FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sierra Club BC Associate Director and Campaigns Director Shelley Luce offers the following statement in response to the B.C. election results:

“This weekend’s election results reflect the deep insecurity people feel about B.C.’s future. The record low voter turnout is a clear indication that British Columbians are unhappy with current policies and rightfully concerned about the cost of living and the well-being of our families. The environment is not separate from these issues.

“Now we face massive uncertainty about the future of nature and climate in B.C. We know climate disasters like fires, floods, and heat waves put our communities in danger. They also hurt our wallets by driving up the cost of food, power bills, and home insurance. That’s why we must make smart choices to reduce climate pollution and conserve intact forests, which are proven to safeguard our communities from disasters and create economic stability.

“While the BC Conservatives promised to protect some of the last old-growth forests, their conflicting commitments to double down on unsustainable clearcutting, expand polluting oil and gas projects, and their silence on protecting at-risk species and ecosystems spell trouble for the environment and biodiversity. Their promise to repeal DRIPA also threatens Indigenous sovereignty and progress on Indigenous-led conservation efforts.

“It’s possible to strengthen the economy without sacrificing the environment or safety of our communities. We can build a stronger B.C. through sustainable development that respects nature’s limits. Sierra Club BC and our thousands of members will work to do just that.”

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