Over the past few months, I returned to Victoria both in person and virtually for an unprecedented summer session at the legislature to advocate for my constituents and all British Columbians.
Though the health response has been front of mind for most of us, and we continue to support the direction and framework provided by Dr. Bonnie Henry and her staff as we collectively fight against COVID-19, there are still numerous issues that we have pressed the government on.
These include, among others, the need for an economic recovery plan, supports for homelessness and the challenges of the opioid crisis, rising strata insurance rates and ways to limit the impacts of this pandemic on small businesses throughout the province.
My colleagues have introduced numerous bills and ideas into the legislature that the government has chosen not to bring forward for a vote. These include measures to close the gender pay gap, ensure accessibility in new housing builds, a push to provide needed rebates from ICBC, and make permanent the liquor act changes that have proven so crucial for our restaurants and hospitality industry to increase revenue.
We have also continuously advocated for a clear understanding of B.C.’s back-to-school plan to help reduce the uncertainty about returning to the classroom that I know is being felt by parents, teachers, and students in Merritt.
With all this, what has been clear is that British Columbians are eager to contribute and do what they need to get through this challenge. We have proven our resiliency through time and time again and I know that together we will get through this as well.
