BCGEU and COPE 378 welcome Metro Vancouver recommendation to extend AirCare
until 2020

VANCOUVER, Nov. 9 /CNW/ - The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) and the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union local 378 (COPE 378) are welcoming a Metro Vancouver Environment and Energy Committee resolution that calls for AirCare to be extended until 2020.  

"This call to extend AirCare until 2020 following a fully-independent assessment process is a big endorsement for the program. Metro Vancouver members understand the measurable environmental and economic benefits of emissions testing," said BCGEU President Darryl Walker. "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." 

"AirCare rates among the most effective emissions testing and reduction programs in North America," said acting COPE 378 President Gwenne Farrell. "We renew our call to Metro Vancouver and the Government of British Columbia to extend the program until 2020."  

The resolution was carried unanimously, and included an amendment to expand the program to focus on heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Metro Vancouver will consider the AirCare extension resolution at its board meeting on November 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.  

One hundred and fourteen BCGEU members work at AirCare facilities in the Lower Mainland. Nine COPE 378 members work as AirCare administrators in Burnaby. 

For further information:

For more information, contact Oliver Rohlfs at 604-291-9611 or 778-318-9164 (BCGEU) or Sage Aaron at 604-473-3887 or 604-317-6153 (COPE 378)