Between Sept. 6 and Sept. 24, 2024, Comox Valley community members identified the top issues they are concerned about this election cycle. So far, The Discourse has shared responses from Comox Valley B.C. election candidates on housing, healthcare and general information for voters based on the responses.
Environment was a key issue for 44 out of the 67 responses to the survey — or 66 per cent of responses. We dug into what the candidates are saying about local environmental issues, and where their party stands.
What are the parties saying?
The BC NDP’s platform promises that if the national requirement for a consumer carbon tax is eliminated, the party will also remove the provincial carbon tax.
The party is touting a cap on emissions from the oil sector and is aiming for a “75 per cent reduction by the industry by 2030,” and has goals to protect 30 per cent of provincial lands by 2030. The BC NDP also aims to implement the 14 recommendations in the Old Growth Strategic Review in partnership with First Nations, and wants to expand the Youth Climate Corps
The party wants to electrify the transit system and provide solar panel rebates for homes, schools and small businesses, and increase electric vehicle charging stations.
A big part of the party’s platform is also based on plans to respond to climate disasters through initiatives such as active forest management, flood preparation and securing clean water sources.
BC Greens are advocating for a robust climate action model, and much of the party’s platform centers around phasing out fossil fuels. The Greens are calling to implement the oil and gas emissions cap, and are promising to establish an “output-based pricing system.” The party is pledging to ban all oil and gas advertisements in the province and partner with First Nations to implement all 14 regulations from the Old Growth Strategic Review.
BC Greens also want to ban gas hookups on all new buildings, and ensure Fortis’ business plan has a goal of using electricity to support homes during the transition. The party wants to provide rebates for electric heat pumps.
The Greens also want to stop permitting new fracking wells, pipelines and new LNG projects and set a date to phase out oil and gas production in the province. The Greens platform will increase renewable energy like wind, solar and geothermal and will invest $20 million annually in “small-scale distributed solar projects, with a goal of having solar account for 15 per cent of electricity generation by 2035.”
The party calls to designate salmon rivers off limits for the mining sector. The party would stop clearcut logging and “adopt logging practices that emulate natural disturbance regimes, such as selective logging, commercial thinning and longer stand rotations.” The party also calls for banning glyphosate (Round Up) and other chemical herbicides used in forestry management.
The BC Conservative platform does not have a section on the environment, but does have a section on wildlife management, which includes increasing public access to public lands including hunting and fishing rights. The party plans to “recognize hunters as key partners in conservation efforts,” increase funding for conservation officers and strengthen programs that engage hunters in wildlife data collection.
Similar to its mining policy, the party wants to lay out a “one project, one permit” process for approval of forestry projects. For landscape management practices, the party plans to re-introduce the option of using controlled burns for wildfire prevention and containment, implement more selective logging — leaving large sections of forests within cut blocks — and plant “wetter species” within ecosystems known to burn.
The party is also promising to amend the Clean Energy Act to allow nuclear power and wants to cut regulations and taxes for mining companies while maintaining “B.C.’s high environmental and safety standards.” The party would make the mines responsible for remediating costs.
Here are the questions we asked:
How do your personal views align with the broader scientific consensus on the climate emergency, and what specific actions would you support to address environmental issues in B.C.?
Courtenay-Comox electoral district
Brennan Day, Conservative Party of BC
“BC has an abundance of affordable clean energy, and we see this as an opportunity to grow the economy while reducing emissions. Our environmental approach focuses on responsible resource management and investing in modern infrastructure. We advocate for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and better management of forestry in watersheds to protect our natural resources.”
Arzeena Hamir, Green Party of BC
“I fully align with the scientific consensus that urgent action is needed to address the climate emergency. We will accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, implement stronger regulations on industrial emissions (yes, we support the Carbon Tax on industrial polluters) and protect more old-growth forests. Additionally, we’ll invest in climate adaptation measures to help communities prepare for and respond to extreme weather events.”
John Hedican, Independent
No response
Devin Howell, Independent
“My views align with the scientific consensus that the climate emergency is urgent and requires immediate action. To address environmental issues in B.C., I support transitioning to renewable energy sources, expanding public transportation and protecting our forests and biodiversity. We must implement stronger pollution regulations, promote sustainable agriculture and invest in green infrastructure. Additionally, I advocate for equitable climate adaptation strategies that prioritize vulnerable communities, including Indigenous peoples. By taking these steps, we can reduce our carbon footprint, safeguard our natural resources and ensure a sustainable future for all British Columbians.”
Ronna-Rae Leonard, BC NDP, Incumbent
Leonard responded to the healthcare and housing questions but did not get back to The Discourse in time of publication to respond to the environment questions.
Mid Island-Pacific Rim electoral district
Adam Hayduk, Conservative Party of BC
No response
Josie Osborne, BC NDP, Incumbent
“There’s no question: climate change is caused by human activities, namely fossil fuel use and the conversion of land from forests to agriculture. To combat climate change, not only must we reduce pollution and develop a clean economy, we must also protect and conserve biodiversity. This work can only be done in partnership with First Nations. I feel a personal and collective responsibility to take action on climate, and will always push to ensure we continue our CleanBC actions, that big polluters pay, we meet our 30X30 nature commitment and we support people to take action in their homes and communities. It’s all at risk in this election.”
Ross Reid, Green Party of BC
No response
How would you address the growing polarization of climate change? As one of our readers put it: What will you do to address the growing divisiveness in our community?
Courtenay-Comox electoral district
Brennan Day, Conservative Party of BC
To address the divisiveness around climate change, we aim to foster open, balanced discussions that emphasize both environmental protection and economic prosperity. Practical solutions that benefit both the environment and the economy are key to reducing polarization and finding common ground.
Arzeena Hamir, Green Party of BC
People are struggling with their day-to-day needs of rent, food and transportation. They don’t see the immediate benefit of climate action. By ensuring that more of the carbon tax rebates come to individuals, the Green Party will support those in need. To bridge divides, we’ll foster respectful dialogue through community forums and promote climate education programs in schools. Highlighting economic opportunities in green industries, such as renewable energy, will bring people together around shared values like protecting nature for future generations. Collaboration with all stakeholders is key to achieving climate solutions that benefit everyone.
John Hedican, Independent
No response
Devin Howell, Independent
To address the growing polarization around climate change, I would prioritize open dialogue and community engagement. I believe in fostering discussions that include diverse perspectives, emphasizing shared values such as health, safety and economic opportunity. By organizing community forums and workshops, we can educate residents on climate issues and showcase local solutions that benefit everyone. I would also highlight successful projects that unite communities, demonstrating the positive impacts of climate action. Building partnerships with local businesses, organizations and community leaders can help create collaborative initiatives that bridge divides and foster a collective commitment to addressing climate change.
Ronna-Rae Leonard, BC NDP, Incumbent
Leonard responded to the healthcare and housing questions but did not get back to The Discourse in time of publication to respond to environment questions.
Mid Island-Pacific Rim electoral district
Adam Hayduk, Conservative Party of BC
No response
Josie Osborne, BC NDP, Incumbent
“I have strived throughout my career to be a bridge-builder, to bring people together in constructive conversations about complex issues like climate change. Whether in our political institutions, schools, churches or at the kitchen table, we need to develop and encourage the skills of critical thinking, empathy and respectful dialogue where different perspectives are acknowledged, encouraged and valued. Critical thinking also helps us recognize and address misinformation and counteract extreme narratives with solid analyses of facts. I believe that individual conversations matter, and we need to approach them with love, humility and courage.”
Ross Reid, Green Party of BC
No response
Much of The Discourse’s reporting has covered the shipbreaking operation that is occurring in Union Bay. Regarding the operation, or similar industry operations — is there anything you would do to streamline regulatory processes for the operation? Are there things you would like to do to streamline regulation to hold industry accountable in general?
Courtenay-Comox electoral district
Brennan Day, Conservative Party of BC
“The shipbreaking operation in Union Bay is a clear example of how excessive red tape and regulatory gaps allow harmful activities to continue, to the detriment of local industries like the Baynes Sound aquaculture sector. Streamlining regulations is crucial — not to weaken oversight, but to ensure fair and efficient enforcement that protects local economies and environments. We need clear, consistent regulations that cut through bureaucracy and ensure swift action to safeguard communities from harmful industrial practices.”
Arzeena Hamir, Green Party of BC
“I am deeply concerned about the environmental and health impacts of shipbreaking operations, especially in sensitive coastal areas like Baynes Sound. The license to allow this activity should never have been issued by the province, especially [when] both the CVRD & K’ómoks First Nation objected to the activity. We need stronger provincial oversight and regulation, including stricter environmental assessments and permitting processes. I support developing clear guidelines for shipbreaking in a dry dock, increased funding for environmental monitoring and creating an intergovernmental task force to address regulatory gaps so that no other community has to go through what Union Bay has.”
John Hedican, Independent
No response
Devin Howell, Independent
“I support the establishment of a centralized regulatory body to oversee shipbreaking activities, ensuring consistent enforcement and accountability. Additionally, implementing transparent reporting mechanisms can hold industries accountable for their environmental impact. Engaging stakeholders, including local communities and environmental groups, in the regulatory process will ensure that regulations are effective and address the concerns of all parties involved.”
Ronna-Rae Leonard, BC NDP, Incumbent
Leonard responded to the healthcare and housing questions but did not get back to The Discourse in time of publication to respond to environment questions.
Mid Island-Pacific Rim electoral district
Adam Hayduk, Conservative Party of BC
No response
Josie Osborne, BC NDP, Incumbent
“While ship recycling is necessary in Canada, it must be done to high environmental and safety standards and we do not currently have an adequate regulatory framework that properly addresses it. Federal, provincial and local governments together with First Nations must collaborate and work together to build strong rules and regulations that protect human health and safety and the environment, and provincially, we must build on the Coastal Marine Strategy for more effective land-use decision making. The Union Bay shipbreaking operation has shone a light into current gaps, and I remain deeply committed to working with all levels of government and First Nations to close those gaps.”
Ross Reid, Green Party of BC
No response
