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B.C.’s Air Action Plan and Climate Action Plan are improving air quality in the province, benefiting the environment and the health of British Columbians, according to an independent assessment of the two plans, John Yap, Minister of State for Climate Action announced today.

"We know that reducing greenhouse gas emissions makes us more competitive in the low-carbon economy, but this independent study also shows that it is good for the health of British Columbians," said Yap. "Taking steps toward building a healthier planet also means we are improving the health of all British Columbians with cleaner air."

The B.C. Air Quality and Health Benefits Report was conducted by Environ using models developed by Health Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The aim of the report was to give an independent, third-party assessment of B.C.’s Air and Climate Action Plans. It found that improved air quality due to implementation of the two plans is projected to result in 68 fewer acute exposure deaths, nearly 300 fewer chronic exposure deaths and over 30,000 fewer asthma symptom days in 2020.

The results of the report suggest that the Climate Action Plan, though primarily targeted at reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) will significantly improve air quality. The report also found that from 2008 to 2020, the direct benefits of the plans would include a reduction of approximately:

• 724 deaths from acute exposure.
• 1,436 emergency room visits.
• 575 hospital admissions.
• 1,997 adult chronic bronchitis cases.
• 12,032 child acute bronchitis episodes.
• 302,000 asthma symptom days.

"Better air quality allows us to spend more time outdoors and it’s also vital for our respiratory health," said Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport. "The B.C. Air Quality and Health Benefits Report demonstrates the benefits of the Province’s leadership in clean air which, in addition to the Air and Climate Action Plans, includes new provincial air quality objectives that set aggressive targets for fine particulate matter that are among the most stringent in Canada." - 2 -

B.C.’s Air Action Plan was released in June 2008 with a three-year goal to improve and enhance air quality across the province and protect the health of British Columbians. The provincial Climate Action Plan was released in June 2008 and is B.C.’s roadmap to a new, prosperous, green economy for the province, with programs to take B.C. approximately 73 per cent toward meeting the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020.