Do you live in Saanich South? If yes, share your favourite local walk or hiking trail with us for a chance to win John Crouch’s guide to over 60 hikes and walks around Victoria! 

Here’s how to participate:

• Email Lana.Popham.MLA@leg.bc.ca by March 20th and share with us:
• Your street address or postal code to prove you live in Saanich South
• Your favourite local trail

• Take your family on that hike to celebrate the coming start of Spring! (optional but encouraged).

The winner will be chosen by a random draw. The contest is only open to residents of Saanich South, but your favourite trail can be anywhere in the CRD!

Sincerely,

BC's Budget 2022 is taking concrete action to tackle climate change, strengthen public services, and build on our strengths to prepare us for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

Climate-related disasters over the past two years have proven how seriously we need to take the fight against climate change. Budget 2022 includes $2.1 billion to help communities recover from, and prepare for, climate disasters. We're also spending $1 billion through CleanBC and the Roadmap to 2030 to make clean energy and transportation more affordable, support industry to decarbonize our economy, and provide funding for local governments to reduce emissions.

Budget 2022 also advances our vision for affordable and quality childcare for all. Average fees for childcare will be reduced to $20 a day or less and we're increasing training seats for early childhood educators to help deliver 40,000 new licensed spaces over the next 7 years.

Lastly, strengthening our health and mental health services is also a major priority for our government. That's why Budget 2022 includes $3.2 billion for new urgent and primary care centres, better emergency response times, and support for First Nations primary care centres. We're also continuing to fund the Pathway to Hope, a $500 million investment to improve mental health and addictions care across BC.

To read more about these investments and more in Budget 2022 checkout this link. 

Sincerely,

This week, we introduced our StrongerBC Economic Plan. The plan will build off our economic recovery from the pandemic, address inequality, and combat climate change. Right now, B.C. is leading Canada’s economic recovery, and we want to sustain this recovery while addressing some of the key lessons we’ve learned over the last two years. The pandemic, fires, flooding and other events over the last couple of years have exposed gaps in how our systems care for people – and this plan will address those so that nobody is left behind. 
 
The StrongerBC Economic Plan sets out to fill one-million job openings anticipated over the next ten years while working towards growth that is inclusive and environmentally clean. We have set out comprehensive key actions and core missions. You can learn more about the plan here: StrongerBC.gov.bc.ca/engage
 
This plan is based on extensive consultation, including with business, Indigenous people, and communities across the province. We’re building an economy that works for you and your family, because an economy built for all, is an economy built to succeed.

Sincerely,

Thanks to over 90% of British Columbians who have made BC one of the most vaccinated jurisdictions in the world, several restrictions will be lifted starting February 17th. We will continue with key measures including the proof of vaccination requirement and mask mandates for indoor public spaces. Other measures that will continue are:

• Businesses still must have a COVID-19 safety plan

• Restrictions on visitors to long-term care and assisted living facilities

• Restrictions on worship services

• Restrictions on child and youth overnight camps

• K-12 and child care safety guidelines

With proof of vaccination and masks many activities can return to normal. Starting on February 17th full capacity will be allowed in the following settings:

• Restaurants and nightclubs, 

• Exercise and fitness, and

• Indoor and outdoor events

Requirements on table size, mingling with other guests, and liquor service hours will all be lifted. Dancing will also allowed while wearing a mask.

For many people, they will be concerned that we are reopening too fast, while others will feel we are not going fast enough. It's okay to be at different levels, and important to respect what others may or may not be comfortable with. Together, let's stay calm, kind, and patient as we look ahead to brighter days.

Sincerely,

This week marked the beginning of the Spring session of the Legislature, and our government is eager to continue working on issues that matter to people. There is a lot of work ahead, but our focus on keeping people safe through the rest of the pandemic is unwavering.

 
The throne speech outlined some of our goals for 2022. We will continue to increase the supply of affordable housing, double the number of $10/day childcare spaces, and tie minimum wage increases to the rate of inflation. We’re going to continue working to combat climate change, address the toxic drug crisis, and strengthen our healthcare system.

 
British Columbians have shown their resilience and how much they care for one another throughout the pandemic. Over 90% of eligible British Columbians are vaccinated - one of the highest vaccination rates in North America. With booster shots now available for folks 12+ I encourage everyone to book their booster as soon as they’re invited to do so. B.C. has also had the strongest economic recovery in Canada. There are more people working today in our province than when the pandemic first hit, and there are over 1 million jobs forecast to open in the next decade.

We're laying the foundation for future prosperity that will not leave anyone behind. There are many challenges ahead, and opportunities, but by working together we can come out of these tough times stronger and more resilient than ever. 

Sincerely,

Happy Lunar New Year!
 
February 1^st 2022 marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Say goodbye to the Year of the Ox, we enter the Year of the Tiger this Tuesday!
 
The year of the Tiger will be about making big changes. We're finding enthusiasm again, both for ourselves and others. Generosity is at an all-time high and social progress feels possible. Have a hopeful and healthy year!

Sincerely,

Hey Saanich! Have these blue skies got you longing for warmer weather and outdoor actives? Then you might be happy to know that baseball registration is now open!

 
Checkout these links to register your child:

• Lakehill Baseball & Softball
• Layritz Little League
• Layritz Intermediate
• Cordova Bay Fastball 

Play ball!

Sincerely,

 
Many folks across the province are working hard to make their communities a better place. Whether it's through not-for-profit work, leading local initiatives to shift to cleaner energy sources, or making personal lifestyle changes to help preserve our planet – people are making a difference. 

This week, we announced funding for not-for-profit organizations to upgrade their facilities, update technology, or buy needed equipment. People rely on local not-for-profit organizations for important services, including ones that support their physical and mental health. This critical funding for capital projects will help organizations make upgrades that benefit people, such as replacing old playgrounds at schools, building wheel-chair accessible spaces, and building a recovery home for people experiencing addiction.
 
We also made record investments in communities to reduce pollution and increase health in response to a changing climate. As we deal with the impacts of climate change on our province, we know how important it is to support cleaner infrastructure projects. The third intake of the CleanBC Communities Fund will support projects that increase clean energy and energy efficiency in buildings, transportation and other community-owned infrastructure to reduce community reliance on fossil fuels. Applications open on Jan. 26 for local governments, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit and for-profit organizations.
 
We’re also making it easier for students to walk or wheel to school. 12 schools across the province will be participating in a pilot project to encourage active transportation. Schools will have access to funding to plan walking and cycling improvements that meet specific needs in their neighbourhood, including offering shared bikes, scooters, and skateboards, or determining the best-routes to school and educating students on safety.
 
We know we have a diverse province, full of hard-working people with great ideas. That’s why we are investing in community efforts across the province. When we all work together, we can build a stronger, cleaner B.C. for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Our Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, has announced that gyms will be allowed to re-open as of January 20th, provided they follow health protocols to ensure they are operating safely.
 
Here are some of the new regulations: 

• There must be at least 7 square metres of space between workout machines or between people in a group class.
• Masks must be always worn, except when actively exercising. 
• Pre-bookings for drop-in individual fitness should be implemented where operationally possible 

 
Throughout this pandemic, closing businesses has been a temporary measure to help protect our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed, keep people safe, and to slow the sudden and rapid spread of the virus. Businesses which have been affected by the December 22nd PHO order can still apply for the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the many gyms and fitness centres in our community which have had to innovate and adapt to restrictions by offering virtual or outdoor classes, and by temporarily closing at times. Thank you for doing your part to keep Saanich safe and healthy. 

There are many great gyms and fitness centres in Saanich South. With the gradual reopening starting tomorrow I encourage you to check them out! Here are just some of them:

• 30 Minute Hit – 102-4475 Viewmont Ave
• Canada’s Best Karate – 201-4442 West Saanich Rd
• CMATS Martial Arts – 4512 West Saanich Rd
• Crossfit Lifetree – 6021 West Saanich Rd
• Falcon Gymnastics – 208-721 Vanalman Ave
• Fit in Motion – 956 Burnside Rd West
• Karen Clark Dance Studio – 4499 Viewmont Ave
• Kenzen Karate – 4349 West Saanich Rd
• Oxygen Yoga and Fitness – 4454B West Saanich Rd
• Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence – 4371 Interurban Rd
• Real Fit – 4396 West Saanich Rd
• Resurgence Training – 1130 Burnside Rd West
• Saanich Commonwealth Place – 4636 Elk Lake Dr
• Skillz Canada – 3-4011 Quadra St
• Victoria Sport and Social Club – 5166 Cordova Bay Rd

Did we miss your gym? Let us know by emailing my office at Lana.Popham.MLA@leg.bc.ca! 

Sincerely,

Last night, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Adrian Dix answered questions from British Columbians at a townhall-style meeting about covid-19 and how we're working to keep people safe. 

They answered questions about booster doses, keeping our children in schools safe, omicron, concerns surrounding the vaccines, and more. It was a very interesting meeting and I encourage everyone to give it a listen!

If you missed the original broadcast, you can watch it here.

Sincerely,

The new year brings hope and optimism with it despite the challenges ahead of us. While COVID-19 continues to disrupt our lives and our communities, we are implementing science-based measures to get through the Omicron variant and put the pandemic behind us. 
 
We’ve accelerated our booster campaign and now over 960,000 people have received their booster shot. The most important thing we can all do is make sure to get your vaccines as soon as you are eligible. Like getting your second dose, everyone 18 and older will receive an email or text to book their booster at a location that works for them through our online system. Invitations for booster shots are being sent out approximately 6 months after someone received their second dose. If you’re not vaccinated yet you can register to get your vaccine through BC’s Get Vaccinated system.
 
Applications for the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant will open soon. Businesses that have had to temporarily close due to the latest Provincial Health Officer orders can apply to receive up to $10,000 to help cover costs like rent, utilities, and wages.
 
As more and more British Columbians are receiving their booster shots, it is still important that we continue to use other layers of protection to keep each other safe, including wearing masks, decreasing social contacts, and staying home when we feel sick.
 
In 2022, let’s continue to support and care for one another as we look ahead to brighter days.

Sincerely,

Recovery efforts remain underway and work to repair damaged highways is still ongoing. Given the continued need for public safety measures under the Emergency Program Act the provincial State of Emergency has been extended until December 28th, 2021.

The order restricting non-essential travel on highways 3 and 99 remains in place. This includes Highway 3 from the junction with Highway 5 in Hope to the west entrance from the highway into Princeton and on Highway 99 the junction at Lillooet River Road to the BC Hydro Seton Lake Campsite access in Lillooet.

The order limiting the non-essential use of fuel will expire and no longer be in place at the end of the day on December 14th, 2021.

Additionally, Highway 11 in Abbotsford between Hazelwood Avenue and Clayburn Road is now open to commercial vehicle traffic to support the movement of goods and services between the Sumas border, Abbotsford, and Mission. However, both northbound lanes remain closed, and traffic is moving in the two southbound lanes using a single lane in each direction. Please drive with caution and continue to limit unnecessary travel in this area.

Flood recovery work is underway. Minister Bibeau, the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and I have been meeting with farmers to hear about how the recent events have impacted farm operations, families, and livelihoods. We will continue to work with farmers and communities who are feeling these harsh impacts to provide the necessary support for a strong recovery and plan for the future. 

Officials are urgently working to complete a joint assessment and help producers with their extraordinary costs. Programming under AgriRecovery will roll out as soon as those assessments and program design are completed.

For more information on the Ministry of Agriculture's response to flooding click here. You can also call the helpline at 1-833-376-2452 for information on emergency and agricultural supports, mental health supports, and more.

Sincerely,

A strong winter storm is forecasted to impact many parts of BC starting tomorrow and lasting until Sunday. We are expecting to experience high winds and heavy rain- with colder parts of the province facing snow.

Here are a few tips on how to prepare:

• Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Dressing in layers with a wind and water-resistant outer layer provides flexibility for changing conditions.
• Severe weather can cause power outages. Be prepared for up to one week by developing a household emergency plan and putting together an emergency kit.
• If you come across a downed or damaged power line, assume it is live and a danger. Stay back at least 10 metres (the length of a bus) and call 911 immediately to report.
• Drive for the conditions. There are fewer daylight hours, and blowing snow and rain can further reduce visibility.
• Exercise extra caution when driving on wet and icy roads.
• Drivers should keep an emergency kit in their car consisting of warm clothes, winter footwear, food and water, a shovel, a flashlight, and a fully charged cell phone for emergency calls.
• B.C.’s winter tire regulations are in effect, make sure to have the proper tires on your vehicle.

For information on how to put together an emergency kit, click here. For the most up to date weather alerts check with Environment Canada.

There are also new updates regarding highway repairs:

• Essential travel restrictions on Highway 7 between Hope and Mission have been lifted, helping us return to normal travel activities.
• Highway 1 between Abbotsford and Hope has been fully reopened with 2 separated lanes in each direction. Please limit your non-essential travel on this portion of the highway to help support the movement of goods and services
• Highways 16, 29, and 97 will experience intermittent overnight closures between December 9th and 13th to ensure the safe transport of large commercial vehicles with and vehicles with oversized cargo.

For the most up to date information on road closures visit drivebc.ca. 

Sincerely,

Disaster Financial Assistance has been expanded for folks effected by the flooding and mudslides from November 14th to December 2nd and now includes residents on Vancouver Island as well as the northwest, southwest, central, and southeast regions of the province. 

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) is available to homeowners, residential tenants, farmers, business owners, and charitable organizations who have suffered property damage for which insurance was not reasonably and readily available. Emergency Management BC will be accepting applications until March 3rd, 2022. If you have questions about DFA you can contact DFA@gov.bc.ca. 

In other news, over the weekend there were several updates regarding highway repairs, please see below.

• The Malahat is now open to continuous two-way traffic for oversized vehicles,

• Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet has reopened, and

• Highway 11 in Abbotsford has reopened to single-lane traffic between Hazelwood Avenue and Clayburn Road for passenger and emergency vehicles.

For the latest updates on road conditions drivers should check drivebc.ca. 

Sincerely, 

Last night, I met with the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Minister Bibeau. Together, we hosted a roundtable with agricultural commodity groups from all sectors and regions across BC. This was one of many conversations we will be having with farmers, ranchers, producers and industry to listen to their concerns, needs and how we can best support them.

The federal and provincial governments have committed to work together, and are listening intently to farmers and producers so we can provide the support needed to help them get back on their feet and their farms back in production. This includes developing an AgriRecovery program that will be available in the weeks ahead, with its key focus on helping producers through the assessment, recovery and reconstruction phases, so we can get them working, and they can get back to producing the food that British Columbians count on.

Read more here.

Sincerely,

I would like to provide you with some updates regarding highway closures and openings.

• As of today, Highway 1 between Abbotsford and Hope will reopen. However, cleanup and repair efforts continue. Please do what you can to restrict your non-essential travel through the effected areas.
• Unfortunately, due to a landslide Highway 99 has once again closed between Pemberton and Lillooet. No drivers were affected by the slide.
• Finally, the Malahat will be subject to single-lane traffic overnight at parts of the highway where repairs are being done.

Sincerely,

 

Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet has now reopened to essential travel after closing overnight due to weather conditions.

Sections of Highway 99 are very steep and narrow. As such, vehicles travelling on this highway must have a gross vehicle weight of less than 14,500 kilograms. Vehicles must also be equipped with winter tires.

Sincerely, 

With heavy rainfall in coastal and southwestern BC, our government has extended the provincial state of emergency and fuel order until the end of the day on December 14th, 2021.

Since this weekend, Highway 99 and Highway 3 have reopened to essential traffic. However, Highway 1 remains closed due to the threat of flooding. Highway 1 is closed between  McCallum Road (exit 90) and Yale Road (exit 109) as well as between just east of Hope all the way into the Popkum/Bridal Falls area. For the most up-to-date road conditions check drivebc.ca.

Additionally, we've setup a helpline for those who have been impacted by recent extreme weather events and flooding. For info about emergency and agricultural supports, mental health supports, essential travel, and more folks can call 1-833-376-2452. Folks are also welcome to contact my office at 250-479-4154 for my constituency office or 250-387-1023 for the Ministry of Agriculture.

Sincerely,

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued weather alerts for a series of storms, strong winds, and snow in some areas in BC. Storms are expected to arrive later today and continue into next week.

Flood conditions may arise in the effected areas over the period of these storms. The River Forecast Centre has issued high streamflow advisories for all coastal regions. Please avoid non-essential travel during storms, and check-in on friends and family to make sure everyone is safe and prepared.

• To read more click here.

• For up-to-date weather alerts visit this website.

• For road conditions check drivebc.ca 

• For tips on emergency preparedness here.

Sincerely,

Our government is working with the Red Cross to provide additional financial support for those who have been evacuated due to the flooding. Assistance will be provided by the Red Cross to those whose primary residence was put on evacuation order as a result of the November 14th - 16th flooding. 

Eligible households will receive $2,000. To access this funding call Red Cross at 1-800-863-6582 anytime between 8:00AM and 8:00PM Pacific time.

Read more here.

Sincerely,

Following a geotechnical assessment, Highway 3 has been deemed safe and reopened to essential travel. Monitoring is in place, and drivers should expect delays and single-lane alternating traffic on portions of the road.

Essential travel is defined as:

• Commercial transporting for goods and supplies;
• Transporting essential goods and supplies;
• Transporting livestock, agricultural or seafood products or related supplies;
• Traveling by agricultural producers, veterinarians and support personnel to provide care for animals;
• Responding to emergencies or critical incidents, including incidents that involve search and rescue operations;
•  Evacuating for medical reasons or transporting for urgent medical treatment;
•  Highway and infrastructure repairing, maintenance and operation and related activities;
•  Transporting essential personnel, including health care workers and emergency responders;
•  Returning to a person’s own principal residence;
•  Exercising an Aboriginal or treaty right as recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982; and
• Media members travelling through a highway segment for purposes of reporting on the flooding and landslides

Read more here.

Sincerely,

Many in BC, especially farmers, are still in the middle of this disaster. We’re hearing what you need, our government and the federal government are with you and we are doing all we can to help you get back on your feet.

Here is some of the most up to date information from our government:

• Sections of Highway 1 in Abbotsford are now open for agricultural relief;
• The Province has introduced travel restrictions and is prioritizing fuel for essential vehicles to make sure essential services have what they need and goods can get to communities;
• Highway 1 is now open along several corridors as repairs and cleanup continue:
• From Boothroyd to Hope;
• East of Chilliwack to Hope;
• Highway 99 is now open to essential traffic only;
• Information on drinking-water wells in flooded areas;
• The Chief coroner's statement on mudslide search efforts;
• Highway 7 is open to essential traffic only; 
• Financial assistance is available for people effected by the flooding; and
• The Province has declared a State of Emergency.

You can find further updates here or on the BC Government News website. You are also welcome to reach out to my office. For inquiries or help relating to the Ministry of Agriculture call 250-387-1023. For my constituency office call 250-479-4154.

Sincerely, 

The last few days have been difficult for many in B.C. We’ve seen incredible amounts of rainfall and wind that led to damaging floods and mudslides across much of our Province. My heart goes out to everyone who has been affected by this tragedy.

We are working day and night to get people to safety and provide the support they need. Our government has declared a State of Emergency to mitigate impacts on transportation and support the provincewide response and recovery. We’ve requested federal assistance and Canadian Air Force assets are already operational, with more resources on the way. Emergency Support Services and Search and Rescue teams are providing emergency shelter, food and other supports to thousands of evacuees and stranded travellers. The B.C. Wildfire service has also been supporting efforts to rescue people and clear roads. The Ministry of Agriculture is working directly with farmers and farmers associations to help in any way possible, including using helicopters to drop containers with food and water for animals on farms that have been cut off.

I want to reassure everyone that our supplies of food and goods are secure. There may be temporary disruptions, but we are working quickly to re-route shipments through alternate routes to ensure people can get the essential supplies they need. You can play a role by shopping as you normally would and buying only what you need. Remember, your neighbours need supplies too.

I know the last few days have been devastating, but the most important thing we can all do right now is to remain calm and follow instructions from emergency personnel and experts. Right now, we are asking people not to travel for any non-essential reasons.

Here are some key links for the coming days:

• Before travelling check road closures, re-openings, and the status of repairs at DriveBC.ca 
• To donate funds or supplies to relief efforts, please contact donations@gov.bc.ca 
• Disaster financial assistance is available for those affected by flooding. See more info here.
• See all current evacuation orders, alerts, and list of reception centres at emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca. 
• People who have evacuated and need assistance should register with Emergency SupportServices.

Finally, I want to acknowledge and thank all of the British Columbians who have stepped up during this incredibly difficult time to help each other, whether that was providing food and shelter to stranded strangers or bringing their neighbour’s farm animals to safety. 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about any provincial issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you. My constituency office can be reached at 250-479-4154 or Lana.Popham.MLA@leg.bc.ca. My ministry office can be reached at 250-387-1023 or AGR.Minister@gov.bc.ca. 

Sincerely,

In response to the impacts of the recent extreme storm and flooding, we’ve declared a state of emergency. This will help us secure supply chains and make sure essential goods and emergency services can reach hard-hit communities.
 
Farmers, homeowners, tenants, small business owners, and charitable organizations who have suffered property damage can apply for Disaster Financial Assistance. If you have questions or need more information, please contact the Disaster Financial Assistance Team at 1-888-257-4777 or DFA@gov.bc.ca.
 
Many highways and roads remain closed. Please avoid non-essential travel to the effected areas. The Malahat will be closed overnight from 6:00PM – 6:00AM, until the morning of the 23rd. West Saanich Road is also closed at multiple intersections due to erosion caused by the storm. You can check road conditions at drivebc.ca.
 
I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to everyone working hard throughout this disaster. To the emergency crews, to those doing roadwork, to small businesses stepping up, and to neighbours doing what they can to lend a helping hand, thank you all for your hard work and dedication to your community.
 
Sincerely,

This week we announced an investment of $3 million for technology and trades equipment upgrades at 20 public post-secondary institutions across the province, including Camosun College’s Interurban campus! This will help set students up to excel in their careers by providing them with a high-quality learning environment where they can learn with industry-grade equipment. Funding will help Camosun replace obsolete equipment with modern technology to fit the wide range of programs they offer, including programs ranging from the culinary arts to civil engineering to plumbing!
 

Tech and skilled trades jobs offer interesting and rewarding career opportunities for workers, and contribute to B.C.’s economy in a big way - and they are in high demand. According to the 2019 Labour Market Outlook, 75,000 tech-related job openings, such as computer programmers, engineers and software designers, are expected in the 10-year period from 2019-29. In the trades, approximately 73,000 job openings are expected during the same time in occupations such as millwrighting, carpentry, construction and heavy-duty machinery.
 

We are improving access to training and education while supporting the sector with more home-grown talent. Every year, B.C. invests $99 million in trades education through the Industry Training Authority, and this year alone, they expect to fund more than 27,000 apprenticeship and foundation training seats. We’re also funding 2900 more tech spaces at post-secondary institutions.
 
We’ve seen a steady increase in the number of people entering tech and skilled trades professions in B.C. and we continue to encourage more people to consider this career path. Including by creating more opportunities for women and Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour to enter the trades.

Sincerely,