B.C. Conservatives unveil power plan to restore ‘energy independence’

The Conservative Party of British Columbia made energy their central focus amid a flurry of campaign activity on Day 11 of the provincial election race.

Vowing to restore “energy independence,” BC Conservative Leader John Rustad emphasized that his party aims to make the province self-reliant by investing in a “diverse mix of reliable power sources” on Tuesday in Squamish.

“We should not be relying on other jurisdictions to meet the energy needs in British Columbia,” Rustad said. “Last year alone, B.C. was required to import almost 20 per cent of the electricity we needed.”

As part of his party’s strategy, Rustad proposes expanding energy infrastructure and exploring the feasibility of nuclear power. He intends to amend B.C.’s Clean Energy Act to allow for nuclear energy, aiming to build the province’s first nuclear plant by 2035.

Additionally, the Conservative leader would reverse “radical” climate policies that target standalone natural gas heating systems and the sale of gas-powered vehicles.

“We do not have the electrical generation to be able to do this; we do not have the delivery system, the grid, to support it,” Rustad said. “We need to make sure we have the energy generation, and not do what the NDP is doing, which is putting the cart before the horse.”

Rustad adds that the Conservatives would “consider all power sources” and conduct a business case analysis for geothermal power and wind and solar options “when the economics make sense.”

He also mentioned the importance of collaborating with local First Nations to ensure the province is self-sufficient.

“We’re going to continue with that kind of work because we think that is one part of what we need to achieve economic reconciliation,” the party leader said.

“It’s time we have an open and honest conversation about how we meet our needs, not just of today, but of tomorrow.”

And while the energy announcement may have overshadowed this promise, Tuesday featured a key commitment from the BC Conservatives.

The party announced on X that they would not introduce new provincial taxes without holding a referendum.

If implemented, BC would join provinces like Alberta, which currently requires a referendum before any proposed increases in income, sales, or business taxes.