Today, and everyday, we must protect and support our trans community.

For far too long, the trans community has faced higher rates of violence, poverty, mental health struggles, and other complex challenges- all a direct result of the stigma and discrimination that so many trans people face. Everyone should have the right to be who they are without stigma or fear of discrimination.

To parents: I challenge you to build a home where your kid(s) can feel safe coming out to you, regardless of whether or not they have to.

For those wondering what the government has been up to on this, we’ve:

• Flew the Trans flag at the legislature for the first time
• Flew the Trans flag at the legislature for the first time
• Updated roughly 600 instances of gendered language across 15 ministries’
• Introduced “X” as a third gender marker on government ID
• Moved to ensure publicly funded affirming lower surgeries are available in BC, and
• Ensured all 60 school districts and several independent schools were part of the SOGI Educator Network.

Protect. Trans. Kids.

Sincerely,

Welcome spring! What's in season on Vancouver Island now?

Always in season:

• dehydrated vegetables, 
• frozen berries, and 
• potatoes

Currently in season:

• apples, 
• cauliflower, 
• herbs, 
• leeks, 
• lettuce, 
• peppers, 
• rhubarb, and 
• tomatoes

Coming soon:

• asparagus, 
• beans, 
• celery, 
• kale, and 
• spinach

Here before summer:

• beets, 
• broccoli, 
• carrots, 
• cherries, 
• currants, 
• garlic, 
• peas, 
• squash, 
• turnips, 
• strawberries, and 
• zucchini

Wow, look at all this amazing local food! Please make sure to support local farmers and producers by buying BC!

Sincerely,

Homelessness is a complex issue that affects people and communities across BC. That’s why we are investing $633 million in comprehensive new initiatives to help address homelessness.

Here’s what we’re doing:

✔️Introducing a change to our shelter allowance to provide a new minimum base rate and funding tenant start-up kits to assist people moving from homelessness into more stable housing. We're also implementing $600-per-month rent supplements with integrated health and social supports that will help more than 3,000 people with low incomes access housing in the private market over the next three years. 

✔️ Investing $35 million over three years for new and increased supports for youth in care until the age of 27. This includes a new financial supplement, a no-limit earnings exemption, help with the cost of housing, and other needed education and social supports. Youth in government care are overrepresented in our homeless population and like all young people, these youth need supports for a successful transition into adulthood, even after they turn 19.

✔️ Investing $164 million over three years to expand government’s complex-care housing program to better support people with complex health, mental health, and substance-use challenges. This will provide housing and more intensive care for those who may need a level of support that goes beyond what the current model of supportive housing can provide.
 
✔️ Providing long-term solutions by allocating $264 million over three years for a permanent housing plan to ensure the approximately 3,000 people who were temporarily housed during the pandemic do not return to homelessness.

Since 2017, we've moved thousands of unhoused people into homes with the supports they need. But we know there is much more work to do make up for the years of inaction and underfunding of the old government. Budget 2022’s investments will go a long way to combat the growing homelessness we are seeing across B.C.

Sincerely,

I’m so proud of folks in BC who collectively worked so hard over the past 2 years! We have come to a moment that we have all been hoping for. We did this together BC! ♥️

Some orders, like masks orders, change today! And after April 8th, showing the vaccine passport will no longer be required for access to non-essential events, services and businesses…We made it! 

“British Columbians have made tremendous sacrifices and worked hard to do their part over the past two years by following the advice and direction of Dr. Henry," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. "Thanks to high levels of vaccination, decreasing transmission enabled by British Columbians' resolve and the public health orders we've had in place, we are now able to lift more restrictions and continue moving forward as a province."

Effective March 11, 2022, at 12:01 a.m., the following changes will be made to public health orders:

➡️Face coverings order: Face coverings will be optional for people in all indoor public settings. People may want to continue wearing a mask based on personal choice. Individual businesses and organizations can choose to continue to require mask wearing on their premises.

➡️Gatherings and events for faith gatherings: The requirement of faith communities to restrict attendance based on vaccination status is no longer required.

➡️Indoor common area mask requirements for employees as part of the Workplace Safety Order will no longer be required. Employers may choose to continue to require wearing masks for operational reasons or in certain settings.

➡️Overnight camps for children and youth order requirements: COVID-19 safety plans are no longer required to be submitted to a medical health officer for overnight camps.

➡️Masks are encouraged on public transit and BC Ferries but are no longer required under the public health order.

April 8, 2022, at 12:01 a.m., if hospitalizations and transmission keep going down the following changes will also be made to public health orders:

➡️Showing the BC Vaccine Card proof of vaccination to access non-essential events, services and businesses will no longer be required.

➡️Individual businesses and organizations can choose to continue to require the BC Vaccine Card proof on their premises.

Sincerely,

Wow, what a difference five years makes!

The photo below was taken in 2017 when I was the only female Agriculture Minister in Canada.

The next photo was taken this morning, alongside my female colleagues, all of them Minister’s! 

It was such a pleasure to join Federal Minister of Agriculture Marie-Claude Bibeau, Ontario Minister of Agriculture Lisa Thompson, New Brunswick Minister of Agriculture Margaret C. Johnson and North West Territories Minister of Finance Caroline Wawzonek during our International Women’s Day fireside chat to celebrate women in politics! Huge thanks to Vicki Brisson for moderating. 

I am the first woman Minister of Agriculture in BC, and I’m pretty sure I won’t be the last! Happy International Women’s Day 2022!!! 

Sincerely,

 

Masks are for people, not fish.

The catch of the day shouldn't be wearing a mask. Please cut the ear loops on your masks before disposing in the trash so they don't entangle fish or other wildlife. 

#CutTheLoops

If you would like to order some posters to help raise awareness of this issue, please email me at Lana.Popham.MLA@leg.bc.ca. 

Sincerely,

 
Hey Saanich,
 
Road safety is important. That’s why using a cell phone at any point while you are in care and control of a vehicle is against the law, even when you’re stopped at a red light or in heavy traffic. #LeaveYourPhoneAlone and keep your eyes forward to help keep yourself and others safe.
 
Pedestrians, cyclists, other motorists, and anyone else who may be using our roads deserve to feel safe. Please #LeaveYourPhoneAlone at all times.
 
Sincerely,

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,