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Furstenau brings ambition and wellbeing to Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

Oct 2, 2024

VANCOUVER, B.C. — In contrast to her opponents, Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau was armed with the facts and a strict emphasis on improving conditions for the people of British Columbia, in an appearance before the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade this afternoon. 

Furstenau articulated the BC Greens focus on the systemic changes needed to help all British Columbian people and businesses thrive. She spoke about the need for an economy that strengthens the health and wellbeing of British Columbians. Today more than ever, the economy propels inequality and financial insecurity for the vast majority of people in BC. 

Currently, our economy is primarily measured against one benchmark, the GDP. This one measurement tells us how much money has been spent, but not by whom, and whether people are benefiting from it. It can lead to a false belief that the province is doing well, well most of the wealth of the province belongs to and benefits a select few. To treat the economy as a crucial tool for supporting British Columbians’ wellbeing, we need a well-rounded framework to mark its impact on people’s lives. 

The BC Greens will implement a wellbeing framework that evaluates the actions of the government by whether they’re improving British Columbians’ lives. Specifically, it will measure areas core to health and wellbeing, such as:

  • Accessible and effective healthcare treatment
  • Well-resourced and supported public and post-secondary education
  • Affordable, accessible housing
  • Safe and sustainable natural environment


This creates a clear measurement for targeted investments where our province needs it the most. With annual reporting, governments can be held accountable for the effectiveness of their work. 

More information: BC Green 2024 platform (Our vision: Wellbeing, page 4)

Sonia Furstenau quotes:

“GDP improves with an oil spill, the destruction of our last old-growth forests, or when we buy bottled water, but not when we protect our watersheds. This can’t be the standard by which we measure success or choose our leaders.”

“It makes no sense to me how our government can spend $89 billion a year and not solve the most pressing problems of our generation.”

“Instead of chasing red herrings, a wellbeing framework means government keeps its eye on the wellbeing of British Columbians, and business leaders can look at the horizon and imagine what’s possible.”

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Media contact: 
newsroom@greenparty.bc.ca 
Phone: +1 250-418-5528

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