This week, students in BC are headed back to school for a new school year. I know that many kids are excited to get back to classes, sports, extracurriculars, and seeing their friends. I also know that many parents have questions about how we are continuing to adapt to the changing COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The health and safety of students and staff remains our top priority. The school safety protocols are guided by the experts at the BC Centre for Disease Control and developed in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Health Officer and our K-12 steering committee.
 
Here are the key measures in place this school year:

• All students and staff must complete a health check every day and stay home if they are sick. You can use the K-12 Health Check website or app to quickly go through the checklist.
• All staff, visitors, and all students in Grades 4-12, must wear a mask indoors and on the bus. Students in K-3 are strongly encouraged to wear a mask if they can put it on and take it off themselves.
• $87.5 million has been invested to improve ventilation systems in B.C. schools.
• Cleaning and disinfection of rooms and surfaces will follow BC CDC guidance, with all frequently touched surfaces cleaned every 24 hours.
• This year, sports, clubs and extracurriculars will continue, with safety plans in place, and in accordance with local, regional, and provincial public health orders.

These precautions are being put in place so that students can continue learning in the classroom and have every opportunity to achieve their goals. For more info on how we're keeping schools safe, visit this page.

 

We’ve also invested an additional $5 million this year for increased mental health supports for students. We know the pandemic has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. With this funding, each school district will be able to deliver the programs that work for their community and help kids thrive.  
 
The best thing we can all do to keep ourselves and those around us safe is to get vaccinated. If you know someone who is looking for info on where to get their shots send them this link. Many clinics are now offering walk in appointments every day, maybe you can even offer to help someone find a walk-in clinic that is close and convenient!  

Sincerely,

 
Hello,

Our office will be closed for a Summer break starting on Monday August 23rd.

We will reopen after Labour Day on Tuesday September 7th with a return to our regular office hours of 9:00AM - 4:00PM Monday to Friday. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Here are some resources that may be helpful to you while my office is closed:

• If you need assistance with any BC Government agencies please call 250-387-6121.

• If you have an issue regarding Agriculture and Fisheries you can email the Ministry's office at: AGR.Minister@gov.bc.ca

• Up-to-date information about COVID-19 resources and best practices can be found on the BC Centre for Disease Control website.

• For more information on B.C.'s response to COVID-19, please visit the following website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support

• Finally, the latest news from the B.C. government can be found here.

Thank you,

Punjabi Mela!

I’m looking forward to celebrating Independence Day and Mela Teeyan Da at the Punjabi Mela at Beckwith Park! So many people are gathering to rejoice together with food and dance! 

It takes many hands to organize these rich cultural events in our community and I would like to thank all the organizers who are working tirelessly to make this event happen!

Checkout the event details in the flyer below!

Sincerely,

Another heat warning is in effect for Saanich South!

Temperatures are expected to climb to the early thirties and stay high overnight. Take steps to protect yourself and don't forget to check in on your neighbours.

Make sure to:

• Drink plenty of fluids,
• Keep cool – find AC or a fan if you can, otherwise try a cold bath or shower to cool down,
• Avoid sunburn by using plenty of sunscreen and staying inside during peak heat, and
• Never leave a child or pet in a car, even if you crack the window

Sincerely,

Saanich South Summer Reading Competition!
 
Do you live in Saanich South? Do you love reading? Do you like free books?
 
Enter our Summer Reading Competition for a chance to win a free book of your choice from a local bookstore! All you have to do is show that you live in Saanich South and let us know what book(s) you’ve been reading this summer!
 

Here’s how to participate:

1. Send an email to us at Lana.Popham.MLA@leg.bc.ca by September 10, 2021 and let us know (either by sharing a picture or just telling us) what book you're currently reading! You are also welcome to share your entire summer reading list with us!
2. In your email to us, include your postal code to prove that you live in Saanich South
3. Done! A winner will be chosen by a random draw after September 10th

I can’t wait to see what everyone in Saanich South has been reading this summer!

Thank you,

What do you think about paid sick days?

The pandemic has highlighted just how important it is to stay home from work when you are sick to reduce the spread of illness and keep people healthy. But many people, especially those in lower-paying jobs without benefits, don’t have that choice and they can’t afford to lose wages by missing work.
 
Our government introduced three days of paid sick leave during the pandemic, to bridge the gap for people accessing the federal sickness benefit. At the same time, we committed to putting in place a permanent paid sick leave program, so that everyone can access paid sick days and stay home when they need to. This permanent program will come into effect in January 2022, but we want you to tell us what it should look like.
 
We want to make sure this program reflects the needs and experiences of people in B.C., so we’re inviting both workers and employers to participate in a short survey to help us shape the program. Go to engage.gov.bc.ca/paidsickleave/ to participate – the survey will be open until September 14. Whether you currently have paid sick days at your workplace or not, we want to hear from you. The survey should only take a few minutes and doesn’t ask for any personal information. All the responses will be kept confidential.
 
As our economy continues to recover from the pandemic, we also want to make sure that people whose employment was impacted are recovering as well. That’s why we’ve announced an investment of $95 million in skills training programs to support over 9,000 people across the province.
 
We’re helping people to re-skill or up-skill so they can find the right job for them and support themselves and their families while also boosting our local economies. If you or someone you know is unemployed or under-employed and looking to learn new skills, visit this link to see programs that are available.

Thank you,

As of this week, over 80% of eligible people in B.C. have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 60% are fully vaccinated with two doses. But we need even more people to get vaccinated so we can help limit the spread of COVID-19 and stay safe and healthy. 

If you haven’t booked your vaccine yet I encourage everyone to do so as soon as possible. You can register for your vaccine and find out more information here.

As we head into the long weekend, heat warnings are in place for much of Vancouver Island. Please take precautions to help keep you and your loved ones safe. Here are a few tips:

• Drink plenty of water, even before you get thirsty,

• If you can, plan work and activities for before 10AM and after 4PM,

• Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide brimmed hat,

• If possible, try to stick to air-conditioned areas or use a fan,

• Never leave a child or pet alone in a car, even if you crack the window, and

• Check on loved ones and neighbours, especially seniors, as the heat can be especially dangerous for more vulnerable members of our community

Sincerely,

 

Have you been vaccinated yet?

The chart above shows that vaccines work. Vaccinated people are way less likely to get Covid, and those that do have a greatly reduced chance of ending up in the hospital. Get yours as soon as you can, and talk to your friends and family about the benefits of getting vaccinated.

If you haven't been vaccinated yet, or if it's been more than 49 days since your first dose, now is the time to get vaccinated. Visit here to register for a vaccine (if you haven't already), and visit this website to learn about drop-in vaccine clinics.

Please continue to follow Covid guidelines and restrictions, get vaccinated as soon as you can, and encourage your friends and family to get vaccinated too.

Thank you,

 

Our top priority has always been, and will always be, keeping people safe. On Tuesday July 20, Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, declared a State of Emergency, based on the advice of emergency management and wildfire officials. 

Thousands of firefighting and emergency response staff are already in the field and nothing has stood in the way of them getting the resources they need to respond to wildfires and support people. The State of Emergency allows us to move quickly, should the need arise, to ensure coordination and secure more accommodation spaces. 

The cooperation from all levels of government and in our communities has been outstanding, and we expect this to continue as we move through another very difficult fire season. Whether you live in an affected area or are planning travel across B.C., I encourage you to visit www.bcwildfire.ca for the latest information to help keep yourself and your family safe. 

We know that climate change is expected to make these types of extreme events more frequent and that we need strong, coordinated action around the world to reduce emissions and build a cleaner economy for everyone.  

In B.C., we’re taking a range of actions through our CleanBC plan to build a more sustainable future powered by more renewable energy. We’ve also supported a Cultural and Prescribed Fire program to promote healthy forests and reduce wildfire risk. We’ve invested in wildfire risk reduction, reforestation, forest rehabilitation, and other efforts through the Forest Enhancement Society of BC and Forest Carbon Initiative. 

Sometimes, taking care of our environment also happens on a smaller scale. This week, we took action to protect wildlife like owls by restricting the sale and use of certain rodenticides. These are poisons designed to kill rodents, which often end up harming or killing the owls or other wildlife that eat these rodents. This temporary ban will allow us to collaborate with experts in the field of rodent control and wildlife protection and work together on public education and the prevention of further harm to wildlife in our province.

As always, please do your part to help prevent wildfires by respecting bans on campfires, open fires, and fireworks. To report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire in British Columbia, please call 1-800-663-5555 or (*5555 from a cell phone).

Sincerely,

Do you know what to do if you’ve lost your home or vehicle to a wildfire? Do you have questions about things like EI benefits or mail delivery in fire-affected areas? If you or a loved one has been impacted by a BC Wildfire visit http://emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca and click on "Recovery & Supports" and there you’ll be able to connect to many of the key resources that you may need.

 
Now let's all do our part by respecting bans on campfires, fireworks, and open fires and being extra cautious when disposing of things that may start a fire, such as cigarettes.

As always, please reach out to my office if you need assistance with provincial programs. You can do so by emailing Lana.Popham.MLA@leg.bc.ca or calling 250-479-4154.

Thank you,

 

Renewed Ambulance Services:

When you call 911 for a medical emergency, you should feel confident that help is on the way. That’s why we’re taking action to improve B.C.’s ambulance system by making it faster and more responsive, and a better place to work for paramedics.
 

Our government is hiring 85 new full-time paramedics and 30 new full-time dispatchers. We’re also funding 22 new ambulances around the province. To better serve rural communities, we’re converting 22 rural ambulance stations to 24/7 ALPHA stations. We’re also directing health authorities to add additional staff at hospital emergency departments to receive patients from ambulances – so that paramedics can get back on the road to respond to calls more quickly.
 

We’re also making changes to the board and leadership of BC Emergency Health Services, making it more accountable to the Minister of Health, with a mandate to ensure better service for British Columbians.
 

Since 2017, the BC Emergency Health Services annual budget has increased from $424.25 million to $559.12 million a year, doubling the average annual spending increases compared to the previous year. There is still more to do, and we’re committed to making sure these services are there when people need them.
 

Many parts of our province are also dealing with the impacts of wildfires right now. My thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted, and all the first responders who are assisting. Let’s do our part to prevent forest fires by respecting current bans on campfires, open fires, and fireworks.
 
The federal and provincial governments have both committed to matching donations to the Red Cross' British Columbia Fires Appeal. That means every dollar donated will become $3 to support the people affected by this fire season. You can donate in the following ways:

• Online at https://donate.redcross.ca/page/85877/donate/1
• Call (toll-free) 1-800-418-1111
• Text FIRES to 45678
• By contacting your local Canadian Red Cross office.

Thank you,

Moving Towards Universal Child Care:

The pandemic has shone a light on something we’ve known for a long time – that access to affordable, inclusive child care is not only good social policy, it’s also vital to our economy.

 
So far, our government has created thousands of affordable child care spaces across BC. Families are already feeling the benefits, with many parents saving up to $1,600 a month per child. Over the next three years, our government will be investing more than $2.5 billion in our Childcare BC plan.
 
We’ve established ourselves as a national leader in child care and we’re proud to be the first province to in Canada to sign an agreement to build a national low-cost child care system.
 
We’ve secured an investment of over $3 billion in our plan from the federal government. By working together, we’re making $10-a-day child care a reality for more families.
 
The pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on women, who often take on more child care responsibilities in families. By making child care more affordable and accessible, we’re allowing more women to make the choice to go back to work or go back to school to further their education.
 
We’re building an inclusive, universal child care system that will support our strong economic recovery, and benefit BC families for generations to come. Learn more here.

Sincerely,

Sending a HUGE thank you to all of BC’s firefighters! 

The hustle and drive of BC firefighters is unmatched, they’re facing some of the toughest challenges that BC has ever seen and risking their lives to keep us safe. 

Please do your part by respecting the campfire, firework, and open fire bans that are currently active across the province. 

As of July 7, 2021 there are 201 active fires. Please call 1-800-663-5555 (or *5555 on your cell) to report a wildfire. For updates please visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status. 

Thank you,

As of yesterday, BC is in Step 3 of our Restart Plan. So far nearly 80% of British Columbians have had their first dose of the vaccine, and our declining case counts show us that vaccines are working.

We have been able to move to Step 3 because of our collective efforts and sacrifices. Thank you for everything you’ve done these past fifteen months to keep yourselves and our community safe.

I encourage you to visit this page for complete details about our Restart Plan and what Step 3 means for you and your family. Here are a few highlights of the new changes and what we can now safely do:

• You can attend normal indoor and outdoor personal gatherings, including sleepovers.

• Restaurants, bars, and pubs are no longer limited to 6 people per table.

• Fitness classes can resume with normal capacity. 

• Indoor and outdoor sports can have more spectators.

• Travellers from across Canada are welcome.

Masks are recommended in public indoor settings for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated. While masks are no longer mandatory, individual businesses and organizations may still choose to require masks in their spaces. Some people may still want to wear masks in many settings, and that’s ok. 

Step 3 brings us closer to normal, but the pandemic is not yet behind us. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, now is the time to do so. Remember to continue washing your hands, staying home when you’re feeling sick, and make sure to get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms. When socializing with friends and family, be mindful of everyone’s individual comfort level, and as always, be kind, be calm, and be safe.

Thank you,

We're in for a pretty serious heat wave starting today and lasting until Tuesday. Please follow these tips to help you and your family stay safe this weekend

1) Don’t leave children or pets alone in a parked car- even if you crack the window the inside of your car will not remain at a safe temperature.

2) Drink lots of water!

3) Keep cool. Stick to air-conditioned buildings when possible or try a cold bath or shower to cool off.

4) Plan activities for before 10AM and after 4PM.

5) Wear plenty of sunscreen and reapply often!

6) Check on children, older adults, and those unable to leave their homes for signs of heat-related illness.

Learn more here.

Thank you,

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,