Recently the people of Mackenzie once again held a rally to stand up for their community. My thoughts are with them and everyone who has been impacted by the mill curtailment. I know this is a difficult time for people. I come from a mill town myself, and the situation in Mackenzie triggers memories of […]
A Centre for Youth Mental Health in Surrey
It began when Parm* started to have trouble sleeping. The 17-year old Surrey student had experienced anxiety before, but when her grandfather passed away right before an important final exam period, racing thoughts, sleepless nights, and a sense of dread began to make it hard for Parm to do simple things, like leaving the house, or […]
Supporting the music and arts industry during COVID-19
In times of uncertainty, distress, or tragedy, people have always turned to the arts. Whether it’s a comforting classic movie, a favourite album, a live show, or a new series to binge-watch, the arts remind us that we are not alone, that other people understand what we’re going through, and that there is a light […]
COVID-19 Supply Hub: Connecting B.C. Businesses to the Frontline of a Pandemic
In mid-March, Jason Zanatta was facing a difficult choice. With orders in to his Coquitlam textile factory drying up as COVID-19 shut down demand, there didn’t seem to be a way to stay open and keep workers on the payroll through the tough times that were coming. However, with some ingenuity and dedication, and the support […]
Standing up against racism during COVID-19
Last week, we were shocked and outraged to learn of the assault against an elderly Asian man in East Vancouver, which the police identified as a racially motivated attack. Regrettably, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a rise in anti-Chinese and anti-Asian sentiment throughout Vancouver and the province. Chinese businesses, especially […]
Surrey Coming Together to Keep Students Learning
As the world faces the challenge of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, parents in Surrey and across the province are facing an unprecedented challenge of their own – the challenge of helping their kids learn at home during a pandemic, in many cases while working from home themselves. As a parent, grandparent, and former teacher myself, […]
A Vaisakhi Unlike Any Other
On behalf of B.C.’s New Democrats, I’d like to wish a Happy Vaisakhi to Sikhs and Hindus in B.C. and around the world. A time for celebrating the values of tolerance, equality and generosity, Vaisakhi has always been one of my favourite celebrations. This year’s Vaisakhi comes at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic continues […]
Urgent Primary Care Centres: faster, better access to the health care you need
Imagine this. You’re walking to your car after getting off work one evening. It’s been a cold and wintery day and there is a thin sheet of ice beginning to cover the pavement. By this time the sun has already set and in the dark, you lose your balance and fall. You pick yourself up […]
Investments in Child Care are Investments in Women’s Equality
We’ve all heard the stories of women struggling due to a lack of affordable child care. I’ve heard stories of women in my community who have been forced out of the workforce due to a lack of affordable options. Stories of mothers struggling to make ends meet due to high child care costs. Stories of […]
Supporting kids on the islands
We all want to make sure our kids have access to a stimulating learning environment that allows for healthy development and meaningful connections. But harder to reach communities are often stretched for resources, and rising populations makes these challenges even more acute. That’s why I’m proud our government is investing in new child care spaces […]
Elimination of MSP
When British Columbians sit down this month to pay their bills, they will notice something missing – a bill for Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums. As of January 2020, British Columbians will no longer need to pay MSP premiums! New Democrats know that health care is a human right and forcing British Columbians to pay […]
More than a meal
Food is about more than just having a full belly, access to quality nutrition is directly related to the quality of life and impacts our ability to connect. Cooking can be a source of pleasure and pride but can become increasingly difficult with limited resources. Recently, I heard the story of a senior who was […]
Transforming mental health services to empower youth and inspire hope
Watching someone you love struggle with mental health or addiction issues are anyone’s worst nightmare. This especially true for parents and caretakers watching their own kids suffer – not knowing how to help. On more than one occasion, parents have come to my office, frustrated and feeling helpless. I’m reminded of one family who told […]
Reconciliation, UNDRIP, and Gvúkva’áus Haíɫzaqv
Two months ago, I had the incredible experience of attending the opening of Gvúkva’áus Haíɫzaqv, or House of the Heiltsuk, the Heiltsuk Nation’s new Big House in Bella Bella. In addition to its detailed artistry, the building is enormous, with a capacity of up to 1,000 people. As I marvelled at the magnificence and magnitude of […]
Urgent Primary Care Centres: Getting the care you need, where and when you need it
It can be stressful, even scary, when you or a loved one needs urgent care. It’s even worse if you aren’t sure that care is going to be available when and where you need it. That worry has become a reality for British Columbians everywhere due to overcrowded emergency rooms and not enough family doctors. […]
Action on Affordability
There are many things I love about serving my community as an MLA, but topping the list is when I meet people whose lives have been positively impacted by the work of our government. This happened recently when I met Gordon, who lives in my constituency of Esquimalt-Metchosin. Gordon is on a CPP disability pension, […]