Happy Pride Everyone!

For those of you that don’t know, the month of June is Pride month! Pride didn’t begin as a parade or as Victoria’s annual Big Gay Dog Walk, it began as a protest led by trans women of colour. Over the decades, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community fought together to win the basic human rights and freedoms that so many others take for granted. Many folks in BC and across the globe are continuing this fight today.

2SLGBTQ+ people continue to face stigma and discrimination, and as a result face higher rates of violence, poverty, and mental health struggles. For people of colour in the community these issues can be even more complex and difficult. Nobody should ever be the target of violence or oppression because of who they love or who they are.

Our government continues to work hard to advance the rights and freedoms for all of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Here are examples of some of the actions we've taken so far:

• Flew the Trans flag at the BC legislature for the first time in history.
• Re-established BC’s human rights commission, which had been dismantled in 2002.
• Included ‘X’ as a third option in the gender field on government-issued ID, allowing us to more accurately represent the spectrum of gender identity.
• Moved to ensure that publicly funded, gender affirming lower surgeries are available in BC.
• Ensured that all 60 school districts are part of the BC SOGI Educator Network to help schools be more inclusive for students.
• Expanded coverage for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to ensure people at risk of contracting HIV in B.C. are benefiting from preventative treatment.

I'm proud to be part of a government that has worked to be an ally to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. This year, Victoria Pride is taking place June 28th – July 4th. I encourage folks to visit victoriapridesociety.org to learn about Pride events happening this year and how you can participate.

Sincerely,

 

On Tuesday, June 15, we entered Step 2 of BC’s Restart Plan. Thanks to our collective efforts and commitment to getting vaccinated against COVID-19, Step 2 means we can now all enjoy things like backyard BBQs, birthday parties, movie theatres, sports games, and more! Some examples of new things we can do in Step 2 include: 
 

• Travel recreationally anywhere in B.C.

• Host outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people

• Hold indoor seated organized gatherings of up to 50 people

• Attend indoor faith gathering of up to 50 people, or 10% of a place of worship’s total capacity, whichever is greater 

•  Go to a movie theatre or live theatre 

• Watch outdoor sports (maximum of 50 spectators) 

• Stay later at a restaurant or bar, with liquor service extended until midnight 

• Go to indoor fitness classes (low-intensity or high-intensity) with reduced capacity  

I am so grateful for all the sacrifices British Columbians have made to get us where we are now. More than 76% of adults are now vaccinated with their first dose, and COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to steadily decline. I’m so excited for myself and everyone else this summer to be able to reconnect with loved ones, safely enjoy what our province has to offer, and to welcome better days ahead.  
 
We’ve come so far in our fight against COVID-19. But as we look forward to brighter days, we must continue to follow public health protocols and remain vigilant in stopping the spread. Masks are still mandatory, physical distancing remains a requirement, and as always, please stay home and get tested if you are sick. I also encourage everyone to check in with their friends and loved ones aged 12+ to make sure everyone is registered to receive their vaccine. Those that aren't registered can sign up at gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated.   
 
Thank you,

 

Since forming government, we’ve worked relentlessly to tackle the affordability crisis. For far too long, people have suffered from the years of neglect by the previous BC Liberal government. People in our province continue to struggle to find affordable homes. We are making good progress, but there is more to do.
 
Recently we took another huge step in the right direction. Our government announced that more than 2,400 new affordable rental homes will be built for people with moderate and low incomes throughout the province. This means that from the Gitanyow Nation, to Victoria, to Penticton, to Burnaby, 39 communities will see new projects to accommodate the unique needs of individuals, families, and seniors, including housing geared to people with disabilities.
 
We also know that Indigenous peoples face unique housing barriers. That’s why more than 1,000 of these new homes will be for Indigenous individuals, families and Elders. These projects will be Indigenous-led to ensure they meet the unique needs of each community. Prioritizing these solutions for communities is part of our commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
 
These new units are some of the nearly 30,000 affordable homes now complete or underway in every corner of the province, building on significant momentum as we continue to address the housing crisis. There’s much more to do, but we’re committed to doing the work to make life better and more affordable for all British Columbians. 
 
For more information, please visit workingforyou.gov.bc.ca.  

Sincerely,

 

I’d like to provide an update on an important development in Fairy Creek.

On Monday June 7th, the Pacheedaht, Huu-ay-aht, and Ditidaht First Nations issued the Hišuk ma c̕awak Declaration, taking back decision-making responsibilities over their traditional territories. At the same time, these three nations asked our government to defer old growth logging in the Fairy Creek Watershed and Central Walbran areas, which are located within their territory.

I’m pleased to report that our BC NDP government honours and has approved the request to protect all of the old growth identified by the three First Nations, including the Fairy Creek Watershed.

The protection of Fairy Creek is an important step in protecting the old growth forests that we all love.

The over 2,000 hectares protected in Fairy Creek and Central Walbran adds to the nearly 200,000 hectares our government has already protected, including in Clayoquot Sound and the Skagit “Donut Hole” in Manning Park. In total, we have now issued deferrals in 11 rare old growth ecosystems left vulnerable by the BC Liberals. 

But let’s be clear: while these are very important first steps, we know there is a lot more work to do. That’s why our government will announce more old growth protections this summer, following ongoing consultations with Indigenous rights and title holders.

In recent weeks, I’ve been asked why government didn’t act immediately to defer Fairy Creek. The answer is simple: We were respecting the request from Pacheedaht First Nation not to interfere as they developed a stewardship plan for their territories. The days of making land management decisions without consulting Indigenous rights and title holders is over.

All First Nations have the inherent right of self-determination and are uniquely positioned to be stewards of their territories. The outcome in Fairy Creek shows that when we put Indigenous peoples at the center of land management in their territories, we can protect old growth while advancing reconciliation.

Although some demonstrators have said they intend to continue protesting, it’s important to recognize what the Pacheedaht, Huu-ay-aht, and Ditidaht said on June 7:

“Third parties – whether they are companies, organizations, other governments, or individuals – have no right to speak on behalf of the Nations. Moreover, for third parties to be welcome in their ḥahahuułi (traditional territories), they must respect their governance and stewardship, sacred principles, and right to economically benefit from the resources within the ḥahahuułi.”

Thank you for raising your voice on this issue. British Columbians have cared about these forests for a long time, and these last few weeks have shown that commitment is stronger than ever. These forests are part of what makes our province a great place to live. They’re part of who we are as British Columbians.

 

Protecting Fairy Creek is an important step, but there’s a lot more work to do. I’ll keep you updated as we take additional action to protect old growth forests for future generations.

 

Click here to read the Hišuk ma c̕awak Declaration.

Click here to read more about our government’s announcement today.

Sincerely,

 

 
Today, Tuesday June 8th, is World Oceans Day! 

Our government has partnered with Indigenous Nations, coastal communities, local governments, and tourism operators to clean up over 1,200 KMs of our coastline. This is part of our Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative that is helping restore marine life and protecting BC’s coasts today and for years to come while also creating jobs and local opportunities! 🌊🌊🌊
 
To learn more about the Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative visit this link: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021ENV0029-000783

Sincerely,

Throughout the pandemic, front line workers have been essential in keeping our communities going. Those front line workers include many hard-working people who still struggle to make ends meet, including grocery store workers, servers, and cleaners. Our government believes that these and all workers should make a fair and dignified wage. This week, we increased the minimum wage in B.C. to $15.20 an hour. We’ve also eliminated the discriminatory lower minimum wage for liquor servers – these workers will now make the regular minimum wage. 

 
Since 2018, we’ve been regularly increasing the minimum wage, which was $11.35 an hour when this work began. Close to 400,000 people have benefited from these increases, the majority of whom are women, immigrants and youth – people who bear the brunt of low-wage labour.  

Increasing the minimum wage is one way we are tackling inequality while making life more affordable. Another action we are taking is increasing the accessibility of child care. 

 
For too long, parents in B.C. have struggled to find affordable child care, which disproportionately impacted women. As of this week, our government has funded nearly 26,000 new licensed child care spaces, exceeding our original goal. In just three years, we’ve funded more than twice as many spaces as the previous government did in an entire decade. This means more parents can afford to go back to work or school, knowing their kids are being cared for and nurtured. 

When we lift up the most vulnerable, we are all better off. This pandemic has exacerbated many issues that British Columbians were already facing, from paying the bills to finding child care. We are committed to a recovery that benefits everyone in our province. 

Speaking of benefits – have you applied for your BC Recovery Benefit yet? This is the one-time payment of up to $1000 for eligible families, or $500 for eligible individuals. Applications close on June 30th! Visit this page to apply. If you have already applied, you don’t need to apply again – visit this page if you have questions or haven’t received your benefit.

Sincerely,

 
Happy B.C. Wild Salmon Day!
 
Today we join Indigenous communities, federal colleagues, conservation organizations, and B.C.’s fishing community in celebrating BC Wild Salmon Day! Wild Pacific salmon are an iconic species that mean many different things to British Columbians. They are culturally significant to B.C.'s Indigenous communities, contribute to our province's food security and are the economic backbone of many coastal communities, providing good jobs throughout B.C.
 
As we recognize B.C. Wild Salmon Day, we take great pride in celebrating how many people in our province are committed to helping protect and revitalize B.C.'s wild salmon populations. There are British Columbians who dedicate their careers to wild salmon, volunteer their time and effort to help restore habitat in watersheds in their communities or share information and engage others in the value of healthy rivers, lakes and streams. We want to both recognize and thank each one of them for making a difference.
 
The Province is supporting efforts to protect and restore wild salmon through the $143-million British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund. To date, the federal and provincial government fund has supported 42 projects with over $71 million. More projects are on the way.
 
On Vancouver Island, the Peninsula Streams Society has received funding to remove an existing obstruction in Millstream Creek and to install a fish ladder and a fish-friendly culvert. When the project is complete, trout and coho will have a 40% increase in habitat. The new fishway will also provide educational opportunities for locals and Mill Hill Regional Park visitors.
 
Our government is committed to working with Indigenous communities, conservation organizations and B.C.'s fishing community to support the conservation of wild salmon in the province and to continue to build a wild salmon recovery strategy we can all be proud of. This collaboration is what we need to get the job done with all of us working together so salmon will continue to swim in our waters for generations to come.
 
Sincerely,  

We were all horrified to learn this recent news. Please see the following statement from Premier John Horgan about the burial site at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School:
 
“I am horrified and heartbroken to learn that the burial site of 215 children has been confirmed on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. I honour Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc as they grapple with this burden from a dark chapter of Canadian history and uphold their commitment to complete this investigation over the coming weeks – bringing to light the full truth of this loss.
 
“Each child has been forever taken from a family and a community that loved them. This is a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. And it is a stark example of the violence the Canadian residential school system inflicted upon Indigenous peoples and how the consequences of these atrocities continue to this day.
 
“The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc people have said they are the caretakers of these children, as some would have been brought to the residential school from neighbouring Nations. My thoughts are with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and all who mourn, as they enact their cultural protocols to notify First Nations communities whose children were sent to this school.”
 
Support services are available for those affected by this news:
 
A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former Residential School students and those affected. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1 866 925-4419.
 
Within B.C., the KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides a First Nations and Indigenous specific crisis line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free from anywhere in British Columbia. The KUU-US Crisis Line can be reached toll-free at 1 800 588-8717. Alternatively, call direct into the Youth Line at 250 723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250 723-4050, or online: https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.com/”
 
You can also view the statement here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021PREM0039-001034?fbclid=IwAR1m4eYKZqBgF91FiLB5EXLkZBAWO19UnBDTxBg_pswO6aRsl4MFx0Rzd5Y

Sincerely,

Today our government announced BC’s four-step restart plan. 

Implementing this plan will not be like flipping a switch. Rather, it will be a gradual and careful reopening that continues to put science and the advice of health experts first. 

Now, with more than 60% of adults vaccinated with their first dose and COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations steadily declining, British Columbia is ready to move forward with our cautious first step for a careful and safe restart. The four-step plan was designed based on data and guidance from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and Dr. Bonnie Henry. Progressing through these steps will be measured by the number of adults vaccinated, COVID-19 case counts, hospitalizations, and deaths, while also considering clusters and outbreaks. While there are approximate reopening dates, the plan will be guided by data, not dates, and we will not proceed to the next step until it is safe to do so.

As of today, we are in Step 1. That means:

• Maximum of five visitors or one household allowed for indoor personal gatherings
• Maximum of 10 people for outdoor personal gatherings
• Maximum of 50 people for seated outdoor organized events with safety protocols
• Recreational travel only within your travel region
• Indoor and outdoor dining for up to six people with safety protocols
• Resuming outdoor sports with no spectators, and low-intensity fitness activities with safety protocols
• Starting the gradual return to offices
• Provincewide mask mandate, business safety protocols and physical distancing measures remain in place
• The return of indoor in-person faith-based gatherings with reduced capacity

Sincerely,

Our province is home to some of the world’s finest tourist attractions. Whether it’s the Butchart Gardens, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, or the MacMillan Space Centre, these attractions have been vital to our economy, and have given us many cherished memories. But we know they are among the businesses hit hardest by this pandemic, and our government is committed to supporting this crucial industry.
 
Recently, our government announced that $50 million is on the way to support B.C.’s major tourist attractions. The BC Major Anchor Attractions Program offers up to $1 million per attraction through one-time grants. Businesses can apply until June 7th, with the funds coming in July. We’re taking strong action to ensure these treasured attractions can continue to draw people to B.C., enrich our local experiences and keep people employed. 
 
This funding will help these crucial businesses survive, and I look forward to the day they are able to welcome everyone back with open arms.
 
You can learn more here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021TACS0036-000947
 
Sincerely,

 

Happy Child Care Appreciation Day to all our hardworking child care staff in Saanich South and beyond! 

Thank you for everything you do to support families in our community. Download and print this colouring sheet for a fun activity- either for a child or for yourself!

Sincerely,

Our government is building the next phase of our restart plan, a careful step-by-step approach which will allow us to do more as it becomes safe to do so. This approach has helped us keep a lot of businesses operating safely this past year and avoid larger shutdowns. We are working with businesses on their reopening needs and will have more to share on the next steps after the May long-weekend.

 

We know this virus can surge quickly. That’s why, like every decision in this pandemic, we will move forward step by step based on Dr. Henry’s advice. Our top priority remains keeping people and families safe.  

 

The pandemic has been hard on so many people, businesses, and communities and while cases are still too high and we’re not through it yet, there are reasons to be optimistic.

 

We asked people to limit their contacts with coworkers, friends, and family to bend the curve back down – and British Columbians stepped up and pulled together. It’s working. As a result of our efforts, cases are going down and so are hospitalizations.

 

At the same time more and more people are getting vaccinated - more than 50% of BC’s eligible population have received their first dose.  

 

We’re all looking forward to better days. We’re not there yet, but we get closer everyday.

Sincerely,

 

Over the past few weeks, we have all felt some relief as our most vulnerable—our grandparents, parents, and loved ones—received their vaccines. Recently, there was more good news: we’re expecting to receive over one million doses of the Pfizer vaccine this month, speeding up our rollout!

With these new vaccines coming, it’s more important than ever for all British Columbians aged 18+ to register through B.C.’s Get Vaccinated system. This way, you will get an email or text notification prompting you to book an appointment when it is your turn. You will only need to register once. Anyone who is not yet registered can do so in one of three ways:

• Online at: gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated
• By phone between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (Pacific time), toll-free, at 1-833 838-2323 

• In person at your nearest Service BC location 

People 30+ can expect to start receiving email or text notifications to book their vaccine appointment, along with Indigenous people 18+ and people who are clinically extremely vulnerable. As well, pregnant British Columbians 16+ are now eligible to receive their vaccine as a priority population. After registering, people who are pregnant can book their vaccine by calling 1-833-838-2323 and identifying as being pregnant. For more information, please visit this page. 

The Pfizer vaccine has now been approved by Health Canada for kids 12-17, and we’ll be integrating them into our age-based vaccine rollout. As more people become eligible and more vaccines are approved, we will continue to update our provincewide program. 

To date, more than 50% of eligible British Columbians have received their first dose of the vaccine, with that number increasing every day. At this crucial time in the pandemic, I strongly urge everyone who is eligible to register and get vaccinated as soon they are able. Being immunized is the best way to protect ourselves and our communities and to put this pandemic behind us. Thank you for continuing your efforts to keep each other safe.  

COVID Resources:    

• For medical info, visit covid-19.bccdc.ca or call 811 
• For vaccination info, visit this page.  
• For the BC Recovery Benefit, visit gov.bc.ca/recoverybenefit or call 1-833-882-0020 
• For financial supports for people and businesses, visit this page. 

• For PHO orders and guidance, visit this page. 
• For seniors looking for additional support, or for those looking to support seniors, call 2-1-1 or visit bc211.ca 
• For virtual mental health resources, click here. 

As always, if you have questions or need any assistance with vaccination information, provincial COVID-19 supports, or any other provincial issue, please reach out. My office can be reached at 250-479-4154 or Lana.Popham.MLA@leg.bc.ca.

Sincerely,    

  

Last Spring, my office published a restaurant guide for eateries in Saanich South. The guide was delivered to almost 22,000 households to encourage folks to support our local restaurant industry that is suffering heavily because of the pandemic. 

Now, we’re distributing our Saanich South Restaurant and Eatery Menu 2.0 with updated contact info and including new restaurants!

Special thanks to everyone who did take-out and pick-up last Spring. We know the drill my friends, let’s come together once again to show these important businesses lots of love! 

Every bit helps!

Exciting news for Elk Lake and Beaver Lake!

Our government is partnering with the Capital Regional District and moving ahead with a new oxygenation system. In recent years, both lakes regularly suffered from blue-green algae blooms, which produce toxins harmful to humans and pets when ingested and can lead to lethal liver damage in dogs.

The new system will help reduce these cyanobacteria blooms and improve the health of fish, water quality, and habitats in the lakes and downstream. Our efforts to improve the lakes’ health and function follow through on commitments to step up protection of fish habitats.

Moving forward our lakes will be safe and enjoyable for everyone from local families and freshwater fishers, to triathletes and rowers - now and for generations to come.

Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021AFF0034-000801

Did last week's warm weather get you looking for something to do out in our community? Check out our list of south island farmers markets!

Esquimalt Farmers Market

• Archie Browning Sports Centre rear parking lot, 1151 Esquimalt Rd
• April 1^st – September 16^th
• Thursday: 4:30pm – 7:30pm

Sooke Country Market

• John Phillips Memorial Park
• April 24^th – October 9^th
• Saturday: 10am – 2pm

Goldstream Station Market

• Bryn Maur Rd at Goldstream Ave
• May 8th – October
• Saturday: 10am – 2pm

James Bay Community Market

• Superior St at Menzies St
• May 1^st – October 2^nd
• Saturday: 9am – 3pm

North Saanich Farm Market

• St. Johns United Church garden, 10990 West Saanich Rd
• June 5^th – Thanksgiving
• Saturday: 9:30am - 11:30pm

Moss Street Market

• Moss St – Fairfield
• May – October (Summer Market)
• Saturday: 10am – 2pm

Sidney Street Market

• Mary Winspear Centre
• May 9^th – October 10^th
• Sunday: 11am – 3pm

Oaklands Sunset Market

• Oaklands Community Centre #1-2827 Belmont Ave
• June 30^th – September 1^st
• Wednesday: 4:30pm – 8:30pm

As always, please refrain from non-essential travel outside of your health authority, and visit www.gov.bc.ca/covidtravel to see the full details of current travel restrictions. 

 

Today, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced new travel restrictions. 
 
These restrictions are about keeping people safe and healthy. As we continue to roll out our vaccination program, limiting non-essential travel will help us to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the province.
 
Most British Columbians have been working hard to stop the spread of COVID-19 by following public health advice to stay in their communities and avoiding non-essential travel. 
 
But we need to do more to discourage travel.
 
This order will limit travel into and out of three regional zones in the province:

1. Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley
2. Vancouver Island
3. Northern and Interior (this includes Hope and the Bella Coola Valley and Central Coast)

The order is designed to discourage and stop recreational and leisure travel – not punish people. The order does not restrict essential travel between regional zones – including for work, for school and to help care for a sick loved one.
 
As Dr. Henry says, staying in our local communities means we are not going to and from COVID hotspots and inadvertently bringing the virus along with us.
 
I encourage everyone to visit www.gov.bc.ca/covidtravel to see the full details of the travel restrictions.
 
My office is available to help answer your questions by phone at 250-479-4154 or email at Lana.Popham.MLA@leg.bc.ca.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep BC safe.
Sincerely,