An important part of my job is to listen to my constituents and inform them about matters of concern to them. I attend as many community events as possible, chatting with attendees and answering questions. I frequently meet with people
As most of you are aware, we have a renewed cabinet in Victoria. I am honoured to have been appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for Student Support and Parent Engagement to the Minister of Education. This is a new position, and I will be one of two parliamentary secretaries working with Education Minister Don McRae. As part of my new duties
Recently I visited our beautiful North Coast, starting at the Port of Prince Rupert, and continuing with a visit to Hartley Bay and the Great Bear Rainforest. It was a wonderful experience! The Port of Prince Rupert is ideally positioned to ship goods to the growing markets in Asia
As I review the past six months, I am struck by how many economic indicators demonstrate that our government is on the right course to sustain economic growth, allowing B.C. to continue to prosper.
Our BC Jobs Plan is succeeding! Compared to April 2011, B.C.’s unemployment rate has fallen by 1.6 per cent – the best percentage rate decrease in Canada. Our April unemployment rate dropped to 6.2 per cent with 16,700 full-time and 3,000 part-time positions added. The unemployment rate for youth showed the biggest drop from this time last year as it was reduced by 3.6 per cent.
I introduced my Private Member’s Bill, Standards of Care for Breeders of Companion Animals, in the Legislature on April 23rd. This bill outlines the standards of care that dog and cat breeders in B.C. must meet in order to ensure the welfare of their animals.
As a former School Trustee, I care deeply about improving the educational experiences of special needs children. Last fall, the organization “Moms on the Move” gave a presentation to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. I was impressed by their recommendation to establish a regional roundtable to improve the educational experience of special needs students.
I have had many people write or call me about Bill 22, the Education Improvement Act, and the ongoing labour dispute with the BCTF. See here for my update.
The Legislature has been back in session since February 14, and it is exciting to be in Victoria again with my colleagues to tackle this session’s agenda.
I am researching and drafting a Private Member’s Bill which will update our animal welfare laws as they apply to breeders of companion animals.