Campaign trail: Parties out with major election promises for skills training, power plants
Posted September 26, 2024 10:26 am.
Last Updated September 26, 2024 2:23 pm.
Thursday’s campaigning for the B.C. election is in full swing.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!The B.C. Conservatives announced their promise to make it easier for communities in Northern B.C., like Smithers, Prince Rupert, and Kitimat, to create their own local power generation plants.
Speaking in Prince George Thursday morning, Leader John Rustad shared the party’s plan to “make energy more affordable for families and businesses in the Northwest.”
“We will reduce the dependency on long and expensive power lines that only add to the costs, and create jobs in local power generation,” he added.
The Conservatives plan includes utilizing wood waste, by using it to generate power locally, “supporting the region’s forestry industry while creating a reliable source of energy.”
The plan also includes “leveraging natural gas” to provide a “stable and cost-effective energy supply.”
Meanwhile, the BC NDP focused their own announcement on up-skilling British Columbians. Leader David Eby shared that if re-elected, the NDP will spend $150 million over three years to double the number of apprenticeships for those in trades.
“British Columbians deserve affordable homes, good schools, and modern hospitals — and many are looking for opportunities that will help them get better paying jobs,” said Eby. “By training more people for great careers in the skilled trades, we’ll help them get ahead and give them the skills they need to build the things our growing province needs.”
The NDP explained the plan will double the trade apprentice seats available in the province, boosting them from the current number of 26,000 to 50,000.
The party explained bricklaying, industrial electrician, machinist, plumbing, and other trades will be covered by the program.
BC Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau is slated to front media Thursday afternoon, focusing on mental health.
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