What choices would you make for a greener future?

Budget Consultation 2008

Climate change affects us all. No matter where we live, what we do for a living, or how old we are, our choices and daily activities leave a footprint on the environment. We need to ask ourselves—as a government, as individuals—what can we do differently? British Columbia is committed to reducing the province’s greenhouse gases by one-third below current levels by 2020. Over the coming years, it will take many different strategies to achieve our goals. And all British Columbians will have a role to play. Solutions begin by asking ourselves some basic questions. How can we heat our homes more efficiently, drive less and reduce waste?

Finance Minister Carole Taylor

The Province’s budget can also promote environmentally responsible choices. British Columbia already provides tax incentives to encourage the purchase of hybrid vehicles, the production of wind power, and the use of bio-fuel.

As we continue our planning for Budget 2008, we want to hear your ideas for how the budget could further promote environmentally responsible choices, while keeping British Columbia’s economy strong and competitive.

The 2008 Budget Consultation Paper was mailed to every household to engage British Columbians in this important discussion. It is also available by clicking one of the buttons at the top of this page.

The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services—an all-party committee of the Legislative Assembly—recently concluded its province-wide public consultations to seek the views of British Columbians. I am pleased that so many British Columbians are taking the time to contribute to this important process. The Finance Committee's Report on the 2008 Budget Consultations is now available online.

While the committee's deadline for input has passed, I would be pleased to receive your comments directly at FIN.Minister@gov.bc.ca

As with any budget, we can’t afford to do everything all at once. In recent years, British Columbia’s budgets have focused new resources on low-income seniors, improving services for children, and affordable housing.

Balanced Budget 2008 is another opportunity to move forward. Reducing British Columbia’s emissions by one-third is a challenging goal. But step by step, budget by budget, we can set the course for a greener future.

Sincerely,

Carole Taylor

Minister of Finance