Official New Democratic Party (NDP) Responses

Get ready for the B.C. election.

The B.C. election is coming up on October 19, 2024. 

We need to elect representatives and parties that prioritize addressing climate change and road safety while making our communities more affordable, accessible, equitable and healthier.

As the 2024 provincial election approaches, it’s crucial to know where candidates stand on the issues that matter most for creating safer, healthier, and more connected communities.

HUB Cycling is committed to helping you stay informed about how active transportation is being prioritized by those running for office. Below you will find the New Democratic Party's (NDP) official party response on four Focus Areas identified by HUB Cycling. 

Access more voting resources including candidate survey results at bikehub.ca/vote.

Q1: Will you continue to reform the BC Motor Vehicle Act within the next two years? 

"Thanks for raising this important question and for the list of recommendations you’ve provided. Road safety is critically important to us at the BC NDP. Everyone should be able to get where they need to go in a safe, affordable, and sustainable way. 

We were happy to work alongside Hub Cycling to amend the Motor Vehicle Act.  These amendments included safe passing distance regulations, creation of a new class of e-bikes with age-appropriate safety features, and clarifications around use of mobility devices as a mode of transport, among other things. 

We’re committed to a transportation system that is safe and reliable. Hub Cycling has been a great partner in our efforts to ensure BC’s motor vehicle regulations are based on best practices from around the world, informed by local knowledge, and thoroughly inclusive of diverse modes of transportation.

We’re concerned about what transportation would look like under a Conservative government led by John Rustad. On transportation, his previous government had a long track record of big promises with no tangible results or funding. It would be disastrous to trust a man that rejects climate science with planning for active transportation. We can’t afford the risk – especially not people using more vulnerable forms of transportation." 

Q2: Will you commit to supporting increased funding for active transportation infrastructure and programs within the next two years?  

"As part of our platform, we’ve committed to expanding active transportation options that help make communities cleaner and more livable. People in BC should be able to go to work, get groceries, and visit loved ones using active forms of transportation,  if they choose. The BC NDP recognizes the many benefits that come with improved active transportation – we’ve encouraged all our campaign teams to use active transport during the election season, if and when possible. 

We are taking action to expand active transportation access across BC for all ages and abilities including community grants for First Nations and local governments, building active transportation infrastructure on provincial road and highway rights of-way, and expanding education, safety and awareness programs for drivers. 

Working with local community groups, like HUB Cycling and BC Cycling Coalition, we will ensure BC’s first-ever active transportation fund dedicated to building active transportation networks continues." 

Q3: Will you support the implementation of an ongoing income-tested rebate program like provincially managed e-bike, wheelchair and mobility scooter rebates to encourage more people to adopt active transportation within the next two years?  

"David Eby and the BC NDP will continue to make affordable, climate friendly transportation options more accessible to all British Columbians. In partnership with HUB Cycling we took action to provide a very successful rebate program for e-bikes. By lowering the costs of E-bikes and providing training, together we made efficient, climate-friendly travel more available to many people across the province. 

We’d be interested to hear more about how we can use learnings from this program to make other active transportation options more affordable and accessible to people across the province. This is not something you’ll see with a John Rustad government: The Rustad Conservatives have been clear that their support lies with the 1% – under his watch, improving access to transportation for the rest of us will  likely be a low priority." 

Q4: Will you support funding the Access for Everyone Plan  In Metro Vancouver and  similar initiatives outside Metro Vancouver within the next two years? 

"David Eby and the BC NDP are proud to have partnered on the Transport 2050 10-Year Priorities, now the Access to Everyone Plan, which outlines the commitments needed from all levels of government to enhance strategic planning, expand bus networks, improve infrastructure, hire and retain more staff capacity while strengthening partnerships with First Nations.  

We also plan to accelerate our movement toward the CleanBC goal of doubling trips taken via walking, cycling, and other kinds of active networks by 2030. We will work with key partners on addressing current and future service expansion opportunities to meet increases in population and transit demand. 

John Rustad showed his true colours on sustainable transportation the last time he was a cabinet minister. He made big promises, like expanded Skytrain service in Surrey - and then failed to deliver. His government refused to fund transportation improvements when they had the chance. With Rustad’s Conservatives in charge, we can expect even more extreme cuts. Why fund sustainable transportation and work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions if you think climate change is a hoax? 

We understand why mayors of Metro Vancouver are strongly advocating for continued high-quality transit options for all. Rustad believes in deep tax cuts which can only be paid by cutting billions in spending, passing on costs to users by raising transit fares, and resuming tolls for bridges. 

If elected, David Eby and the BC NDP will continue to work in partnership with local, regional governments, Ottawa, and First Nations to improve regional transportation systems in Metro Vancouver and across the province. We simply can’t afford a Rustad Conservative government."