Feb. 10 newsletter from MLA/Finance Minister Katrine Conroy
By Katrine Conroy
Dear Neighbours, Friends and Community Members,
My colleagues and I have heard from constituents, community members, and Indigenous people across B.C. on how best to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honouring residential school survivors and those who never returned home. To those of you who reached out to me and my office to share your views, thank you for adding your voice.
The first bill we introduced at the legislature to kick off this Spring session will enshrine the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation as a provincial statutory holiday in B.C. This follows the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action No. 80.
Making this day a statutory holiday for workers in B.C. means more people will have the opportunity to get involved in advancing reconciliation by finding meaningful ways to participate in local commemoration/education events in their community, to learn more about shared history, and continuing to having important conversations with friends and family. This will help us continue to advance reconciliation province-wide and honour the strength, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous communities in our province. You can find out more about our plans for this here https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023IRR0006-000152
My community office is open Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Please call or email in advance to let Angelika and Sarah know when you are planning to come in so they can be ready in advance to assist you. If you have any questions or concerns about any provincial issue, or need assistance with a provincial body, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help. My office can be reached at 250-304-2783 or Katrine.Conroy.MLA@leg.bc.ca.
Funding Indigenous-led non-profits a step toward reconciliation
23 Indigenous-led non-profit organizations are receiving part of approximately $5 million in grant supports. This support will assist organizations in pandemic-related recover, while giving them resources to enhance operations and economic resiliency. Indigenous-led non-profits have faced enormous challenges in delivering vital services, and this funding will help them continue to serve communities in need.
More children will be supported with inclusive child care
We are increasing government funding for inclusive child care, to make sure children with support needs are receiving the care they need. Inclusive and reliable child care is a core service that families need. By embedding inclusion and equitable access into all aspects of BC childcare, we are creating a future where all families can know that their children are safe and cared for.
BC Throne Speech outlines plans to build a stronger, more secure future
The Throne Speech outlines our government’s plan to tackle the big challenges now and build a stronger, more secure future for everyone. Instead of pulling back, cutting services or making people pay out of pocket for private health care, we’re putting the surplus back to work for people. In a time of uncertainty and challenges, our government has the back of British Columbians.
For more information: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023AG0006-000162
Nominations are open to honour individuals and organizations that are championing multiculturalism and addressing racism throughout British Columbia.
BC reinvests in job-creation program for rural communities
We’re announcing another round of the Rural Business and Community Recovery Initiative (RBCRI) – $4.5 million in funding to hire business advisory positions that support community and business transitions in areas experiencing impacts from changes in the forest sector. For many years, there was a failure to address the looming challenges in the sector, including complete inaction on the pine beetle epidemic that had devastating impacts on BC’s timber supply. We want to ensure we’re supporting rural businesses and communities, so jobs and services are there for the people who rely on them.
Labour Market Outlooks predicts bright future
We expect more than one million job openings through 2032, and nearly 80% of these jobs will need post-secondary education or training. After years where the old government added barriers and costs for people trying to get training and cut supports like childcare that help people enter the workforce – we’ve been preparing for these job openings. Coming out this spring, our Future Ready Plan will provide even more opportunities for people to acquire the skills and training they need to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow, and help businesses and employers access the talent they need.
For more information: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023FIN0010-000156
B.C introduces stronger protections against white collar crime- Vancouver Sun
Whether you’re investing for your children’s future or your own retirement, we all want to know the investment market is fair and honest. We’re making sure the BC Securities Commission has the tools it needs to keep people’s investments safe. The BCSC will have more power to gather evidence, close loopholes and enforce consequences for people who commit investment-related crimes.
Communities benefit from disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation funding
$23.4 million from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund will support communities to better prepare for, mitigate, and respond to climate-related emergencies. 49 First Nations and local governments are receiving funds. We are helping make sure that communities across BC are ready for disasters, so they can keep people and their livelihoods safe.
Helpful resources:
< >Find out about COVID-19 vaccines and the enhanced booster: gov.bc.ca/covid19vaccineBook your flu shot or find a drop-in flu shot clinic near you: gov.bc.ca/fluvaccineFind mental health and substance-use supports: wellbeing.gov.bc.caLearn how to prepare for potential flooding: preparedbc.ca/floods
