BC Greens call for government to put money back into people's pockets as gas prices break records

As prices soar at the pump and cost of living continues to rise, the BC Green Caucus is calling on the province to work with the federal government to introduce a windfall profits tax on the oil and gas industry that is rebated back to British Columbians.

"Gas prices hit 239.9 in Metro Vancouver today, breaking a North American record and costing British Columbians at the pump," said Sonia Furstenau, leader of the BC Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley.

"This problem is systemic. British Columbians are paying obscene prices for fuel and lack affordable alternatives, such as free and consistent public transit. British Columbians are also paying with their homes and their lives as climate emergencies intensify. Meanwhile, oil and gas companies are profiting to the tune of billions of dollars, while our government subsidizes their activities.

"In June, the BC Greens, along with the New Brunswick Greens, the PEI Greens, and the Ontario Greens, called on the Prime Minister and Premiers across the country for a national tax on the windfall profits of oil and gas companies.

"With prices expected to jump even higher, we reiterate this call and urge the BC NDP to work with the federal government to bring in this measure, and ensure the money goes to address the rising costs of living for people."