Skip to main content

“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

FURSTEANAU – Newsletter Update

 What a year it's been. Last March, our worlds closed down and we found ourselves thrown into a global pandemic with no road map.

I am tremendously proud of so many organizations in this community, health care providers, teachers, first responders, essential services workers, local governments, and business owners and employees for continuing to provide services above and beyond their usual call of duty. We could not have survived these strange days without you. My family and I are forever grateful for your sacrifice. 

  • On Monday, Dr. Bonnie Henry shared the province's vaccine rollout plan (details below). 
  • Please share this information with friends and family, as it's so important that people know when they are eligible for their vaccine, and how to book an appointment. 

In the legislature this week, we focused on the lack of health data. In the absence of disaggregated data (including detailed race and income) about who is accessing public health services, we are not able to make informed decisions on where and when to invest in supports. This has always been a problem but, as with so many other systemic issues, was critically missing in our COVID-19 response.

  • We can do better to inform our decision making on these important health matters. You can watch my questions on this topic in the Legislature.
  • To help us understand what disaggregated data is, the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner prepared this excellent summary entitled: The grandmother perspective. 

As we navigate the upcoming months, please remember to keep up the collective effort to wear masks and keep at a distance from each other. Our COVID-19 numbers in BC have plateaued around 400-500 new infections per day, and so vigilance remains essential.  


Sonia Furstenau ... is the MLA for Cowichan Valley, and Leader of the BC Greens

COVID Vaccination Rollout


Earlier this week, Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the provincial vaccine rollout plan. Island Health has provided the following information for booking an appointment: 

**Island Health is reminding people to please call only when it is your turn, as noted in the dates below.**

March 8:

  • People born in 1931 or earlier (90+),
  • Indigenous peoples born in 1956 or earlier (65+), and Elders

March 15:

  • People born in 1936 or earlier (85+)

March 22:

  • People born in 1941 or earlier (80+)

To book an appointment call:1-833-348-4787.


The call centre is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Family members, friends, or any support person can call to make an appointment on behalf of a senior.

Please note

  • People in independent living, seniors supportive housing, and those who receive long term home support services are being immunized beginning March 1, along with the staff who care for them. There is no need for these priority populations to call to book an appointment. Island Health is contacting them directly.
  • Seniors aged 80 or over and Indigenous seniors aged 65 or older and Elders who do not live in independent living or seniors supportive housing must call to book a vaccine appointment over the phone.
  • For the latest information on vaccine delivery in Island Health, please use the link below.

COVID Resources

Testing is available for anyone with cold, influenza, or COVID-19 symptoms.
If you are unsure whether to seek medical care or get tested, contact your health care provider, call 8-1-1, or use the BC COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper to step down for Conservative Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to run in a by-election

Deputy Whip and MLA Reann Gasper has informed the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia of her decision to step down as MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, creating an opportunity for Conservative Party of British Columbia Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to seek the seat in a forthcoming by-election. Gasper said the decision was made carefully and deliberately, with the future of British Columbia firmly in mind. Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper “This is a decision I have made after a great deal of careful consideration, and I believe it is the right decision for me, for our Party, and for the work ahead,” said MLA Gasper. “It has been a privilege to represent the people of Abbotsford-Mission, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me. I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside my colleagues in the Conservative Caucus and to contribute to our leadership team.” “I have confidence in Kerry-Lynne, in her leadership, and in her ability to ...
Post a Comment
Read more

NDP Sits on $61 Million With No Start Date for Burnaby Hospital

Phase 2 of Burnaby Hospital redevelopment  was green lit to go ahead in September 2023 The NDP spent $45 million on the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, cancelled the second phase, and now has another $61 million listed for the project in the province’s Public Accounts, with no start date for construction. If the NDP cancelled the project, what is happening to the $61 million set aside for it? The Phase 2 project was expected to cost between $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion and was intended to expand the hospital’s capacity. With Burnaby’s population growing and residents struggling to access healthcare, the government should be investing in healthcare capacity, not leaving millions of dollars tied up in limbo. “The NDP spent $45 million on this project before cancelling it, and now $61 million remains listed for it in the Public Accounts,” said MLA Misty Van Popta, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure. “If the government isn’t going to build the hospital expansion, it should explain whe...
Post a Comment
Read more

BC Conservatives Point to Warning Signs in BC’s Economy

While Canada posted modest job gains in July, warning lights are still flashing in British Columbia. Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, leaving too many first-time jobseekers shut out of the workforce. BC also lost 3,400 public administration jobs in July, likely as temporary Census positions ended. “BC's jobs divide remains stark. Unemployment is far higher in business-driven communities like Kelowna (9.3%) and Abbotsford-Mission (8.3%) than in Victoria (5.0%). Government should be focused on creating the conditions for private-sector investment and job growth,” said Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and Shadow Minister for Economic Development. “We need an economy where young people can find work, businesses can hire, and every region has the opportunity to prosper.” This comes as BC faces five straight quarters where more businesses are closing than opening, an NDP cabinet rift over job-creating projects like Tilbury LNG, and fresh signs that even the province's to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Labels

Show more