Weekly newsletter from MLA/Minister Conroy
By Katrine Conroy
B.C. invests in family doctors through new medical school at SFU
I know that access to health care is an important concern amongst British Columbians, and across the country we’re facing a major shortage of family doctors.
Tackling this challenge has been a major priority for our government, and on Tuesday, July 9, we got to announce a significant step forward in this mission.
Soon, more family doctors will have a place to train here in B.C. as the new medical school at Simon Fraser University moves forward with funding from our government for space and operations.
The three-year program will train a new generation of doctors with a focus on where we need them most: family medicine.
This is the first new medical school in Western Canada in over 55 years. The first class of students are expected to begin their studies in the summer of 2026.
The new medical school will also integrate Indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives, preparing future doctors to provide team-based primary care in diverse communities across the province.
This is a monumental advancement in our healthcare education system, ensuring that British Columbians will have greater access to quality healthcare in the years to come.
Website launched to protect renters from bad-faith evictions
We’re taking action to support landlords and protect renters in B.C. Starting July 18th, landlords will have a better process to end a tenancy for personal occupancy or caretaker use, and tenants will be better protected from bad-faith evictions. The government’s new web portal will inform landlords on the rules to make sure they give a complete and valid eviction notice.
More households saving money with expanded heat-pump program
To help more British Columbians stay cool in the summer, and warm in the winter, B.C.’s expanded heat-pump program is now taking applications. Families in B.C. can receive up to $16,000 in rebates for heat-pump upgrades to people in B.C. By expanding the program to include more middle-income households, we’re helping more families across B.C. with savings. Fortis does have Free home energy evaluation and upgrades available. If you are a tenant or landlord wanting to apply please complete this form Energy Conservation Assistance Program Landlord consent (fortisbc.com).
Canada, U.S. reach agreement-in-principle to modernize Columbia River Treaty
The Government of Canada and the United States have taken an important step in the modernization of the Columbia River Treaty by reaching an agreement-in-principle (AIP). Today’s milestone in the negotiation process provides a clear road map for the negotiation teams to move forward on drafting the renewed treaty and for B.C. to begin engaging with the Columbia River Basin residents to seek feedback on the AIP and on next steps.
More than 300 hectares of land secured to conserve old growth
At-risk wildlife and critical old-growth habitat will be protected at eight different sites through the Old Growth Nature Fund. These biodiverse sites, located in densely populated areas, are essential refuges for wildlife. To date, the province has allocated approximately $31 million from the Old Growth Nature Fund to help protect old growth areas from harvesting or development.
Southeast Fire Centre bans and restrictions – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
Effective at 12 p.m. (noon) PDT on Friday, July 12, 2024, Category 1 campfires will be prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre.
More support on the way to strengthen rural communities
The third intake of REDIP opened Wednesday, July 4, 2024, through to Oct. 31, 2024. Through its first two intakes, REDIP contributed up to $99 million for more than 300 projects. These projects promoted economic diversification, resilience, clean-economy opportunities, and infrastructure development throughout rural B.C.
Minister’s Statement on June Labour Force Survey
Despite high interest rates and slower global economic growth, B.C. is holding steady. Since this time last year, B.C. has gained 72,300 jobs. We’ve been working collaboratively across all sectors to seize opportunities, drive growth and create jobs in the clean-energy and clean-industry sectors.
International Credentials Recognition Act streamlines career opportunities
For too long, the recognition process has been long and difficult for internationally trained professionals. The International Credentials Recognition Act came into effect on July 1st and removes unfair barriers, increases transparency, and makes international credential recognition faster and easier for 29 occupations. We’re taking action to close the gaps so people can get to work faster, fill in-demand jobs, and provide important services to British Columbians.
