Corporate welfare expanding…
This week in Question Period my colleagues, Andrew Weaver and Sonia Furstenau, and I have been asking the government about their energy policy which is nothing more than an extension of the BC Liberals policy.
Instead of establishing a visionary transformation to a low-carbon 21st century energy policy, the Energy Minister has expanded taxpayer subsidies and an astounding corporate welfare program that was started by the so-called “free-enterprise” BC Liberals.
I asked Energy Minister Michelle Mungall why her Ministry continues to trundle along as laggards, doubling down on technology from my grandparents generation rather than developing sustainable energy policy that will establish British Columbia as leaders in a low-carbon economy.
[Transcript]
A. Olsen:
There’s a global glut of natural gas supply. Despite what many in this House claim, oil and gas activities play a minor role in B.C.’s economy. As my colleagues have been raising in question period this week, the net revenue collected from the natural gas sector in British Columbia has plummeted in recent years.
In 2016, British Columbia lost $383 million from exploration and development of our gas. Why? Because the tax credits earned were more than the income received from the net royalties and rights tenders combined.
Again, in 2017-2018, we gave companies more through royalty programs and credits than we collected in royalties, fees and levies combined — all of this in the context of an urgent need to transition to a low-carbon economy.
My question is to the Minister of Energy. Why is your ministry continuing this unbelievable giveaway?
Hon. M. Mungall:
As I was saying yesterday, in terms of our royalty credit program here in British Columbia, it’s very important to note that the credits that are accumulated are not necessarily disbursed. They’re not necessarily claimed by companies.
Importantly, I will repeat again that the minimum royalty payments ensure that a company always contributes to the province no matter how many credits they may have. In terms of this program, how it is working is ensuring that British Columbians are getting a fair rate of return on their resources.
Mr. Speaker:
Saanich North and the Islands on a supplemental.
A. Olsen:
Do we, the present generation, not owe future generations a sustainable economy, healthy environment and a safe, stable society? How much is that worth? We are currently selling out the well-being of our kids for next to nothing.
The current course of the Energy Ministry is to expand the corporate welfare program started by the so-called free enterprisers on the other side. It’s astounding.
Oil and gas plays a minor role in British Columbia’s economy but is responsible for a major portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Yet here we are offering handouts to LNG like it’s the future our kids should inherit. Our focus should be on becoming a leader in climate solutions. That is the future of our economy.
My question is to the Minister of Energy. We know that the health and well-being of our children is at stake, so why is your ministry doubling down on the economy of yesterday instead of embracing transformation and rapidly transitioning to a low-carbon economy?
Hon. M. Mungall:
Thank you to the member for the question. There are a few points that he makes that I have to differ with him on — for example, natural gas. Natural gas heats more than 50 percent of British Columbian homes. It plays an important role in our communities, in our broader province, in our economy. And in the wintertime — I know for my home and for most members’ homes — it plays a very important role.
I have to differ with him on — for example, natural gas. Natural gas heats more than 50 percent of British Columbian homes. It plays an important role in our communities, in our broader province, in our economy. And in the wintertime — I know for my home and I know for most member’s homes — it plays a very important role.
I’d also add that in terms of making sure that we’re moving to meeting our climate targets and having an economy based on ensuring that we’re reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, unlike the previous government, this government is doing that. When we put together…
Interjection.
Mr. Speaker:
Member.
Hon. M. Mungall:
We’ve put together a climate council that is looking to build our climate action plan. And when we get that plan, we’re actually going to do something that the previous government didn’t do. We’re going to implement it.
View past videos from Question Period.
0 Comments