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 […]
Strong Communities
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Partnering with Indigenous communities to build relationships, find solutions, and grow prosperity
In 1930, the Ruskin Dam was built in the heart of Kwantlen First Nation territory, in an area with significant spiritual and cultural meaning to the Kwantlen people. At that time, the principles of respectful consultation and engagement were not the norm. Reconciliation had not yet begun to be stitched into the fabric of our […]
Celebrating our differences
When I first arrived in Canada the very first job I got was counselling people over the phone. I was nervous to help others tackle complicated issues in my second language but I was thrilled to have the opportunity. Early on in my work, I received a particularly challenging call. While attempting to assist a […]