BCSEA is asking all candidates in the Greater Victoria Area the following questions pertaining to their support of a transition to a sustainable energy future:
1. “Green” screen for federal infrastructure spending
Would you support transparent “green” screening for federal infrastructure spending, in particular the objective ranking of GHG emissions reductions, so that projects proposed to receive federal tax dollars can be prioritized according to their effectiveness at supporting climate action goals?
2. Immediate end to fossil fuel subsidies
Would you support an immediate end to taxpayer subsidies for fossil fuel projects, including tax breaks and preferential exemptions from carbon pricing?
3. Less spending on urban highway expansions; more on public transit
Would you support shifting federal infrastructure spending away from urban highway expansions to lower- or zero-emissions transportation modes like public transit—including electrified public transit—as committed to in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change?
4. Building efficiency upgrade tax credit
Would you support giving a federal tax deduction or credit to taxpayers who retrofit their homes or places of business to use less energy or who switch from fossil fuel powered heating systems to electric heat pumps?
5. Support for municipalities to implement GHG reduction and renewable energy plans
Many municipalities are showing leadership on climate action and renewable energy commitments, but they often lack the resources to make proper plans. Would you support using federal funds to support municipalities to develop and implement plans to reduce their communities’ GHG emissions and switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy?
6. “Green” economy transition
Do you support federal policies and support for shifting Canada’s economy away from activities that cause large amounts of GHG emissions and toward a low carbon, “green” economy? If so, what priorities would you support in this area?
