B.C. Budget Proposal

This report submitted to British Columbia’s budget consultation process recommends that the 2008 provincial budget include major new investments in public transit and a levy on harmful carbon pollution.

One major barrier impeding adequate and reliable public transit service in B.C. is that there are no dedicated long-term provincial funding commitments for transit infrastructure and operating costs. This report recommends that B.C. annually allocate a fixed portion of B.C.’s transportation budget to transit by shifting spending from highways. The report also recommends B.C. contribute a substantial portion of provincial gas-tax revenue to transit and establish a price for greenhouse gas emissions of at least $30 per tonne of carbon dioxide emitted into our atmosphere by 2009.

The Foundation recommends that the revenue generated from this policy be reinvested in activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

By shifting responsibility and the true costs back to polluters for their share of emissions, B.C. can effectively reduce global warming while stimulating new jobs and investment in the clean energy sector.

Download report (PDF 208KB)