FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNCEDED xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (MUSQUEAM), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (SQUAMISH) AND səlilwətaɬ (TSLEIL-WAUTUTH) TERRITORIES/VANCOUVER – Election Day 2024 was a reminder that climate action cannot wait. After months of contentious politics and incredibly tight races in multiple ridings, the day itself saw an atmospheric river that deluged the province with record-breaking rainstorms and left devastation in its wake. Nonetheless, voters cast more ballots than ever before, with over 2 million making their voices heard.

“Now that the election results are in, a workable solution must emerge to govern B.C. in the spirit of the voters: 53% voted NDP or Green, giving the two parties a mandate to follow through on commitments to preserve old growth, protect biodiversity, and reduce carbon pollution in B.C.,” said Shelley Luce, Campaigns Director at Sierra Club BC.

“However, the close results in many ridings also show the deep concern people have about increased costs of housing, food, childcare, and more. We know that climate crises like fires, floods and heat waves drive up costs of living whether it’s food, power bills or home insurance. That’s why we must make smart choices to lower climate pollution and conserve forests, to create economic stability rather than chaos and skyrocketing costs,” said Luce.

Jens Wieting, Senior Policy Advisor for Sierra Club BC, said, “A new government has a mandate from voters to follow through on key commitments including increasing protection of the lands and waters to 30 percent by 2030, a cap on oil and gas pollution, and fully respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Taking these steps will be paramount to meet our climate goals, protect biodiversity and work towards reconciliation. There are deafening alarms that show the next four years will be critical to tackle the climate and biodiversity emergencies and enable a brighter future for everyone.”

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