iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Jeremy Valeriote @jervaler.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

An overlapping provincial election 2 years early! I wanted to let you all know that I’m running for re-election. Out of respect for the dozens of West Van-Sea to Sky local government candidates and volunteers I’ll be taking a lighter touch on signs this time. Believe in Better!!! #votegreen #bcpoli

Photo of Jeremy Valeriote putting up a B.C. Greens election sign that says “elect Jeremy Valeriote, West Vancouver - Sea to Sky

0222

Rob Botterell @robbotterell.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Today I announced that I won't be running again in Saanich North and the Islands. To the communities I have had the privilege of serving, thank you. I'm proud of the work we accomplished together and know it will continue -- because of you, and because @emilylowan.bsky.social is your new candidate.

5243

Rob Botterell @robbotterell.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The new Oil & Gas Royalty Framework is based on projections that the government has since admitted were grossly inaccurate. I have asked the Auditor-General to investigate. At a minimum, the BC NDP must re-do their math and explain how they intend to change the provincial royalty system. #bcpoli

252

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Emily Lowan (she/her) @emilylowan.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

"We have everything we need to build a prosperous province. But this government moves at a breakneck pace to service corporations, rolling out the red carpet for foreign-owned pipelines and AI data centres, while moving glacially to deliver on the public good." www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMVo...

youtube.com

Green Party of BC: Emily Lowan

YouTube video by Union of BC Municipalities

46523

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Emily Lowan (she/her) @emilylowan.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Went toe-to-toe with Mayor Brad West and Conservative MP Ellis Ross at Resource Works’ Get It Done event this week to deliver one message: for the sake of our economy, our workers, and our environment — BC needs a green industrial strategy. 💪 Join the bc greens today: bcgreens.ca/join

26118

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Jeremy Valeriote @jervaler.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Since CN Rail announced it would end its lease on the former BC Rail corridor between Squamish and 100 Mile House in July 2025, we’ve seen a growing movement to save the line and provide long term freight and passenger rail. #bcpoli #passengerrail

2135

Reposted by Rob Botterell

BC Green Party @bcgreens.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

This is what fighting the oligarchs to fund our future looks like in practice.💪 The Tyee spoke with BC Green MLA Rob Botterrell on the "disturbing" lack of clarity on public information surrounding oil & gas royalties. Read excerpts below and check out the full article: shorturl.at/X1pr5

BC Changed a Law to Keep Gas Royalties Secret
'Improved confidentiality' for oil companies leaves the public without previously available payment data.

BC natural gas operators pay royalties to the provincial government. But the public can no longer find out how much each company pays.

The provincial government has decided that British Columbians are not entitled to know how much fossil fuel companies pay in royalties for the publicly owned oil and gas they extract from the ground.
The province had previously released the information in response to two formal freedom of information requests. But less than a year after making those disclosures, the NDP government changed the law so that company-specific royalty payments would be shielded from public view.

The province says it made the change to
"improve confidentiality" for Shell, ARC, Petronas, Ovintiv and a handful of other companies operating in B.C.'s fossil-fuel-rich
Peace River region.
Those companies have dramatically increased drilling of methane gas and condensate in recent years, with much of the gas destined for a massive liquefaction and export facility in Kitimat and much of the condensate heading to Alberta, where the province's heavy oil producers use it to dilute their product and pipe it to refineries in the southern United States or to the Port of Vancouver for loading onto ocean tankers.

But as drilling has ramped up, royalty revenues have plummeted by hundreds of millions of dollars, leading to questions about whether the public is getting a fair return for its resources. It was also recently revealed that the government badly overestimated the royalty revenues the public will receive from the oil and gas industry, leading to further criticism of Premier David Eby and the NDP.

1165

Rob Botterell @robbotterell.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

From @thetyee.ca: By picking and choosing what information it chooses to release and what information it does not, Botterell said, the government fuels public distrust. @bcgreencaucus.bsky.social thetyee.ca/News/2026/09...

thetyee.ca

BC Changed a Law to Keep Gas Royalties Secret | The Tyee

‘Improved confidentiality’ for oil companies leaves the public without previously available payment data.

082

Reposted by Rob Botterell

BC Green Party @bcgreens.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

BC Greens hold grief and demand change on International Overdose Awareness Day.

This is a day of profound grief.
In 2026 alone, nearly 800 British Columbians have lost their lives because of overdoses.
British Columbians have lost parents, friends, neighbours, siblings, and children.

As we grieve, we must continue to challenge the conditions that have led to this preventable harm.
Deaths from toxic drugs are not inevitable, but the results of policy choices.

Lives can, and must be saved by those who have the power to change these policies.
How we honour those who have died is measured by how we treat those we can still keep safe.

1106

Rob Botterell @robbotterell.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

I’m heartbroken to hear of Joan Phillip’s passing today. My heart goes out to the Grand Chief, Joan’s family, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. This is a profound loss, and my deepest condolences are with everyone who is grieving.

061

Rob Botterell @robbotterell.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Last week, I wrote to the Information and Privacy Commissioner regarding the BC government’s decision to remove its directory. Today, we received a response from the Commissioner confirming his office will review the matter. I’m encouraged to see these concerns being taken seriously.

062

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Emily Lowan (she/her) @emilylowan.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Keep climate on the agenda. Join the BC Greens. bcgreens.ca/join/

03712

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Emily Lowan (she/her) @emilylowan.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

I believe in better for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Better trans healthcare. Protection of SOGI. A provincial ban on conversion therapy. You can take a small step today by signing our petition to BAN conversion therapy in BC at our link in bio. This movement is the medicine.

24211

Rob Botterell @robbotterell.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

We're still learning the details about changes to supports for children and youth with support needs, including those diagnosed with autism. MCFD has now provided a response to the questions I raised in July, and I believe it’s important to share that information with you. #bcpoli

July 14, 2026

Rob Botterell, MLA
Saanich North and the Islands
BC Green Party
E-mail: c/o Laura.Ferreira@leg.bc.ca

Dear MLA Botterell:

Thank you for your letter of June 24, 2026, regarding the implementation of the new Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) service model and the BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit.

I appreciate your recognition of the government's commitment to increasing supports for children and youth with disabilities and your acknowledgement that extending direct funding beyond autism addresses a longstanding inequity. Like you, I believe children and youth with disabilities and their families deserve a system that is more equitable, more responsive to their needs, and better able to provide support throughout British
Columbia.

The redesign of CYSN services was developed to address longstanding inequities in access to supports. It includes expanded community-based services, the new Disability Benefit, and the Disability Supplement. Together, these components are intended to improve
access to supports for substantially more children and youth than the previous diagnosis- based system, while ensuring that children and youth with the greatest disability-related support needs receive enhanced direct funding.

You expressed concern regarding the eligibility threshold for the Disability Benefit. The Disability Benefit has a specific purpose within the redesigned system. It is intended to provide enhanced direct funding to children and youth whose long-term disabilities result in the most significant and ongoing disability-related support needs, requiring intensive and sustained assistance. This reflects government's objective of ensuring that those children and youth requiring the greatest level of disability-related support receive the greatest level of direct financial support, while broadening access to services and other direct supports for many more families through the redesigned CYSN system.

You also requested greater clarity regarding how eligibility will be determined. The Disability Benefit has a single eligibility standard based on significant and ongoing disability-related support needs. Children and youth may demonstrate that they meet this standard through two pathways.

Some children qualify through a direct admission pathway because existing diagnoses or clinical information clearly demonstrate that they meet the eligibility standard. Other children may demonstrate eligibility through a needs-based review that considers the overall nature, intensity, persistence, and functional impact of their disability-related support needs. This approach recognizes that children with the same diagnosis may experience very different levels of disability-related support needs and ensures that eligibility is determined based on individual circumstances rather than diagnosis alone.

The Ministry recognizes that families and professionals are seeking greater clarity regarding the eligibility approach and how decisions will be made in practice. As implementation progresses, the Ministry is continuing to work with clinical experts, implementation partners, and the Expert Reference Group to refine operational guidance, strengthen public information, and ensure families and professionals have a clear understanding of the eligibility standard, the pathways through which children may demonstrate eligibility, the range of information that may be considered, and how eligibility decisions are made.

You also raised concerns regarding communication with families and service providers during implementation. I recognize that this transition represents significant change for families, and that uncertainty can create anxiety. The Ministry is committed to providing timely and accurate information throughout implementation. Since announcing the redesign, the Ministry has written directly to affected families, launched dedicated web resources and frequently asked questions, es…

You also expressed concerns regarding community-based services, particularly for families requiring individualized supports and those living in rural or remote communities. Community-based services are intended to complement, not replace, direct funding. Families have diverse needs, and no single service model will meet every child's circumstances. The redesigned system includes individualized supports, family-centred services, and group-based options, recognizing that flexibility is essential to meeting the diverse needs of children and families. I would also like to note that the expanded community-based services will not exclusively include group-based options, and that one- on-one support will be available. Planning for service expansion also considers regional differences and the unique challenges experienced by rural, remote, and Indigenous communities as services continue to expand across the province.

I agree that ongoing engagement is essential to successful implementation. The
redesigned CYSN system has been informed by years of extensive engagement with thousands of participants, and the Ministry continues to work closely with families, Indigenous partners, clinicians, service providers, and the Expert Advisory Committee as implementation proceeds. This engagement continues to inform operational planning, communications, and implementation activities to support children, youth, and families throughout the transition.

Our government remains committed to implementing a redesigned CYSN system that provides more equitable access to supports while responding to the diverse needs of children and youth with disabilities across British Columbia. I appreciate you taking the
time to share the perspectives of your constituents.

Thank you again for writing and for your continued interest in this important work.

Sincerely, Jodie Wickens

122

Rob Botterell @robbotterell.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

We are encouraged to hear that Minister Brenda Bailey’s cancer diagnosis is treatable, and we wish her strength and a full recovery in the months ahead. #bcpoli

1114

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Emily Lowan (she/her) @emilylowan.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

These are times of unimaginable tragedy. I am sending my thoughts to the family of the woman who lost her life. To the evacuees, I wish you safety and a quick return. I thank the brave firefighters and first responders working to keep British Columbians safe in these horrific conditions.

cbc.ca

80-year-old woman killed in Summerland, B.C., wildfire: RCMP | CBC News

RCMP have confirmed a fatality in the explosive wildfire that forced mass evacuations from Summerland, B.C., over the weekend.

18125

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Emily Lowan (she/her) @emilylowan.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Please stay safe, and find resources through this link:

wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca

BC Wildfire Service

BC Wildfire Service App

111779

Rob Botterell @robbotterell.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Congratulations to 3 Salt Spring residents for your recognition from BC Honours! Dr. Bristol Foster gets the Order of British Columbia for decades of environmental stewardship. Jewel Eldstrom & Cherie Geauvreau, founders of the Copper Kettle Community Partnership, get the Medal of Good Citizenship.

gulfislandsdriftwood.com

Island residents granted provincial honours - Salt Spring Island news

Three Salt Spring Island residents have been recognized by two provincial awards programs for contributions to their community and beyond, with announcements

061

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Jeremy Valeriote @jervaler.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Congratulations to the Council of Canadians with Disabilities, and Health Justice, on their recent win in the BC Supreme Court. This decision recognizes the dignity, autonomy, and rights of all people, including those experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. #bcpoli

031

Reposted by Rob Botterell

BC Green Party @bcgreens.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

BC Greens Leader Emily Lowan's statement on our current Wildfire Emergency. #bcwildfires

Leader's Statement:
Wildfires are an emergency.
The BC NDP should act like it.

"Apocalyptic wildfires are tearing through communities in BC, while the BC NDP refuses to acknowledge the reality that so many families are now experiencing firsthand:
this is an emergency.

It is not a coincidence British
Columbians have lived through the worst wildfires they've ever seen during the BC NDP's tenure; it is the BC NDP's policy choices that have created these conditions.

Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar touts wildfire prevention measures, as communities reap the consequences of his unrestrained razing of BC's forests.
Meanwhile, Premier Eby proudly diverts billions of taxpayer dollars to foreign LNG corporations - the very corporations responsible for the climate emergency causing our wildfires.

13011

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Emily Lowan (she/her) @emilylowan.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

As wildfires grow, please take steps to make sure you and your community stay safe. By pre-registering for Emergency Support Services, you make it quicker and easier to get support during evacuations. This is critical to ensure you have access to basic necessities while under evacuation orders.

ess.gov.bc.ca

Emergency Support Services Homepage Emergency Support Services Homepage - Emergency Support Services

The BC Evacuee Helpline (1-800-387-4258) is open extended hours 7:30am till 9:00pm due to current wildfires. Access Emergency Support Services (ESS) If you have been evacuated, you may get basic suppo...

04721

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Jeremy Valeriote @jervaler.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Climate change makes wildfires more frequent and more intense, and we must invest in protective services to keep our communities safe. #bcpoli

162

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Jeremy Valeriote @jervaler.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Whether it’s flaring, or wastewater pollution, our regulator too often bends the rules for industry instead of enforcing them. British Columbians deserve better. #bcpoli

042

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Jeremy Valeriote @jervaler.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Imagine a driver going 100 kilometres an hour through a school zone, and instead of getting a ticket, the government simply raises the speed limit. That’s effectively what happened with FortisBC and the BCER. #bcpoli

33821

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Jeremy Valeriote @jervaler.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

It’s been over 10 years since the toxic drug crisis was declared and communities across this province are reeling from the unimaginable loss. With every life lost is a community grieving, and our hearts are with them.

2106

Reposted by Rob Botterell

BC Green Party @bcgreens.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

This year, Pride is more important than ever. March with us at Victoria or Vancouver as an act of joyful resistance! (and get some exclusive pride swag) 🤩 RSVP @ the link in bio 🏳️‍🌈

Volunteer @ Pride!

• March in the Parade!
• Obtain exclusive swag!

Sunday, July 12th - Victoria
Sunday, August 2nd - Vancouver -

RSVP
bcgreens.ca/vic-pride-2026
bcgreens.ca/van-pride-2026

0173

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Emily Lowan (she/her) @emilylowan.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

I talked with CTV about Mark Carney and Danielle Smith’s proposed pipeline. Here’s what I had to say:

16320

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Emily Lowan (she/her) @emilylowan.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

The healthcare system we all deserve relies on nurses being treated fairly. Nurses have been put in unsafe working conditions, and now they’re being disrespected for asking for better. This is unacceptable. The right to strike is sacred. The BC Greens stand in solidarity with the BCNU.

bcnu.org

Nurses Report Widespread Employer Intimidation as Job Action Expands this week | BC Nurses' Union

BCNU says health employers are interfering with lawful job action, prompting additional picket lines at Surrey Memorial Hospital and renewed calls for government intervention

14312

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Emily Lowan (she/her) @emilylowan.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

A pipeline funded by…. you. This is a government pipeline with a mere 10% stake from private investment. And jobs? Last year 10k Albertan oil workers were laid off as production skyrocketed. Call it what it is — a handout for the dying fossil fuel industry.

ctvnews.ca

Alberta pitches new bitumen pipeline route to B.C. coast with TMX, Pembina partners

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announce a preferred route and interested parties for a new bitumen pipeline to the B.C. coast.

27339165

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Emily Lowan (she/her) @emilylowan.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

The conditions nurses have faced are appalling: “One nurse every 16 hours goes off on a WorkSafe BC claim due to violence.” Appropriate staffing levels, security, and stability are paramount to delivering the healthcare system we all deserve. BCNU members — we stand in solidarity with you.

vancouver.citynews.ca

BC Nurses' Union to begin first phase of job action Thursday

The BC Nurses' Union (BCNU) says it is set to begin the first phase of job action at 12:01 p.m. Thursday.

410741

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Jeremy Valeriote @jervaler.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

The path Premier Eby offers is lip service to the future, and actual service to extractive corporate interests. While the booming clean energy sector is sidelined by this government, fossil fuel projects get subsidies and expedited permits. #bcpoli bcgreens.ca/eby-trades-h...

bcgreens.ca

Eby Trades His Spine for a Pipeline

Lək̓ʔəŋən [LEKWUNGEN] TERRITORY / VICTORIA, B.C. — “Today, the Prime Minister disparaged the economic model of foreign resource companies taking from British Columbians, like his grandfather, while gi...

12716

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Emily Lowan (she/her) @emilylowan.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

5 years ago, over the course of a single week, extreme heat killed 619 British Columbians. 619 lives lost because of preventable living conditions and a preventable disaster. This tragedy reminds us how much work there is to be done. But we are not seeing the work we need from our government.

45226

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Jeremy Valeriote @jervaler.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Why is this government subsidizing LNG corporations while penalizing British Columbians who invest their own money in clean energy? It's sending the wrong signal at a time when we desperately need to expand clean electricity. #bcpoli

2218

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Jeremy Valeriote @jervaler.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

The BC NDP say we need every source of clean electricity we can get. But when homeowners step up and invest in rooftop solar, they're rewarded with lower compensation for the power they provide to the grid. cheknews.ca/solar-produc... #bcpoli

cheknews.ca

Solar producers upset by BC Hydro net metering program changes that leave them with less

Solar producers are upset at BC Hydro changes to its net metering program that provide less compensation for electricity sold back to the grid.

22311

Rob Botterell @robbotterell.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Today I sent a letter to Minister Wickens, expressing concerns about MCFD's changes to services for Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) and the new BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit. #bcpoli bcgreencaucus.ca/mcfds-change...

142

Reposted by Rob Botterell

Jeremy Valeriote @jervaler.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Tonight! I'll be part of this virtual event hosted by the Public Transit Alliance of BC, discussing the Rural Transportation Crisis. Register here to watch live, or get the recording: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi... #bctransit #regionaltransit #publictransit

Where’s the bus? For many people, it’s hard to get around BC by public transit. There’s a bewildering mix of public, private, health and community services, no integrated timetable, and often no service at all.

Province wide virtual event on Tuesday, June 23, 6-7:30pm via Zoom. Featuring first-hand accounts from Creston, Kitimat, Gabriola, Sicamous, Port Alberni,and elsewhere, Tania Wegwitz, RPP, MCIP Principal Transportation Watt Consulting Group, Jeremy Valeriote MLA, and others who have spent years focussed on the challenge.

Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/wfh7ZEzZSu-XxLnjoSExMQ

0102