Thoughts on BC Politics and More

At the risk of angering some people ... I now believe this is getting a bit insane. Day after day comes new announcements from government about grants, deferrals, loans, living expenses, salary top-ups, cash money, rents subsidies, and more ... Yesterday came ... credit to help cover the cost of their electricity bills. The credit will be three times their average monthly bill over the past year at their home and does not have to be repaid And now today we have this announcement from Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, that people currently receiving income assistance or disability assistance ... ... the Province will temporarily exempt federal employment insurance benefits, including the new $2,000 Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). These payments will be fully exempted for the next three months so people receiving income assistance and disability assistance in B.C. will benefit from these new emergency federa...

Just two days ago, Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, announced that up to 25 British Columbians, affected by the downturn in the forest sector, were going to receive training and work experience in asphalt paving and heavy construction. In making the announcement he commented that, “ We know that heavy equipment operators and similar construction occupations will be in great demand over the next 10 years.  The provincial government is working with industry and unions to hire trainees and provide training for new career path opportunities that will allow British Columbians to support themselves and their families ”. With a government grant of nearly half a million dollars ($450,000) the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 115, in partnership with Emil Anderson Construction , Dawson Blacktop and Dawson Group will be delivering road-building and heavy-construction training programs for 25 individuals ...

Did you know that today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities? According to a media release earlier today, from the BC government, it was first proclaimed in 1992 to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and to raise awareness. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities was introduced by the UN in 2006, and since has been ratified by 177 countries, including Canada. Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction stated that, “ As we move forward with accessibility legislation in 2020, it is fitting that this year’s theme is ‘ The future is accessible .’   He then went on to say, “We are committed to making life more affordable and more accessible for all British Columbians .” Referring to recent townhalls through-out the province, regarding accessibility issues, he also indicated that: “ We heard overwhelmingly about the need for accessibility legislation to enhance education and awareness and the...