Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Bulkley Valley–Stikine MLA Sharon Hartwell is calling on Housing Minister Christine Boyle and BC Housing to immediately halt construction of what she calls an “experimental shelter” being forced on the people of Smithers without consultation, safety planning, or accountability. “This so-called shelter is not a solution. It is a reckless social experiment being imposed on a northern community that has already been stretched to the limit,” said Hartwell. “Families, doctors, and small business owners were blindsided by a $700,000 decision made in Victoria without consultation or care for local impacts. People are angry and they have every reason to be.” The shelter, funded through BC Housing, is being installed near homes and medical offices without community input. The site will also include a tent that will support the provision of so called “safe supply” drugs for users of the shelter. In a letter to government, local physicians described it as “deeply irresponsible and p...

Thanks to the BC NDP government, families living in metro-Vancouver and the lower mainland will be treated to an array of free or low-cost concerts for three years, thanks to a $1-million grant to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO). WHAT ABOUT the Okanagan Symphony Society? A $1 million-dollar grant subsidized by taxpayers across the entire province . According to Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, a free concert which was held at Sunset Beach last night (July 7 th ) was just one example of how this funding is to help make amazing entertainment more accessible and affordable for people in their communities. WHAT ABOUT the Prince George Symphony Orchestra? “ I’m proud to support cultural events like this, and couldn’t wait to hear the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in such a fantastic outdoor venue ”, Beare stated. WHAT ABOUT the Victoria Chamber Orchestra? The 2018-19 season marks VSO’s 100th anniversary. I...

Good morning ... (or afternoon ... or evening -- depending on what time you are reading this.  Today's post is a mix of my own thoughts ... a BC government News release ... and background information on one of John Horgan's new Cabinet Ministers ... Doug Donaldson (Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development). BC GOVERNMENT NEWS :  Office of the Premier Premier John Horgan announced his new cabinet today to build a better B.C. and get results for people. “ Our government will offer families relief from high costs and fees, strengthen services like health care and education, and create good jobs and economic opportunity across B.C .,” said Premier John Horgan. “ We will put people at the heart of everything we do. And we’ll work hard to deliver on our commitments to British Columbians .” The new cabinet is made up of 20 ministers and two ministers of state. In addition, six ...