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 […]
Education
Loud and Proud: Creating Safe Spaces for All
We are a government for the people, and I mean all people. These are the values we campaigned on and now elected as government, we continue to work for everyone by ensuring that every single person is heard. One community in particular with historic levels of under-representation in politics and other positions of power are […]
Better mental health and addictions care in schools renews hope for students and families
When I was a teenager, one of my brothers began showing signs of mental illness. He was 17. In the mid-1980s there was a great deal of stigma around mental illness and there were no real supports in the community or in schools. My family had no idea what to do or how to handle […]
Improving opportunities for former children and youth in care
This month, young people across B.C. went back to college and university for the spring semester. It’s an exciting time as young adults see new experiences and new opportunities. I’m sure we can all remember thinking about all the things we could be when we grew up. Our families would nurture and support our curiosities […]
A step forward in student housing
Two years ago, when the BC Liberals were still in power and refusing to address the housing crisis, I wrote in to the Times Colonist calling on the provincial government to at least get out of the way and allow universities to build more on-campus student housing. I had recently met with two UVic students, […]
Post-Secondary students are finally getting the help they deserve
Going to school to get the skills you need shouldn’t be a lifelong debt sentence. I’m proud to be a part of a government prioritizing an affordable post-secondary education. By keeping costs low, and opening up new doors, we’re helping former, current, and future students successfully find their place in BC’s economy. Unfortunately, for 16 […]
British Columbia has a great education system. But we have more work to do.
Once again it’s that time of year when teachers and families across the province are gearing up for a new year of learning. Over half a million children and youth, like my grandkids Ryder and Jordan, will be returning to school. Parents will be onsite helping to quell nerves, pack lunches, and establish new routines […]
The Importance of the Arts in B.C.
The first time I ever played guitar and sang in front of an audience, I was so nervous that I was shaking. The song I played was Neil Young’s “It’s a Dream”. I had heard that song performed by a brother and sister duo at the 2008 Port Moody Festival of the Arts, the same […]
Kids Deserve Safe School Playgrounds
Kids Deserve Safe School Playgrounds Parents shouldn’t have to fundraise endlessly, and some schools don’t even have that option Monique Zander knows firsthand what the lack of a safe and accessible school playground can mean for children. She shared with me the story of when her son attended Tillicum Annex, a small K-4 school […]