VANCOUVER – The BC Mayors Climate Leadership Council (BCMCLC) welcomes the release of the recommendations from the Climate Leadership Team appointed by the province. In particular, BCMCLC enthusiastically supports the recommendations to increase the carbon tax at a predictable rate, the emphasis on public transit, biomass, clean energy vehicles, and the need to further advance the building code.
Local governments of all sizes from all regions of BC have stepped up to the climate challenge. “Over 10,000 actions have been taken by BC municipalities over the past four years based on the Climate Action Charter partnership with the Province,” says BCMCLC Chair Richard Walton, Mayor of the District of North Vancouver. With further support from the province in its areas of jurisdiction, communities can do much more.
While progress has been made, local governments that have taken up the climate challenge often face challenges in obtaining needed data to support their actions. Through receipt of timely, accurate, and detailed comparative data from energy utilities, as well as up-to-date vehicle registration and use data from their communities, it is anticipated that local governments will be better able to fulfill their role in implementing the recommendations laid out by the Climate Leadership Team.
BACKGROUND
The BC Mayors Climate Leadership Council was formed six years ago to recognize and support local government leaders who are taking action to address climate change in their communities. These elected representatives serving on the Council have made a commitment to climate action and the communities they represent have a proven track record of action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and in creating more sustainable communities.
The current members of the BCMCLC include:
Mayor Richard Walton (Chair), District of North Vancouver
Deputy Mayor Andrea Reimer, City of Vancouver
Mayor Darrell Mussatto, City of North Vancouver
Mayor Lawrence Chernoff, City of Castlegar
Cheryl Shuman, Councillor, City of Dawson Creek
Mayor Taylor Bachrach, Smithers
Mayor Kathy Moore, Rossland
Mayor Jon Lefebure, Municipality of North Cowichan
