VICTORIA – The Province is launching an independent review of CleanBC programs to ensure they are effectively reducing emissions, while making life more affordable and supporting a strong economy.

CleanBC is B.C.’s road map for cutting climate pollution and building a cleaner, more sustainable future. It has helped people and businesses switch to cleaner energy, supported industrial decarbonization and expanded access to electric vehicles and renewable power.

B.C.’s population and economy have grown rapidly, which is putting upward pressure on emissions. The 2024 Climate Change Accountability Report shows that while emissions per person and per unit of GDP are down, total emissions remain steady. B.C. is not on track to meet its 2025 and 2030 targets. The review will help ensure the CleanBC plan reflects current realities and keeps the province on course toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

“British Columbians expect strong climate action that also works for people today,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “This review is about making sure our plan is focused, effective and delivering the outcomes we need - for our economy, our communities and the future we all share. We’re building on the progress CleanBC has made, while being honest about where we need to go further.”

The review will be led by independent climate policy experts Merran Smith and Dan Woynillowicz. They will assess how well existing programs and policies are working, examine B.C.’s climate targets and recommend improvements. As part of their work, they will engage with Indigenous Peoples, local governments, the Climate Solutions Council, industry and stakeholders throughout B.C.

“This review is a critical opportunity to strengthen climate action in B.C. We need to be clear-eyed about what’s working, what isn’t, and how we can move faster toward a low-carbon, sustainable future for everyone in this province,” said Jeremy Valeriote, interim BC Green leader, and MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky. “We’re pleased to support the review and hopeful it will lead to the bold climate action this province needs.”

The review is being undertaken one year ahead of schedule, as outlined in the 2024 Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord between the B.C. government and the BC Green caucus. The final report will be released publicly in late fall 2025.

Learn More:

For information about CleanBC Review terms of reference, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CleanBCTermsofReference.pdf

A backgrounder follows.

Merran Smith

Merran Smith is president of New Economy Canada, bringing decades of leadership and partnership with industry, government and community to create economic solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. She is broadly recognized as an advocate and national thought leader in advancing Canada’s clean economy, with career highlights including founding Clean Energy Canada and her leadership in the landmark Great Bear Rainforest agreement. 

Smith was a board member of BC Hydro, and co-chair of B.C.’s Climate Solutions Council, which advised the B.C. government on CleanBC. She has won numerous awards for her leadership in the clean economy, including most recently the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal awarded to a diverse group of individuals who have made significant contributions to British Columbia.

Dan Woynillowicz

Dan Woynillowicz is an accomplished leader focused on the development and implementation of effective energy and climate policies. As principal of Polaris Strategy + Insight, he blends policy expertise with an understanding of technology innovation and market transformation to help clients navigate the energy transition. He is a volunteer adviser to Urban Climate Solutions and the Clean Economy Fund, and from 2020-25 served as board chair of the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE).

Woynillowicz also served as an external expert adviser to the BC Hydro Task Force, which positioned BC Hydro to meet the province's fast-growing demand for clean electricity. He is frequently called to testify before regulatory and legislative bodies, quoted in media, and regularly publishes commentary in Canada’s leading publications.