Image: The B.C. government is promoting a green economy for British Columbians. / Minnystock / Dreamstime

By Debra Toporowski, MLA for Cowichan Valley

OPINION

YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Building a cleaner economy in B.C.

Aug 20, 2025 | 10:00 AM

For many of us across B.C., the impact of climate change is felt most strongly right now, as wildfires displace people from their homes and threaten the communities and natural places we love. We know that flooding, drought, and other climate emergencies are also increasing in severity across B.C. and Canada.

We need to continue to act with urgency, investing not just in emergency management initiatives, but also to cut emissions and to build a cleaner, stronger economy that works for everyone in B.C. We’re working with industry to switch to cleaner fuels, boost energy efficiency, and bring in new technologies that keep us competitive in a low-carbon world.

Over the past six years, we’ve also helped companies across British Columbia test and roll out clean technologies that help reduce their emissions while lowering financial risk. Since 2019, we’ve committed $368 million through the CleanBC Industry Fund to 173 projects that are expected to prevent more than 14 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over the next decade, equivalent of eliminating over 20% of emissions from all heavy-duty vehicles in B.C.

That’s why it is great news that this year, we’re adding another $35 million to keep that momentum going, create local jobs and strengthen our communities with a brand-new intake of projects. For every $1 invested by the province, the fund has leveraged an average of $2 in additional investment from industry and other partners.

In my own region, Catalyst Paper benefited from over $6 million from the 2024 intake for its project to replace existing bark presses with modified high-pressure presses in order to improve hog fuel dewatering and reduce emissions from natural gas combustion in power boiler No. 4. The project is expected to reduce 77,573 tons of carbon monoxide equivalent (tCO2e) emissions through 2034.

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Taking action against climate change is about more than just cutting down on pollution, it’s also about building resilience and independence within our industries in the face of tariff threats. We’re committing to renewable energy projects, expanding our power grid, and supporting First Nations leadership in energy development. Cedar LNG, powered by clean electricity, will be among the lowest-emitting LNG terminals in the world, helping British Columbia lead the way globally in a cleaner economy.

We’re also making sure the biggest industrial polluters pay their fair share by strengthening our Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which makes sure corporations reduce the carbon intensity of their products.

B.C.’s cleaner economy is also about supporting British Columbians with good paying, reliable jobs, and that’s why we’re speeding up approvals with one window permitting while maintaining strong environmental standards for responsible major projects so we can get people working now.

Climate change is a challenge that isn’t going anywhere, and by embracing cleaner energy, and supporting B.C. companies with carbon reducing projects, we’re helping create a stronger, more sustainable British Columbia for you and your loved ones.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.