Highlights of the B.C. Green party platform in the Oct. 24 provincial election

Here are the highlights of the Green party platform in the B.C. election:

— Spend $24 million to support student mental health by increasing the number of school counsellors.

— Extend leases for existing housing co-ops that are about to expire while also creating a land bank for new co-ops.

— Create a capital fund to help acquire and maintain rental housing by non-profit organizations.

— Provide a basic income for youth aging out of care.

— Create a rental support program for those paying more than 30 per cent of their income in rent.

— Develop a plan to phase out public funding that goes to for-profit long-term care facilities.

— Provide universal early childhood education for three and four year olds.

— Create a $1 billion innovation fund to shift to a zero-carbon economy as part of a clean recovery plan that includes help for workers.

— Review procedures for wellness checks with a goal of expanding the use of integrated mental health crisis teams.

— In the first year, the platform’s promises would cost about $3.8 billion.

— The party says it would spend more than $10 billion over three years to “deliver a green and inclusive recovery from COVID.”

— About $1 billion a year would be saved by ending oil and gas subsidies and revenue would rise by increasing the carbon tax.

— The province would recognize the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, which says people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected.

— Introduce equal pay legislation.

— Make prescription contraceptive products free for those under 25 and remove the PST on them.

— Allocate $300 million for a six-month rent subsidy program for small businesses.

— Promote neighbourhood car co-ops with insurance coverage and designated parking areas.

— Make BC Ferries a Crown corporation.

— Commit to make B.C. carbon neutral by 2045, which would match California.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2020.

The Canadian Press