Our Work
Purpose
The BC Green Caucus is committed to building a thriving, sustainable, and equitable future for all British Columbians. As representatives of the Green Party in the provincial legislature, we work to hold the government accountable, advocate for bold climate action, and champion policies that prioritize people and the planet. From addressing housing affordability and health care challenges to protecting our natural ecosystems and advancing a clean economy, our focus is on creating lasting change that benefits everyone.
Explore
2025 Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord (CARGA)
The 2025 Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord (CARGA) was a four-year agreement (with annual renewals) between the BC Green Caucus and the BC NDP majority government. Through this accord, the BC Greens worked collaboratively with the government to advance priorities such as strengthening health care, addressing the housing crisis, supporting livable communities, and building a sustainable economy that works for everyone.
This agreement reflected our dedication to ensuring stable, responsible governance while pushing for bold action on climate change, environmental protection, and social justice. CARGA also ensured ongoing transparency and accountability through annual reviews of progress toward these critical goals.
After the government failed to deliver on their 2025 CARGA commitments, the BC Greens opted not to continue supporting confidence votes, and ending the agreement. The two caucuses continue to work cooperatively on issues of shared importance.
2017-2020 Confidence and Supply Agreement (CASA)
The 2017 Confidence and Supply Agreement (CASA) was a four-year agreement between the BC Green Caucus and the BC NDP minority government. Through this agreement, the BC Greens worked collaboratively with the government to advance priorities such as affordable healthcare, ambitious climate action, Indigenous justice, electoral reform and government accountability.
This agreement demonstrated the benefits of a cooperative multi-party government, offering stability to British Columbians and tangible improvements to daily life. The agreement was terminated by the BC NDP when they chose to call an early election in fall 2020.
Accomplishments
Even with a small caucus of two or three elected MLAs, the BC Greens have made significant improvements to the lives of British Columbians since 2017. Both through the CARGA and CASA agreements with government, and as an opposition watchdog, the BC Green Caucus makes British Columbia stronger.
2026
Fuel Price Study
In response to concerns raised by MLA Valeriote, the BC Utilities Commission commenced a study of fuel prices in the Sea to Sky. Data collected will help illuminate why prices in the region are higher than neighbouring markets, and whether profit margins are unfairly high.
Wildlife Destruction & Highway Expansion paused
The BC Greens supported members of Tsartlip First Nation and forest defenders protesting a proposed highway expansion which would log old growth forest and harm salmon. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit paused the project in 2026.
Emergency Shelter Space
MLA Botterell supported housing advocates in Sidney. Together, they successfully secured a permit for an extreme weather response shelter, after an earlier permit was denied by the municipal council.
2025
Funding for renters
The BC Greens made housing more affordable for 30,000 households, through our agreement with the BC NDP. By expanding access to Shelter Assistance For Elderly Residents (SAFER) & Rental Assistance Program (RAP), we helped low-income families and seniors who rent.
Disability Assistance payments
The BC Greens removed the spousal clawback on disability assistance payments, and ensured British Columbians could keep all of the federal Canada Disability Benefit. This CARGA initiative improved justice and equity for people with disabilities.
Democratic & Electoral Reform
MLA Botterell’s work on the Special Committee on Democratic & Electoral Reform resulted in the Toward a Stronger Democracy in BC report which recommends a People’s Assembly to select a new model for electing representatives to the BC Legislature.
CleanBC Review
In cooperation with the BC NDP, the BC Greens commissioned an expert review of CleanBC, to optimize British Columbia’s response to the climate emergency. Read our statement on the day the report was released here.
Community-led homelessness response
The BC Greens built on the success of Duncan, BC’s “Village Model,” bringing housing and wrap-around services to communities across British Columbia via funding from HEART & HEARTH. This work, started in CARGA, continues to this day.
Electric Heat Pumps
The BC Greens secured $50 million in funding to help low- and middle-income households purchase electric heat pumps, improving affordability for everyday British Columbians while fighting climate change.
Affordable Non-Market Housing
Through the CARGA agreement, the BC Greens secured 7,500 new units of affordable non-market housing in 2025.
Healthcare Data Analysis
The BC Greens pushed the BC NDP to report detailed analytics on the performance of all aspects of the primary care system — data that was previously unavailable.
2024
Clean Air Act
Proposed legislation to ensure clean air standards, addressing both indoor and outdoor air quality to protect public health and worker’s rights.
Affordable EV retrofits
Alongside Edison Motors, the BC Greens introduced a bill that would extend government electric vehicle rebates to EV retrofits (where vehicles are converted from gasoline or diesel to electric). Promoting sustainable & affordable transportation.
Firefighter Protection Act
To mitigate risks associated with exposure to “forever chemicals” like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting operations, the BC Greens proposed this bill to enhance firefighter safety.
Ban on Fossil Fuel Advertising
The BC Green Caucus called on the provincial government to prohibit fossil fuel advertising, drawing parallels to existing bans on tobacco advertising due to health impacts.
Vacancy Control
The BC Greens introduced legislation to cap rent increases between tenancies, preventing landlords from significantly raising rents when a new tenant moves in. Enhancing housing affordability and stability for renters across British Columbia.
2023
Protect Bear Dens
MLA Olsen repeatedly introduced legislation to protect bear dens from destruction due to logging and other industrial activities.
Ban Misuse of NDAs
Alongside Can’t Buy My Silence, the BC Greens introduced a bill to ban the use of non-disclosure agreements in cases of harassment and discrimination, preventing their misuse in silencing victims.
4-Day Workweek Pilot
The BC Green Caucus spearheaded a people-first approach to spark renewal in our workplaces.
Information Should be Free
MLA Olsen called to eliminate the $10 fee for Freedom of Information requests, aiming to improve government transparency and public access to information.
Ban prolonged Solitary Confinement
The BC Greens called to ban prolonged solitary confinement in provincial correctional facilities, addressing concerns about human rights and inmate torture.
Amendments to pay transparency legislation
MLA Olsen introduced amendments that would ensure equal pay for work of equal value across industries.
Targeting systemic gender pay gaps in the province.
2022
Parliamentary Study on the Toxic Drug Crisis
MLA Furstenau gathered all-party support for a special committee on the toxic drug crisis, which built consensus and released recommendations to immediately reduce harm and save lives.
Anti Racism Data Act
Building on MLA Olsen’s work Reforming the Police Act, this legislation helps identify gaps in programs & services, allowing government to better meet the needs of Indigenous, Black and racialized British Columbians.
Family Doctor payment reforms
Following BC Green calls to refocus attention on the family doctor crisis and modernize the fee-for-service model, the government reformed the healthcare payment model, improving primary care for millions of British Columbians.
Money Laundering Inquiry
MLA Furstenau called for the implementation of recommendations from the Cullen Commission report on money laundering, following its release.
Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act report
The committee, which included BC Green MLA Olsen, recommended culturally appropriate restorative justice programs and enhanced police education and training.
2021
Old Growth
The BC Green Caucus presented a Stand Earth petition to the legislature with 150,000 names, calling for end to old growth logging in BC.
Paid Sick Days
Following a call from the BC Greens, the government implemented a permanent 5-day paid sick leave program for all workers covered by the Employment Standards Act.
Basic Income
As part of the 2017-2020 Confidence and Supply Agreement with the BC NDP, the BC Greens established an expert panel on Basic Income, with recommendations released in January 2021.
Indigenous hunting rights
MLA Olsen successfully amended the Firearms Violence Prevention Act to ensure Treaties were respected and Indigenous hunting rights protected. This continues the work of Olsen’s father, who successfully defended Indigenous hunting rights at the Supreme Court of Canada.
Youth Climate Corps
The BC Green Caucus called on the government to increase investments in the Youth Climate Corps, which helps youth with employment & education, while improving BC’s climate readiness.
2020
Eliminated MSP premiums
Eliminated regressive Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums, saving BC families up to $1,800 a year and individuals up to $900 a year. This change was implemented as part of the BC Greens’ cooperation agreement with the government, and was a key campaign promise for the BC Greens during the 2017 election.
Pay Equity
The BC Greens have persistently called for equal pay legislation, starting in their 2020 election platform. In 2023 the government passed the Pay Transparency Act, which MLA Olsen attempted to amend, to include broader scope and stronger enforcement. The government voted against the amendments.
Government funded Mental Healthcare
The BC Green Caucus proposed incorporating mental health services under the Medical Services Plan (MSP), through a historic $1 billion four-year investment. The initiative was included in the 2025 CARGA agreement, but was not implemented by the BC NDP.
Emerging Economy Task Force
In the minority government, the BC Greens successfully established the Emerging Economy Task Force, whose final report provided a roadmap to a sustainable, inclusive, thriving BC economy.
Paid Nursing Practicums
The BC Greens continue to call on government to implement paid nursing practicums, to improve our healthcare system and bring nurse training in line with the benefits afforded to students in the trades.
2019
Amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act
Amendments expanded the definition of “household violence” to include various forms of abuse, such as physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological. It allows tenants to terminate a fixed-term lease without financial penalty if remaining in the rental unit threatened their safety or that of an occupant.
Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA)
In the minority government, the BC Greens supported the enactment of this landmark legislation, which made British Columbia the first province in Canada to legally implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The Act mandates the alignment of provincial laws with UNDRIP, promoting reconciliation and affirming Indigenous rights.
Ending Birth Alerts
The BC Green Caucus called for the cessation of birth alerts, a practice where hospitals notify child welfare agencies about newborns considered at risk, often without parental consent. This initiative aimed to protect parental rights and address systemic issues within child welfare practices. The government officially ended the program in 2019.
Protecting Indigenous History
MLA Olsen was instrumental in legislating protections for Indigenous cultural sites (including burial grounds) to save them from developers, and bring equity to BC’s Heritage Conservation Act.
Zero Emissions Vehicle Act
This legislation improves the affordability and accessibility of clean vehicles for British Columbians who make the shift towards zero-emission vehicles. A pillar of CleanBC, this legislation was implemented as part of the BC Greens’ agreement with government.
2018
Actions to protect Wild Salmon
Recognizing the ecological and cultural importance of wild salmon, the BC Greens supported the establishment of the Wild Salmon Advisory Council. This council was tasked with providing recommendations to protect and revitalize wild salmon populations in British Columbia.
Action on Housing
The BC Greens advocated for measures to address housing affordability and reduce speculative investment in the real estate market. Our efforts contributed to the implementation of the speculation and vacancy tax, designed to discourage property speculation and increase the availability of housing for residents.
Basic Income
The BC Greens were successful in establishing the British Columbia Basic Income Expert Panel July 2018. The panel, comprising experts from various academic institutions, was tasked with assessing the feasibility of implementing a basic income in the province.
Clean BC
The BC Greens were instrumental in the development of the CleanBC plan in December 2018. A comprehensive strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% below 2007 levels by 2030.
Professional Governance
This legislation established a consistent framework for self-regulating professions, incorporating best practices to enhance professional governance. The Act also led to the creation of the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance, providing independent oversight of professional regulators.
2017
Innovation Commissioner
The BC Greens succeeded in establishing an Innovation Commissioner, to prioritize a new economy for BC that expands beyond volatile resource extraction.
Ban Big Money
In an early win from the CASA agreement, the BC Greens changed BC election laws to prohibit corporate, union, and foreign donations in provincial politics, promoting fairer electoral processes.
Fair Wage Commission
In the minority government, the BC Greens established a commission to address wage disparities and work towards implementing a living wage.
Universal Childcare
2017 Confidence and Supply Aggreement (CASA) commitment. Work ongoing.
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