Key committee wants AirCare extended until 2020

Unanimous vote by Metro Vancouver Environment and Energy Committee welcomed by BCGEU and COPE.

Vancouver (11 Nov. 2010) - The B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) and the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE) are welcoming a resolution by the Metro Vancouver Environment and Energy Committee asking that AirCare be extended until 2020.
 
“This call to extend AirCare until 2020 following a fully-independent assessment process is a big endorsement for the program," said BCGEU president Darryl Walker.

"Metro Vancouver members understand the measurable environmental and economic benefits of emissions testing. AirCare means better air quality and better health for British Columbians and especially for Fraser Valley residents who are most affected by air quality issues.”

Gwenne Farrell, president of COPE Local 378, says AirCare has one of the most effective emissions testing and reduction programs in North America.

“We renew our call to Metro Vancouver and the Government of British Columbia to extend the program until 2020.”
 
The environment committee resolution passed unanimously. It included an amendment to expand the program to focus on heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Metro Vancouver will consider the AirCare extension resolution on Nov. 26.
 
AirCare is the Lower Mainland’s vehicle emissions testing program and is administered by Translink. The program is funded entirely through the collection of test fees and is required by legislation to be revenue neutral.
 
BCGEU and COPE represent employees who work with AirCare.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE

More information:
BCGEU urges Vancouver to maintain AirCare