1.25.8. Prohibit gas flaring immediately.

8.1.26. EnergyEnergy Transmission and Distribution (Provincial Council Meeting; September 29, 2012)
8.1.26.1. Regional Energy Boards, reporting to the new BC Energy Authority, should be able to contract
with private transmission providers.
8.1.26.2. Institute policy to enable Vancouver Island to be power self-sufficient, without reliance on river-
based hydropower by 2030.
8.1.26.3. Shift transmission investments towards local generation systems on Vancouver Island rather
than building new transmission systems to bring power from the mainland.
8.1.26.4. Permit the building and ownership of private transmission systems for companies providing
solar, wind, ocean and geothermal energy.
8.1.26.5. Require all new power distribution systems to be monitored and managed by smart grid
technologies and work toward phasing in smart grid technology as a retrofit to existing
distribution systems by 2020; Support wired-in Smart Meters.
8.1.26.6. Mandate the use of direct current (DC) for new long distance, high voltage transmission
systems.
8.1.26.7. Phase out the need for long haul infrastructure as community energy self-sufficiency and
district-level generation systems expand, only replacing any necessary aging transmission long
haul wires with DC technology.


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8.1.27. Fracking (April 16, 2013)
8.1.27.1. Require full disclosure of all chemicals used in the fracturing process.
8.1.27.2. Require detailed mine reclamation plans with adequate bonds to ensure environmental
liabilities are not passed onto the province.
8.1.27.3. Impose an immediate moratorium on exploration permits and land tenure agreements.
8.1.27.4. Provide for the comprehensive mapping of all ground and surface fresh water resources and
an improved Environmental Assessment (EA) process prior to any consideration of lifting the
moratorium.
8.1.27.5. Reform the Environmental Assessment (EA) so that it considers all potential economic,
environmental and social impacts as well as the cumulative effects from all industrial activity
within a region. The EA process will:
8.1.27.5.1. Evaluate alternatives to proposed projects;
8.1.27.5.2. Utilize a Watershed Based approach;
8.1.27.5.3. Be inclusive of local governments, First Nations and public participation; and
8.1.27.5.4. Be part of a broader land-use and planning regime.
8.1.27.6. Determine the natural limits to fresh water withdrawals from streams, lakes, rivers and
underground sources and grant withdrawal permits accordingly.
8.1.27.7. Put a fair price on fresh water to be applied to all current projects.
8.1.27.8. Require long term monitoring of spent and capped well sites by the company to guarantee
public safety.
8.1.27.9. Set royalty rates that are fair to both extraction companies and the province while considering
comparative rates in other jurisdictions.
8.1.27.10. Change the role of the Oil and Gas Commission to that of an oversight regulator required
to meet the standards listed herein and not influenced by industry or the government.
8.1.27.11. End subsidies to the oil and gas industry.
8.1.27.12. Revise the Clean Energy Act to require the gas industry pays for its Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions.

8.1.28. Columbia River Treaty (April 16, 2013)
8.1.28.1. Support re-opening the Columbia River Treaty for negotiation in order to put in place measures
that maintain the ecological flow, shape, connections, quality, and life of BC's rivers.
8.1.28.1.1. Impacted First Nations and other local communities must be meaningfully involved in
this re-negotiation process.
8.1.28.2. Support updating the Columbia River Treaty in order to add ecological considerations to water
flow management, such that decision-making is based on the following (in order of priority): (1)
flood prevention, (2) minimizing ecological impacts, and (3) maximizing electricity generation.
8.1.28.2.1. Support diverting some revenues from electricity generation towards restoring or
replacing the lost ecological, agricultural, cultural, and fisheries values in the Columbia
River basin.
8.1.28.3. Update policy clause 8.1.3.1 to the following (changes in italics): Support those areas outside
of the Kootenay and Peace regions move toward greater energy self-sufficiency through
ecologically-friendly, small scale energy production, so that the Peace and Columbia river
systems can be gradually returned to their current natural flows over the long term (recognizing
that historical flow levels are no longer possible due to climate change).
8.1.28.4. Rescind policy clause 8.1.5.1. (The Keenleyside and Duncan Dams should be de-
commissioned.).
8.1.28.4.1. Develop a sustainability assessment protocol for evaluating the merits of each dam
before coming to a position regarding dam service continuation, modification, or
decommissioning.


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8.2. Agricultural Land, Practices and Self-Reliance
8.2.1. Agricultural Land Preservation (1986)
8.2.1.1. A fund should be established by the BC government to buy agricultural land in order to keep
this land in production, similar to the agricultural lease land in Ladner.

8.2.2. Agricultural Land Reserve (1996)
8.2.2.1. The Agricultural Land Reserve should be strengthened.

8.2.3. Aerial Spraying (1987)
8.2.3.1. Aerial spraying of pesticides should be prohibited.

8.2.4. Agricultural Land Care (1986)
8.2.4.1. Laws should be enacted to make aquifer pollution from agricultural chemicals an offence.
8.2.4.2. Tax exemptions should be granted to organic growers and personnel-intensive farming
operations.
8.2.4.3. Public land and other forms of support should be made available for farmers markets and
community gardens.

8.2.5. Grazing (1990)
8.2.5.1. A formal government inquiry should be held into the economic and environmental costs of
grazing domestic animals on public lands.

8.2.6. Game Ranching and Game Farming (1987)
8.2.6.1. Domestication of currently wild indigenous species on game farms for meat and trophy hunts
should be prohibited.

8.2.7. Intensive and Factory Farming (1996)
8.2.7.1. Intensive farming practices such as battery egg production and veal crating should be phased
out.

8.2.8. Animals in Agriculture (1990)
8.2.8.1. The following programs should be initiated to change the conditions of animals in agriculture:
8.2.8.1.1. Phase out the use of growth stimulants in food animals,
8.2.8.1.2. Phase out of antibiotics in animal feeds, and
8.2.8.1.3. Initiate a nutritional education campaign to discourage over-consumption of meat.

8.2.9. Food Self-Reliance (1986)
8.2.9.1. A property transfer tax should be applied to discourage speculation on agricultural land.

8.2.10. Hemp Cultivation (1994)
8.2.10.1. Laws over-regulating, discouraging or prohibiting hemp farming should be rescinded.
8.2.10.2. Financial incentives should be offered to small businesses and worker co-operatives seeking
to expand the hemp industry.

8.2.11. Local Food Self Sufficiency (1986)
8.2.11.1. A homesteading program should be re-established in BC to develop small-scale sustainable
agriculture on public lands.


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8.2.12. Supporting Farmers and the ALR: our economic security (2004-43)
8.2.12.1. Provide research, analysis and access to market trend information so that entrepreneurial
activity can respond effectively to new and emerging markets in healthy, safe foods, helping to
diversify our economy.
8.2.12.2. Support a no net loss policy for ALR land, and recognize that marginal land may have
ecological, heritage and buffering values that override commercial development pressures.
8.2.12.3. Promote a Feed BC First and Trade the Rest policy, and fast track BCs ability to become
85% food self-sufficient so that we may have a more independent, secure food system, while
developing existing economic opportunities that provide meaningful, sustainable community
development.
8.2.12.4. Review the farm tax system with the aim of reworking to better reflect use, such as
commercial, hobby, low production and conservation.
8.2.12.5. Review the quota system with the aim of enabling quota pooling from smaller farms and entry
level access for new farmers,
8.2.12.5.1. Reverse the trend in lost processing facilities by supporting the establishment of
microprocessors, cooperative and multiple commodity processing facilities.

8.2.13. Social justice and equity: Food security is a human right
8.2.13.1. Assure that hunger does not exist in BC, and that level of income is not a barrier to sufficient,
nutritious food for all British Columbians.
8.2.13.2. Establish partnerships within ministries and all levels of government, industry and community
groups to encourage innovation and food self-sufficiency at the local community level.
8.2.13.3. Encourage municipal support for community gardens and access to municipally owned lands
for cooperative food growing, accept the principles of the International Fair Trade Organization
that guarantees the producers of primary products wherever they may be a decent return over
the cost of production, and that where choices exist, all government purchases be governed by
fair trade principles.

8.2.14. Food democracy and security: bringing food home
8.2.14.1. Enable food and agriculture policy to be developed at the community level, encouraging
people concerned with agriculture, nutrition, environment and social justice to work together,
developing a provincial policy network that can recommend policy and implement projects.
8.2.14.2. Develop a curriculum for public education about how our food system works.
8.2.14.3. Invest in training and development in agriculture so that we can respond to change and
become more innovative, linking education and training with the work that needs to be done
strengthening our community agri-food system.
8.2.14.4. Ensure provincial government and other lead agencies have the staff, training and experience
to protect and restore our human capital of knowledge and skills in agricultural stewardship.
8.2.14.5. Ensure an integrated, systems approach to policy and project development, with inter-
ministerial dialogue and decision making that puts food security and health first.
8.2.14.6. Exercise the precautionary principle, do no harm, by introducing a moratorium on Genetically
Engineered (GE) development in BC until independent research can verify GE food safety.
8.2.14.7. Support local governments that wish to establish GE Free Zones.
8.2.14.8. Promote agro-tourism and farmers markets, which are designed to help develop public
awareness and education about our food systems, and celebrate regional diversity.


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8.2.15. Food Security & Local Food Production (2008-08)
8.2.15.1. Restore the Provinces role as a protector of agricultural land and champion of secure food
production:
8.2.15.1.1. Reform the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) in membership and process.
Selection of members needs to be done in a transparent and open competition of
qualified individuals selected by an arms length agency free from political influence;
8.2.15.1.2. Prior to the ARC considering an application for removal of land from the Agricultural
Land Reserve (ALR), subject the land to a thorough Environmental Assessment (EA);
8.2.15.1.3. As an interim measure, suspend removals of land from the ALR until the new ARC
and EA processes are in place.
8.2.15.1.4. As fundamental principles:
8.2.15.1.4.1. No land shall be removed from the ALR unless it is replaced with land of equal or
higher agricultural quality and the exchange will increase the total amount of land
in the ALR;
8.2.15.1.4.2. Land removals for land use that encourages urban sprawl or the industrial use of
land with agricultural value will not occur except in extraordinary circumstance;
8.2.15.1.4.3. Provide accessible and high quality land for treaty settlements with First Nations
in British Columbia and that some of that land may reside in the ALR. Support
Treaties which maintain ALR lands in or return them to local food production,
restores traditional land use that is congruent with the ALR designation and
provides associated economic development opportunities to the First Nation, under
the governance and control of the First Nation.

8.2.15.1.4.4. Coordinate regulation, tax policies and public policy at the provincial and local
level (through amendments to the Community Charter) to:
8.2.15.1.4.4.1. Encourage small-scale, local food production and processing;
8.2.15.1.4.4.2. Provide access to public infrastructure, facilities and lands for small
scale agriculture;
8.2.15.1.4.4.3. Ensure local bylaws support backyard food production, community and
shared food gardens, and urban agriculture;
8.2.15.1.4.4.4. Restore appropriate resourcing of the BC Ministry of Agriculture;
reestablish regional field agrology and extension services; and institute
urgent planning for climate change-affected growing season hydrology to
preserve agricultural success and promote adaptation to a changed climate;
8.2.15.1.4.4.5. Provide technical expertise with respect to standards and best
practices, supported in part by local experimental farm research;
8.2.15.1.4.4.6. Employ farmland covenants and trusts as tools to increase the amount
of land used for agriculture and to provide access to land for those who want
to farm and for whom the cost of land is prohibitive.

8.2.15.1.5. Promote healthy eating through:
8.2.15.1.5.1. Consumer-focused and school-based education designed to:
8.2.15.1.5.2. Change behaviour by emphasizing the relationship between good nutrition and
good health;
8.2.15.1.5.3. Foster preference for and a market for local, in-season food grown without
pesticides using biodynamic or organic farming methods;
8.2.15.1.5.4. Develop school curriculum that provides experiential exposure of children to
farming and food production;
8.2.15.1.5.5. Producer-focused education in college and university based programs in
sustainable food production and agriculture, including seed saving and
preservation of bio-diverse, nongenetically modified food varieties, and traditional
farming methods. Preserve university farms as productive teaching centres and set
up demonstration farms in conjunction with new programs.
8.2.15.1.5.6. Providing information and incentives to transition agricultural production to low
ecological impact, state of the art agricultural and livestock methods;
8.2.15.1.5.7. Providing financial incentives to small scale farms in the start-up phase;
8.2.15.1.5.8. Influencing the distribution chain to support the expanded production and sale of
locally produced food and to remove any subsidies that distort the true cost of
imported foods;
8.2.15.1.5.9. Shift taxes onto imported foods and off locally grown and produced food.


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8.2.15.2. Foster regional food self-reliance throughout British Columbia in collaboration with local
governments and entrepreneurs
8.2.15.2.1. Empower (and mandate with changes to the Community Charter) local governments
to help build creative, locally-driven, community-responsive food production.
8.2.15.2.2. Establish regional food security charters.
8.2.15.2.3. Employ local land use planning and zoning to provide access to viable farmland for
the production of food and the development of value-added food preservation
businesses.
8.2.15.2.4. Foster market development for locally produced foods.
8.2.15.2.5. Facilitate local farmers markets, and accessibility to farm-gate and Community
Sponsored Agriculture.
8.2.15.2.6. Provide farm labour-employment referral methods that encourage farming as a career
through internships and mentorship.
8.2.15.2.7. Match willing farmers to land.

8.2.15.3. Food Security exists when all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious
food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
8.2.15.3.1. Access to adequate nutritious food is a human right.
8.2.15.3.2. To ensure food security for all British Columbians, as a priority, increase access to
quality, locally grown food for those in living poverty or below a livable income in ways
that acknowledge this right.

8.2.16. Pulp Fibre (1996)
8.2.16.1. BC pulp mills should be required to produce a portion of their product utilising non wood pulp
such as flax, barley, hemp or rice.

8.2.17. Plant Patent Legislation (1985)
8.2.17.1. Life patenting legislation should be rescinded.

8.2.18. Sustainable practices: responsible stewardship pays (2004-42)
8.2.18.1. Develop triple bottom line accounting methods, with green tax shifting, (including increased
taxes on junk food), that supports organic, permaculture, agro-ecology, conservation and
restoration as a viable and complementary way to steward farmland.
8.2.18.2. Invest in education, training, research and outreach to promote sustainable agricultural
methods.
8.2.18.3. Ensure farmers are included in land use decisions, recognizing farmers contribution to green
space and wildlife habitat which are a benefit to all.
8.2.18.4. Encourage humane husbandry of livestock by creating a set of standards, such as the
Freedom Food program used in the U.K., that benefit the extra investment and time required by
producers.
8.2.18.5. Support the development of seed banks, including the right of farmers to maintain their own
seed stocks, and protection of the genetic diversity of food crops, and support research that will
ensure that we have the capacity to adapt our food system to climate change.


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8.3. Wildlife and Domestic Animals
8.3.1. Predator Control Measures (1988, 1987)
8.3.1.1. Publicly funded predator-control measures such as the 1980s BC wolf kill or 1990s seal cull
should be prohibited.

8.3.2. West Coast Seal Hunt (1987)
8.3.2.1. Seal hunting should be prohibited within BC.

8.3.3. Seal Hunt (2004-39)
8.3.3.1. Oppose the Canadian Commercial Seal Hunt in all Canadian coastal sea areas and
jurisdictions.

8.3.4. Protection of Threatened Species (1996)
8.3.4.1. Hunting and trapping of red listed and blue listed species such as grizzlies, fishers and
wolverines should be prohibited.

8.3.5. Wildlife Protection Staff (1996)
8.3.5.1. The number of wildlife protection officers should be increased.

8.3.6. Wildlife Ranges (1996)
8.3.6.1. New protected areas, and if necessary new land use designations, should be created to provide
these species with sufficient ranges and migration routes.

8.3.7. Trophy Hunting Ban (1996)
8.3.7.1. Legislation should be enacted to ban trophy hunting and to better curtail the hunting of species
threatened by trophy hunting.

8.3.8. Humane Societies and Clinics (1986, 1990)
8.3.8.1. Funding should be increased for the animal protection functions of humane societies.
8.3.8.2. Funding should be increased for pounds and humane societies including spay/neuter clinics,
extended holding days for impounded animals, and innovative pet placement programs.

8.3.9. Bear Smart (April 16, 2013)
8.3.9.1. Re-instate funding for the Bear Smart program to provide 50% funding support up to $10,000
annually for community bear-proofing measures.
8.3.9.2. Increase funding for the Conservation Officer Service (COS) and provide more training in non-
lethal bear aversion strategies, including relocating bears out of communities early rather than
waiting until a problem develops and ticketing people who repeatedly attract bears.
8.3.9.3. Require that BC Parks and the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
establish bear information at kiosks at roadside campground entrances and institute penalties
for people who leave unattended attractants.

8.3.10. Rodeo Animals(May 31, 2014)
8.3.10.1. Inhumane rodeo events that use fear, stress and pain to encourage animals to perform should
be prohibited in British Columbia.


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8.4. Parks, Protected Areas and Other Public Land
8.4.1. Flathead/Akamina Kishinina Area (1989)
8.4.1.1. The standard of protection of the Flathead/Akhima Kishinina area should be increased to at
least that of adjacent protected areas.
8.4.1.2. A moratorium should be placed on further development in this area.

8.4.2. Clayoquot Sound (1993)
8.4.2.1. All remaining old growth forest in Clayoquot Sound should be declared a protected area
8.4.2.2. Some of the forest industry jobs lost in the area should be replaced with employment in the
restoration of the damaged areas of the Sound through Forest Renewal BC and other agencies.

8.4.3. New Protected Areas (1996)
8.4.3.1. The undeveloped portions of the following watersheds should be set aside as protected areas:
Akie, Anzac, Astika, Belcort, Best, Blue, North Blue, Bower, Bowser, Burnie, Cariboo,
Cheslashi/Blanchet, Chowika, Chutine/Whiting, Clendenning, Cottonwood, Craig, Cullivan,
Cummins, Downie, Duti, Eagle, Ecstall, Upper Elaho, Entiako, Eutsak, Exchamsiks, Firesteel,
Fox, French, Fourmile, Gathto, Gladys, Goat, Graham, Grayling, Halfway, Herrick, Hugh Allen,
Jennings, Kawdy/Level Mountain, Kechika, Kehlechoa, East Kispiox, Klappen, Klastline,
Kluantantan, Kuldo, Upper Lillooet, Littlerancheria, McNaughton, McBride, Mehatl, More,
Morkill, Mosque, Muskwa, Ospika, Pelly, Pesika, Pitman, Porcupine, Petitot, Prophet, Rabbit,
Racing, Rapid, Rausj, West Road, Ross, Scatted, Scud, Shedian, Shelagyote, Sicintine,
Sikanni, Chief, Sims, Slamgeesh, Squingula, Tahltan, Taku, Tatisno, Teslin, North Thompson,
West Toad, Tuchodi, Tutschi/Skagway, Tuya, Unuk, Vents, Walbran, Warm/Fantali, and Wood.

8.4.3.2. Strathcona Park (1988)
8.4.3.2.1. Strathcona Park should be restored to its boundaries and status prior to December 31,
1986.

8.4.4. Wilderness Preserves (1986)
8.4.4.1. A class of protected areas should be instituted in which there should be little or no human
impact.

8.4.5. BC Old Growth (1993)
8.4.5.1. All remaining ancient forest should be retained.

8.4.6. Rationalisation of Parkland and Protected Areas (1996)
8.4.6.1. Current BC protected areas should be subdivided into (1) ecological reserves and (2) parks.
8.4.6.2. Ecological reserves should be administered with the goal of providing zones for plant, animal
and insect species to exist without unnecessary human intervention.
8.4.6.3. A variety of park categories should be maintained tolerating a variety of levels of impact - from
ecologically sensitive hiking to more intensive forms of recreation in selected areas.
8.4.6.4. Ecological reserves should be under the jurisdiction of a department of the environment
ministry, and should be carefully policed and protected from poaching and other forms of
human intervention.

8.4.7. Parks (1987)
8.4.7.1. Industrial activities such as mining, logging, grazing and other industrial activities should be
prohibited in all parks and other protected areas.

8.4.8. New Protected Areas Strategy (1996)
8.4.8.1. Future protected areas strategies should be based on sound scientific and ecological principles
and that the percentage quota system should be abolished.
8.4.8.2. Large protected area networks in Clayoquot Sound, Great Bear Rainforest, Muskwa/Northern
Rockies, Cassiar Wilderness and the Randy Stoltman Wilderness should be created.

8.4.9. Marine Protected Areas (1996)
8.4.9.1. A system of marine protected areas of adequate size, including estuaries, wetlands and salt
marshes should be established.
8.4.9.2. The cost of sport fishing licenses for non-British Columbians should be increased, and those
funds should be re-invested in the establishment of marine protected areas.


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8.4.10. Land Use Inquiry (1996)
8.4.10.1. A judicial inquiry into the use of public lands in BC take place including:
8.4.10.1.1. A wide mandate to look into lands and land issues in BC;
8.4.10.1.2. The mandate to deal with population and economic development in BC and impacts
upon species and habitats;
8.4.10.1.3. Funding for third party involvement;
8.4.10.1.4. Legal power to call witnesses and fund research; and
8.4.10.1.5. Power to enforce moratoria on economic development activities while the inquiry is in
process

8.4.11. Dedicated Use Areas (1996)
8.4.11.1. "Dedicated Use" zones should be eliminated.

8.4.12. Jumbo Ski Development (2004-36)
8.4.12.1. Rescind the approval of the Jumbo Ski Development in the Kootenay region of British
Columbia.

8.4.13. Demand high standards for BC Parks (2004-17)
8.4.13.1. Reverse the privatization and commercialization of BC Parks, reinstate staffing and services,
eliminate parking fees and provide adequate funding to ensure that ecological integrity,
recreational services, including public campgrounds and visitor safety is maintained.

8.4.14. Addition of Perry Ridge to Valhalla Provincial Park (2005-13)
8.4.14.1. Addition of Perry Ridge in the Slocan Valley to Valhalla Provincial Park.


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8.5. Mining
8.5.1. Offshore Drilling (1986, 1996)
8.5.1.1. A permanent ban on offshore drilling should be established.

8.5.2. Mining Industry Review (1986)
8.5.2.1. A public review of mining in BC should be conducted to evaluate the human, environmental and
economic costs of this industry.

8.5.3. Uranium Mining (1987, 1996)
8.5.3.1. A permanent ban should be placed on the exploration, export, mining, and transportation of
uranium within BC.

8.5.4. Uranium Moratorium (2005-04)
8.5.4.1. Uranium Moratorium be reinstated in the province of British Columbia

8.5.5. Responsible Mining (1996)
8.5.5.1. Practices that lead to toxification of the local environment from mine waste, such as cyanide
leachate from tailings, should be ended.
8.5.5.2. Recycling of materials should be enhanced to increase alternative materials sources for BC
smelters and refining facilities.
8.5.5.3. Gravel pit operators should be made more accountable to nearby residents, by requiring their
approval for activities which cause disruption through sound, dust and aquifer damage.

8.5.6. Mining Land Claims (1996)
8.5.6.1. The principle of Triple Bottom Line accounting should be established in evaluating mining
claims to factor habitat damage and loss of timber and fish stocks as a result of mining projects.
8.5.6.2. Exploration and tenure provisions should be restructured so that taxpayers' liability for mining
companies land claims is reduced.

8.5.7. Moratoria on the Exploration and Transportation of Ecologically Unsafe Fuels (2008-09)
8.5.7.1. Immediate institution of a moratorium on coal bed methane exploration and production.
8.5.7.2. Maintenance of the current moratorium on offshore oil and gas exploration.
8.5.7.3. Moratorium on tanker traffic in BC coastal waters (to 300 km offshore)

8.5.8. Mineral Tenure Reform (April 16, 2013)
8.5.8.1. Replace free entry with a discretionary licensing and permitting system that requires
consideration of environmental and other interests when allocating access to mineral rights.
Landowners and other interested parties should have the right to petition government to
withdraw lands from mineral tenure availability.
8.5.8.2. Legislation should establish no-go zones for mining that include land for unsettled First Nations
land claims, domestic use watersheds, private conservation lands, sensitive lands with poor
environmental restoration capability, and fisheries sensitive watersheds, as well as establishing
adequate buffers around areas of cultural and ecological importance and lands that link existing
protected areas.
8.5.8.3. Require mines to conform to the terms of land use plans and agreements with First Nations. If
land use plans and agreements are not completed, any grants of mineral licenses should be
made conditional on the terms of plans and agreements.
8.5.8.4. Explicitly acknowledge Aboriginal rights and title in new legislation. New legislation should
explicitly require consultation with, and consent from, First Nations before mining permits are
granted and mining activities begin.
8.5.8.5. Require consultation with, and consent from, private landowners before mining activities begin.
Compensation awarded to affected landowners must be fair and allow landowners to relocate if
they wish.
8.5.8.6. Require comprehensive environmental assessments before significant exploration activity
begins.


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8.6. Atmospheric Change and Air Quality
8.6.1. [Rescinded May 31, 2014] Greenhouse Gas Emissions (1993, 1996)
8.6.1.1. Greenhouse gas emissions within British Columbia, especially carbon dioxide, should be
reduced to 1990 levels by the year 1999, and to 20% of 1990 levels by the year 2025.

8.6.2. [Rescinded May 31, 2014]Ozone Layer (1989, 1993)
8.6.2.1. Production and emission of ozone damaging chemicals should be banned immediately.
8.6.2.2. All areas of government policy should be reviewed with a view to making them compliant with
an immediate cessation of the production and emission of ozone damaging chemicals.
8.6.2.3. The cessation of production of ozone damaging chemicals should take precedence over all
other government commitments and policies.

8.6.3. Burning of Wood Waste (1989)
8.6.3.1. A ban on slash burning should be instituted in BC forests.
8.6.3.2. An air quality monitoring system sophisticated enough to assess pyrosynthetic hydrocarbon
pollution should be implemented, to assess the atmospheric damage caused by the burning of
wood waste.

8.6.4. Climate Change (2008-02)
8.6.4.1. Comprehensive package of strategic actions to address both carbon emissions and climate
change in BC. That package speaks to: emission targets; regulation and taxation; knowledge
and coordination; transportation; and mitigation and sustainable practices. Given the focused
work of many dedicated stakeholders, we draw on existing studies and their proposals.
8.6.4.1.1. Emission Targets
8.6.4.1.1.1. at least 80% below 1990 levels by 2040 (85% below 2007)
8.6.4.1.1.4. at least 6% below 1990 levels by 2012 (30% below today) (GPC)

8.6.4.1.2. Regulation and Tax Tools
8.6.4.1.2.1. Amend the Environmental Management Act to include GHG reduction regulations.
Mandate the BC Ministry of Environment to audit GHG emissions and prescribe
GHG remediation.
8.6.4.1.2.2. BC carbon tax to $50/tonne of CO2, equivalent (CO2e) by 2009; and work for a
carbon tax that:
8.6.4.1.2.2.1. Is high enough to rapidly reduce BCs GHG emissions,
8.6.4.1.2.2.2. Accelerates rapidly to reach the emission targets,
8.6.4.1.2.2.3. Taxes all GHG emitting industries,
8.6.4.1.2.2.4. Captures the full social global cost of carbon emissions, and
8.6.4.1.2.2.5. Exempts low income British Columbians.

8.6.4.1.2.3. Large final emitters need to carry a fair share in reducing GHG.
8.6.4.1.2.3.1. Extend carbon emissions taxes to oil & gas and cement industries.
8.6.4.1.2.3.2. Convert fuel taxes to a carbon & environmental tax.
8.6.4.1.2.3.3. Work to put a hard cap on large final emitters of GHGs (given that the ten
largest industrial sources account for 15% of all BC GHGs); in addition to
any carbon taxes.
8.6.4.1.2.3.4. Work to reduce the mining of coal until Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
technology is better developed, and a global norm.
8.6.4.1.2.3.5. Ensure that GHG emissions reporting in BC takes into account the GHGs of
coal-fired electricity imported from outside the province; and to reduce
imported coal fired electricity so long as CCS is not in place in the
jurisdiction of origin.

8.6.4.1.2.4. As the Oil and Gas Sector are significant direct and indirect GHG emitters:
8.6.4.1.2.4.1. Amend the BC Oil and Gas Commission Act to include BC GHG reduction
targets.
8.6.4.1.2.4.2. Make the Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) by the Oil and Gas
Commission a regulated requirement under the BC Ministry of Environment
to include the risk of GHGs to all future generations.
8.6.4.1.2.4.3. Phase out the nearly $1 billion in annual subsidies.

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8.6.4.1.2.4.4. Place a permanent moratorium on coal bed methane projects and shale bed
gas exploration and production.
8.6.4.1.2.4.5. Amend the Petroleum and Natural Gas Act to mandate the meeting of
provincial GHG reduction targets and to require accurate and available
records for GHG audits
8.6.4.1.2.4.6. Prohibit gas flaring by sector industries within six months, with significant
penalties for non-compliance; given that flaring and fugitive emissions at
natural gas facilities account for nearly 14% of GHG emissions in BC.
(CCPA)

8.6.4.1.3. Knowledge and Coordination
8.6.4.1.3.1. Create an independent Global Climate Change Science Panel and an all-party
Standing Global Climate Change Committee with extra powers, to complement the
work of the BC Climate Action Secretariat.
8.6.4.1.3.2. Support BC's joining the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative (WRCAI); and
strongly support the Premiers $95 million proposed Pacific Institute for Climate
Solutions.
8.6.4.1.3.3. Include local governments as key players in all initiatives, and will provide
incentives and increased budgets for successful projects.
8.6.4.1.3.4. Support global verification and certification standards for carbon credits.
8.6.4.1.3.5. Establish a provincial carbon bank to support the purchase of local offsets.

8.6.4.1.4. Transportation
8.6.4.1.4.1. As transportation accounts for 37% of BC GHGs, work with British Columbians
towards zero carbon emissions for transportation-related activities as soon as
possible. The single most effective way to achieve this is to put an end to our
dependence on the private automobile. Using targets; regulation and tax tools;
knowledge and coordination; and mitigation and sustainable practices:
8.6.4.1.4.1.1. Targets
8.6.4.1.4.1.1.1. Regulate vehicle carbon emissions to fall by 30% by 2015 and 85% by
2040, using tax incentives and regulatory standards.
8.6.4.1.4.1.1.2. Cancel the exemption of BC Ferries Corp. from the GHG Reduction
Targets Act.

8.6.4.1.4.1.2. Regulation and tax tools
8.6.4.1.4.1.2.1. Introduce an automobile environmental carbon tax by sliding scale
according to the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and miles driven.
8.6.4.1.4.1.2.2. Regulate the hydrogen fuel cell industry to ensure the use of only zero
emission energy for hydrogen production.
8.6.4.1.4.1.2.3. Apply a carbon tax to short haul air trips.
8.6.4.1.4.1.2.4. Provide tax breaks and funds that support cycling, transit, coaches,
rail, teleworking, walking and videoconferencing.

8.6.4.1.4.1.3. Knowledge and coordination
8.6.4.1.4.1.3.1. Match any federal tax incentives for Canadian manufacturers of super-
efficient vehicles, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Electric
Vehicles for vehicles sold in BC.

8.6.4.1.4.1.4. Mitigation and sustainable practices
8.6.4.1.4.1.4.1. Work with the reality that rail is the most carbon efficient way to move
goods and people, and therefore propose renewing rail systems in
BC: E & N on Vancouver Island, former BC Rail lines in the interior;
and creating rail systems where needed the Fraser Valley and Light
Rail and Commuter Rail in all major urbanized areas in BC.
8.6.4.1.4.1.4.2. Move cargo to routes serviced by rail, in order to reduce the volume of
trucks moving goods through Metro Vancouver.
8.6.4.1.4.1.4.3. Promote land use planning that reduces the need for vehicle
ownership.
8.6.4.1.4.1.4.4. Implement distance-based auto insurance and congestion and parking
pricing policies.
8.6.4.1.4.1.4.5. Expand public transit and cycling infrastructure.

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8.6.4.1.4.1.5. Mitigation and Sustainable Practices
8.6.4.1.4.1.5.1. Prepare adaptation strategies to cope with climatic disruption that is
no longer avoidable; Establish special task forces to prepare area-
specific climate change adaptive strategies involving all stakeholders;
Set up a Climate Change Adaptation fund to assist those areas hard
hit by natural disasters linked to global warming, e.g., enabling local
governments to upgrade dykes in areas more prone to flooding.
8.6.4.1.4.1.5.2. Revising building codes to include energy efficiency measures
including mandatory installation of solar hot water systems and pre-
wiring for solar PV on all new buildings.
8.6.4.1.4.1.5.3. Require forest companies to carry a fair carbon tax burden that
reflects the net loss of carbon storage from their lands; or receive a
carbon rebate to reflect the net gain of carbon sinks. FSC-certified
companies would receive a 5-year tax exemption.
8.6.4.1.4.1.5.4. Paying farmers for carbon sequestration in soils within a domestic
carbon market; Applying carbon taxes to methane production; and
transition to 100% organic farming, which does not use fossil-fuel-
based fertilizers.

8.7. Forest Practices and Regulations
8.7.1. Silviculture (1987)
8.7.1.1. Reforestation efforts seek to restore whole ecosystems rather than developing tree farms.

8.7.2. Forest Practices (1987)
8.7.2.1. A ban should be instituted on the use of synthetic chemical pesticides, herbicides and
fungicides in BC forests.
8.7.2.2. Clear-cut logging should be prohibited.

8.7.3. Small Business (1996)
8.7.3.1. 40% of BC's working forest should be allocated to a modified Small Business Program, which
would competitively auction cutting rights to local businesses to carry out logging plans devised
by sustainable land use planners with the BC Forests Corporation.
8.7.3.2. A Forest Homesteading program should be developed for individuals and families, so as to
bring about sustainable, self-supporting woodlots to which they will gain title.

8.7.4. Forest Arbitration (1987)
8.7.4.1. A quasi-judicial body should be established to arbitrate disputes concerning the use of public
land in BC with the power to place a moratorium on use and development of these lands during
arbitration.

8.7.5. Residency Requirement for Tenure (1987)
8.7.5.1. Where possible, cutting rights to public forests should be granted to individuals or corporations
based on the region proximate to the public forests to which they seek to obtain cutting rights.

8.7.6. Community Forest Boards (1987)
8.7.6.1. The existing system of corporate forest tenures (Tree Farm Licenses and Forest Licenses)
should be phased out.
8.7.6.2. Future forest tenures on public land should be locally controlled.
8.7.6.3. Decisions regarding use of public forest lands should be made by locally-elected Regional
Forest Boards.
8.7.6.4. These boards should be selected in such a way as to guarantee broad community
representation, including the representation of significant racial and ideological minorities within
communities.
8.7.6.5. These boards should be mandated to conduct day-to-day management of public lands under
their jurisdiction.
8.7.6.6. These boards should be empowered to grant woodlot tenures.
8.7.6.7. These boards should be empowered to revoke all tenures in land under their jurisdiction.
8.7.6.8. Stumpage fees levied by these boards should cover, at a minimum, the costs of road building,
reforestation, ecological impact studies and other costs associated with logging.


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8.7.7. Private Forest Lands (1996)
8.7.7.1. The Forest Practices Code to should be extended to privately owned forest land.

8.7.8. Diameter-Based Logging (1996)
8.7.8.1. A ban on commercial cutting of trees less than 25cm in diameter and more than 100cm in
diameter should be instituted.

8.7.9. Succession Forests (1996)
8.7.9.1. A ban on harvesting succession trees should be instituted.
8.7.9.2. This ban does not apply to natural deciduous forests or mixed forests.

8.7.10. Forest Deficit (1996)
8.7.10.1. The maximum allowable annual cut should be limited so that the total number of cubic metres
of standing forest does not decrease from year to year.

8.7.11. Clear-cutting Ban (1996)
8.7.11.1. Clear-cutting in BC forests should be banned and that selection logging and other more
labour-intensive forest practices should be mandated by forest practices legislation.

8.7.12. Logging Plan Appeals (1996)
8.7.12.1. The right to appeal individual logging plans should be reinstated.
8.7.12.2. A public appeal process should be re-instituted for individual stand logging plans, which was
abolished in 1993.
8.7.12.3. A standard riparian buffer zone of 125 metres should be implemented around all spawning
streams with no exemptions.

8.7.13. Simplified Forest Legislation (1996)
8.7.13.1. A simplified Forest Practices Code should be adopted:
8.7.13.1.1. Reducing the authority of government staff to violate ecological principles and
decision-making;
8.7.13.1.2. Returning the regulatory and planning burden to government; and
8.7.13.1.3. Allowing equal access to logging opportunities to local small businesses

8.7.14. Forest-Dependent Jobs (1996)
8.7.14.1. Six jobs per 1000 cubic metres of wood cut should be established as a short range goal, with
an increasing long range goal, and that the BC government develop a strategic plan for
reaching this employment goal.
8.7.14.2. Logging plans should not be approved if they are likely to cause significant reductions in
non-logging areas of employment.

8.7.15. Log Markets (1996)
8.7.15.1. Competitive local log markets should be established that ensure that timber is available first to
businesses operating in the region in which it is extracted.


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8.7.16. Forestry (2008-19)
8.7.16.1. Support a forestry model that prepares for a future that cannot be predicted; Support the just
resolution of aboriginal rights and title including access to forest lands.

8.7.16.2. All forests be classified into four categories based on different goals, and different types of
management strategies:
8.7.16.2.1. Forests in parks and protected areas the goal here is nature conservation and no
management would occur. These areas would be set aside for legacy and learning
purposes. Using nature as the standard, these areas would allow us to see how a forest
takes care of itself when sheltered from human intervention;
8.7.16.2.2. Forests outside the timber harvesting land base, these would be managed to protect
endangered species nature conservation goal and management;
8.7.16.2.3. Ecosystem based management, non-timber forest products, mountain pine beetle
management logging would be a goal and major environmental considerations would
take precedence;
8.7.16.2.4. Forests in the timber harvesting land base logging would be the goal and minor
environmental considerations.

8.7.16.3. Support forest practices designed to mitigate and adapt to climate change by:
8.7.16.3.1. Increasing capture and storage of carbon from the atmosphere by prompt forest
regeneration
8.7.16.3.2. Extending forest rotations from current lengths to store more carbon for longer
periods of time
8.7.16.3.3. Maintaining the ecological integrity and resilience of forests to reduce vulnerability to
natural and human caused stresses
8.7.16.3.4. Maintaining natural (fire, wind, insects etc) and human (logging) disturbances within
the historic range of natural variability
8.7.16.3.5. Reducing use of fossil fuels, especially expensive outside inputs such as fertilizers
and herbicides
8.7.16.3.6. Establishing a safe minimum standard of conservation.

8.7.16.4. Support forest certification systems that improve the quality of forest management and that
promote the growing of high quality wood in conifer stands with high initial stocking, extended
rotations, and frequent light commercial thinning (sustainable, selective logging practices).

8.7.16.5. Promote small-scale forest tenure such as community forests, and woodlots.

8.7.16.6. Forestry practice in BC will become characterized by:
8.7.16.6.1. local cooperation,
8.7.16.6.2. Improving awareness and knowledge
8.7.16.6.3. Continuous dialogue with different parties and interest groups, and
8.7.16.6.4. Consultation with First Nations.

8.7.16.7. The local districts with their personal contacts and local knowledge are of fundamental value in
local forestry decision-making.
8.7.16.7.1. Transition from an authoritarian, anonymous and centralized model to one that is
decentralized and personal.

8.7.16.8. As a result of this shift in model, foresters will be expected to be competent in and have
training and expertise in ecology, physiology, systems theory as well as traditional forestry
practices. Propose that government support and encourage the establishment of post-
secondary programs and professional development opportunities for training and skills
upgrading in these areas to ensure our professional foresters are competent in all aspects of
sustainable forestry practice and management.

8.7.16.9. Government would also provide consultancy services such as preparation of management
plans, forest valuation, capacity building etc.

8.7.16.10. Government would assist in the development of second-growth processing facilities
through tax-shifting


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8.7.17. Forestry Review (April 16, 2013)
8.7.17.1. Address forest policies by committing to establish an independent review into the state of
British Columbias forests and their management, focusing on area-based tenure, industrial
structure, and sustainability of forests.

8.8. Fisheries Protection, Practices and Regulation
8.8.1. Protection of Wild Fish Stocks (1996)
8.8.1.1. Ecosystem-based principles should be established for a fishery based on maintaining all stocks
at stable levels in intact ecosystems.
8.8.1.2. The practice of culling of so-called predator species should cease, in favour of regulated
hunting and trapping where traditionally practiced.

8.8.2. Fish Hatcheries and Genetic Diversity (1996)
8.8.2.1. The genetic manipulation of our fish stocks should be ended in favour of developing an
extensive genetic inventory of all BC fish stocks, and a commitment to preserving that diversity.
8.8.2.2. A moratorium should be declared on fish hatcheries that may compromise the genetic diversity
of stocks.
8.8.2.3. Damaged ecosystems should be restored, particularly damaged spawning grounds, to reduce
dependence on hatchery fish.

8.8.3. Salmon Fish Farming (1987)
8.8.3.1. A moratorium on new fish farms should be instituted.
8.8.3.2. Labeling requirements should be instituted for all fish sold in BC to indicate the source and
origin of the fish, including whether the fish has been farm-raised or wild.

8.8.4. Fish Farming (1996)
8.8.4.1. Aquaculture programs should be phased out, and lost jobs replaced through a riparian and
marine ecosystem restoration program.
8.8.4.2. A fair, market-based price for wild fish should be established by phasing out fish farming, and
requiring that wild fish should be labeled as such in restaurants and food stores.

8.8.5. Fishery Management (1998)
8.8.5.1. A fisheries strategy should be adopted including:
8.8.5.1.1. Techniques such as traps, weirs, and hook and line which allow selective fishing and
assessment of stock levels during harvest;
8.8.5.1.2. Support for community groups such as "Streamkeepers" to monitor and rehabilitate
habitat;
8.8.5.1.3. Revisions to the fish licensing system to promote:
8.8.5.1.3.1. Opportunities for local residents rather than large companies, and
8.8.5.1.3.2. Requirements to require licensees to participate in conservation or restoration
activities.

8.8.6. Commercial Fisheries (1996)
8.8.6.1. A program should be implemented to restore jobs and stocks by phasing out seiners and other
indiscriminate mechanized harvesting methods.
8.8.6.2. An environmental impact assessment should take place before any new fishery is developed,
8.8.6.3. Non-biodegradable fish netting such as nylon should be phased out.

8.8.7. Fisheries Jurisdiction (1996)
8.8.7.1. A more regionally sensitive fishery should be created, by demanding a transfer of fisheries
jurisdiction from the federal to the provincial level.

8.8.8. Fish Farms (April 16, 2013)
8.8.8.1. Ensure that the BC coast is free of fin fish farms along the length of the east coast of Vancouver
Island and the west coast of the mainland from the Fraser River north to the Broughton
Archipelago by not renewing the licenses of fin fish farms with annual tenure and by revoking
the licenses of fin fish farms with long-term tenure.
8.8.8.2. Provide transitional money so the processing plants can find alternative sources of soft-fleshed
seafood for processing and to establish a market for the products both domestically and
internationally.


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8.9. Environmental Toxins
8.9.1. PCBs (1987)
8.9.1.1. The development of PCB incinerators in BC should not be allowed.
8.9.1.2. Existing stocks of PCBs should be disposed of by biochemical means and that industrial use of
PCBs should be phased-out.

8.9.2. Environmental Toxins (1987)
8.9.2.1. Funding for monitoring of environmental toxins should be immediately increased.
8.9.2.2. The Ministries of Health, Environment and Agriculture develop a single agency to monitor toxins
in the environment.

8.9.3. Toxic Waste (1987)
8.9.3.1. A moratorium should be placed on the construction of toxic waste dumps in BC.

8.9.4. Controlling Use of Toxic and Hazardous Waste (1987)
8.9.4.1. Tax breaks should be offered to assist industries in phasing out the use of certain toxins.
8.9.4.2. Government assists in the phasing out of the industrial use of certain toxins through
underwriting industrial conversion costs.
8.9.4.3. Residual Exchanges, otherwise called Waste Exchanges, should be facilitated.
8.9.4.4. The use of landfills and deep well injection for toxic waste disposal should be banned.
8.9.4.5. Corporations utilizing toxins should be made more vulnerable to tort actions through curtailment
of WCB coverage and reforms to liability laws.
8.9.4.6. Taxes should be applied to waste products.
8.9.4.7. A provincial waste audit program should be implemented.

8.9.5. Toxic and Hazardous Waste Disposal Research (1987)
8.9.5.1. Government should fund research of safe methods for the conversion of residuum into useful
products.

8.9.6. Pesticides (1987)
8.9.6.1. Synthetic chemical pesticide use should be phased-out and replaced with Ecological Pest
Management.

8.9.7. Pesticide Appeals (1987)
8.9.7.1. The mandate and terms of reference of the bodies hearing pesticide appeals should be
broadened to include a full analysis of medical and ecological data.

8.9.8. Pulp Bleaching (1996)
8.9.8.1. Chlorine bleaching in British Columbia pulp mills should be phased out over a three year period,
in favour of oxygen bleaching, with government providing loans to assist in rapid conversion.
8.9.8.2. Sulphur derivatives and antibiotics released at pulping facilities should be investigated and
monitored, with a view to developing legislation reducing or eliminating emission of these
toxins.
8.9.8.3. Organochlorine production for industrial use should be eliminated.

8.9.9. Pulp Mill Pollution (1990)
8.9.9.1. An immediate phase-out target for organochlorines (AOX) should be established.
8.9.9.2. Ongoing breaches of federal or provincial emission standards by pulp mills should result in the
shutdown of such mills, pending upgrading.

8.9.10. Pesticides Reduction (2008-15)
8.9.10.1. The enactment of provincial legislation to limit use and control the sale of pesticides.
8.9.10.2. Collaborating with local governments to make BC a pesticide free jurisdiction within 20 years;
and with the federal government to ban pesticides.


Page 63 of 65

8.10. Tourism
8.10.1. Tourism Megaprojects (1987, 1996)
8.10.1.1. A moratorium should be placed on such developments until the environmental review process
for tourism developments is improved.

8.10.2. Heli-assisted Recreation (1990)
8.10.2.1. Heli-assisted recreation should be prohibited on public land.

8.10.3. Promoting an indigenous and eco-tourism industry to aid local economies (2004-15)
8.10.3.1. Promoting cultural ecotourism and aboriginal tourism industries to aid local economies in
diversification.

8.10.4. Support the integrity of communities for a sustainable tourism industry (2004-16)
8.10.4.1. Respect for and maintenance of the integrity of communities and environments that are
essential to the development of a sustainable tourism industry.

8.10.5. Demand high standards for BC Parks (2004-17)
8.10.5.1. Reverse the privatization and commercialization of BC Parks, reinstate staffing and services,
eliminate parking fees and provide adequate funding to ensure that ecological integrity,
recreational services, including public campgrounds and visitor safety is maintained.

8.10.6. Environmental Assessment (2008-07)
8.10.6.1. Appoint an independent Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability.
8.10.6.2. Mandate sustainability as the primary purpose of Environmental Assessments.
8.10.6.3. Mandatory Environmental Assessments on all projects, plans, decision and actions that may
have environmental impacts.
8.10.6.4. Environmental Assessments would:
8.10.6.4.1. Assess all potential economic, environmental and social impacts (triple bottom-line
assessment) and examine cumulative effects;
8.10.6.4.2. Evaluate alternatives to proposed projects;
8.10.6.4.3. Utilize a Watershed Based Assessment;
8.10.6.4.4. Be inclusive of local governments, First Nations, and public participation; and
8.10.6.4.5. Be part of a broader land-use and planning regime


Page 64 of 65

Guide to Writing Policy Resolutions

This guideline is from the Official Policy document of the BC Green Party as amended October, 1998 and is
reproduced in its entirety here because it said all that needs to be said!


Page 65 of 65

Policy Notification (example)

The BC Green Party will be adopting the following policies. Members have 21 days following the email notification to
provide input on these policies before they are adopted as final policies. The Provincial Council is able to adopt final
policies in between annual general meetings in accordance with the Final Policy Enactment [include link to this policy]
policy, which was adopted at the May 2012 AGM.

If ten percent of the membership opposes the policy, the policy will not be passed by the Provincial Council. For each
policy please indicate if you approve or disapprove of it by following the instructions below. If there are changes or
clarification you would like to see to the policy please submit these policy amendments to the next AGM. We are
unable to accept changes to the policy at this time as members are voting only for or against what has been posted
below.

Policy Posted On Email Notification Status
Triple Aim Approach to
Healthcare

Forestry Review

Seniors Healthcare

Revoking BCs Alternate
Approval Process

Provincial Council adopted these policies, subject to the Final Policy Enactment [include link to this policy] policy at its
meeting on January 26, 2013. All of the policies received extensive review by the Research and Policy Committee
which recommended adoption to Provincial Council. They also received thorough debate by Provincial Council.

Voting Instructions
To vote on the above policies please[follow procedure applicable to process on BC Green Party website]

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