George Heyman ~ "Climate Justice: Equitable Approaches to Carbon Policy & Pricing"

Sierra Club of BC

How do we ensure that policies to address global warming are effective, fair to all of us and promote citizen participation at all levels of society? 

Heyman is a respected negotiator with over 25 years' experience. He was the chief spokesperson in three rounds of negotiations with the B.C. government, representing over 25,000 workers. Heyman is a strong social justice advocate and has been an active participant in campaigns to promote international solidarity among workers.

With a strong record on global warming issues, Heyman was instrumental in introducing a proactive approach to global warming while chair of the B.C. Federation of Labour's Climate Change Working Group (2006-2008). The union began and continues measures to reduce its carbon footprint and encourages members to take steps to deal with global warming through community-based projects such as promoting local food security. The BCGEU was the first union in B.C. to establish an environmental officer. 

Heyman is currently a member of the steering committee of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA-BC) Climate Justice Project, a multi-year research project to develop carbon reduction policies which ensure that societal and industrial transitions are equitable and just.