A new advisory council introduced today by Environment and Climate Change Strategy Minister George Heyman will provide strategic advice to government on areas of focus for climate action that go hand in hand with economic growth.

“I am thrilled with the new advisory council and look forward to receiving their input as we get B.C. on track to hitting our climate targets, maximizing related job opportunities, and protecting our province for generations to come,” said Heyman.

The Climate Solutions and Clean Growth Advisory Council’s work will inform a new climate strategy for B.C. that fights climate pollution and helps families come out ahead.

The advisory council will provide advice to government on actions and policies that can contribute to carbon pollution reductions and optimize opportunities for sustainable economic development and job creation. This includes working with industry and the federal government to address the competitiveness of emissions-intensive trade-exposed sectors, to help them reduce their emissions and continue to thrive economically.

The advisory panel will convene as soon as possible, and afterward, will meet quarterly. Advice and feedback on climate policy will be forwarded to the ministry’s Climate Action Secretariat and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy on a regular basis.

A backgrounder follows with biographies of Climate Solutions and Clean Growth Advisory Council members.

Quotes from co-chairs of the Climate Solutions and Clean Growth Advisory Council:

Merran Smith, executive director, Clean Energy Canada –

“I look forward to co-chairing this council on climate solutions and clean growth. Those two priorities must go hand in hand for the government to succeed in cutting carbon pollution while making our province more affordable, competitive and prosperous. Our council’s mandate to provide not just advice, but accountability, is critical to turn good ideas into lasting results.”

Marcia Smith, senior vice-president of Sustainability and External Affairs, Teck Resources Limited –

“We all have a role to play in tackling the global challenge of climate change. I look forward to working with Minister Heyman and my fellow panel members as we seek constructive and collaborative solutions to advance climate action while ensuring that our economy is competitive.”

Learn More:

Biographies of Climate Solutions and Clean Growth Advisory Council members can be viewed online:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/climate-change/planning-and-action/advisory-council

For more information about climate change in B.C., visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/climate-change