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Vancouver-Point Grey Newsletter | Summer 2015
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Dear Neighbours:

We’ve worked together to help make our community stronger for two years now. In May of 2013 you sent me to the legislature in Victoria to represent you, and at the halfway point I’m taking extra steps to be accountable to you.

Our office has prepared our first annual
Accountability Report for your review. Canvassing everything from community campaigns to my expense reports, this report should give you a good perspective of what your MLA has been up to. The design and work in pulling the data together was done by Gala, one of our community office staff, so thanks very much to her!

(As an aside, you should know that the report covers 2014, so you won’t see all of the big developments around the Jericho land sale and development, governance at the UEL, or many of the other community events we’ve already participated in or hosted in 2015.)

I hope this Accountability Report does exactly what its name implies – ensures my accountability to you. If you have feedback on what you see me doing, what I’m getting up to in the neighbourhood, or what I’m talking about in the legislature or the media, please let me know.


Your feedback, positive and negative, helps me be a better representative for you.
See the 2014 Accountability Report

Yours truly,

David Eby, MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey
BC NDP Spokesperson for Housing, Tourism, Liquor Policy, Gaming Policy and BC Pavilion Corp

david.eby.mla@leg.bc.ca

Issues update: The Jericho Lands


We recently had surprising and disturbing news from the Province of B.C. that they have reversed their long-standing plan to consult before selling the Jericho lands. Negotiations have already started with First Nations, the first step before the sale.

To pressure the province to consult before selling this public property and ensure public uses like schools, community centres, affordable housing, green space, and other uses are protected before the sale is made, our office has launched “Consult before you sell” postcards.


The worst possible outcome for the Jericho lands would be as future homes for a bunch of vacant luxury condos. Absentee investors don’t go to our local stores, don’t participate in our community, and don’t send their kids to our schools, and they occupy housing while those who work in the city can’t afford to live here.

We can’t let inertia lead the province to selling this property without strict conditions on use based on meaningful consultations with residents about the kind of community we want to build in Vancouver. 
 

These "consult before you sell" postcards can be filled out at our office and are directed at the Premier and the Minister responsible for land sales, Amrik Virk. Mr. Virk has reneged on the province’s promise to date to consult with our community before this critical and strategic property is sold.

If you’ve never sent a letter to government before, now is the time. Please come to our office to pick up a postcard. If you haven’t read the latest updates on Jericho, you can find them on our Jericho issue page.
View our Jericho Lands issue page

David prepares with panel members for the WPGRA Town Hall on Jericho Lands.

Toast Talks: 60 Days After the English Bay Bunker Oil Spill 


Our first Toast Talk breakfast event was a great success, with about 40 people taking in the latest news on the transit referendum. Our next topic is an important one for everyone in our community who values our local beaches – the English Bay bunker oil spill that took place in April.

We’ve invited a commercial fisher who is taking time out from the spot prawn fishery to come and report on the impact the spill has had on his industry.

We’ve also invited
Dr. Eion Finn whose recent revelations about how proposed LNG tankers will be refuelled with bunker oil in English Bay was shocking to many and stole the front pages of our local papers just weeks ago.

This promises to be a very informative and interesting discussion. I hope you can make it.


Friday, June 12, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. (sharp) to 9:00 a.m.
RSVP here.

Do you know business?


We’ve been working with the University Neighbourhood Association in learning what new Canadians living in that community need to succeed in their new home here in Vancouver-Point Grey. Many residents have identified their interest in starting small businesses here. If you have experience in running a small business and are able to mentor a new Canadian in navigating the system to get a business up and running, please let our office know. We’re looking for volunteers like you!

Contact:
David.eby.mla@leg.bc.ca
Video from the Estimates process: Ministry of Housing won't measure absentee investor impact on housing market

During the estimates process this Spring, David questioned the Minister responsible for Housing, Rich Coleman, on the Ministry's plans for measuring the impact of absentee investors on BC's housing stock. Watch the video below:

Video: General Gordon PAC

A two-minute statement by David Eby thanking the General Gordon PAC for their work in keeping the school community together and active during their seismic upgrading project.

Join David Eby for Breakfast!

Where are we at 60 days after the English Bay oil spill?

Toast Talk 2: Local oil spill response
Friday June 12th at 8am at Deacon's Corner Kitsilano, 3189 W Broadway.

Guest speakers: Dr. Eoin Finn, Researcher & Dane Chauvel, Co-founder of Organic Oceans


Breakfast is $10.

RSVP here.

Want to volunteer?
Email us:
david.eby.mla@leg.bc.ca
RSVP for Toast Talks
Legislative Intern profile: Matthew Chan

Our office was lucky to have Matthew Chan intern with us for a week in May as part of his time in the BC Legislative Internship Program.

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself.
A:
I was born and raised in Vancouver. I'm a recent graduate of McGill University in Montreal where I studied Political Science and Canadian Studies.

Q. Why did you apply for the BC Legislative Internship Program?
A.
I heard about this great program through a friend who had done the internship previously. Every year the BC Legislature hires 10 recent graduates like myself to complete the 6 month paid internship. The interns gain experience working in the public service and can see first hand the workings of our legislature. Personally it has been a great practical learning experience. Sometimes I feel like I've learned more practical knowledge in the last 4 months than from 4 years at university!

Q. What is the best thing about working in Victoria?
A.
Getting the chance to work alongside committed staff and MLAs from all across the province has been really rewarding. The interns are a valued resource at the legislature, and we are given the chance to do meaningful work. The dynamic nature of the workplace has been fun too. Tasks can change on a daily basis which means you get to learn about a variety of different topics.

Q. What will you take away from working in Vancouver-Point Grey?
A.
I had a lovely week shadowing David Eby. Meeting with constituents in and out of the office on Broadway were highlights. It was very satisfying to see just how much David and his staff could do to advocate for residents of Vancouver-Point Grey. It was a pleasure to be immersed in such a beautiful and vibrant community, from UBC to Kits Beach and everything in between.

Q. You had a chance to work in the North Coast constituency office -- what was the biggest difference between being up North vs. Vancouver?
A. 
Travelling up to Haida Gwaii and Prince Rupert made me very aware of how vast our province really is. Prince Rupert and Kitsilano definitely feel like they are worlds apart. Being a city kid through and through, it was an eye-opener to hear about what issues are the most pressing in rural areas of our province, and a completely different set of issues than we face in urban areas. For example, the challenges of providing timely and reliable ambulance service was an issue that I grappled with up North, a service that we often take for granted in our cities.


Q. What's next for you?
A. 
The internship takes me until the end of June. I'll be back around Vancouver for the summer and taking advantage of some off time to do some travel to Central America. Then, in September, I'm off to Kingston, Ontario to complete a Master's degree in Public Administration at Queen's University.


Thanks Matthew!

To learn more about the BC Legislative Internship Program
visit their website.
2014 in Review

Highlights from our 2014 Accountability report continued...

15
Public events hosted by your MLA

12
Local artists' work displayed

1
Wedding & Baby

Read the full report here.

Calling all artists!

Our office is very lucky to have such talented and artistic constituents. This spring we've been lucky to host a number of artists' work in our office including Artists in our Midst, winners from the KitsHouse Youth Photography exhibit, and great work from Kitsilano High School art classes.

If you're an artist based in Kitsilano, Point Grey or UBC areas and you're interested in hanging your art on the VPG Community Office walls, please visit our office at 2909 West Broadway to inquire.

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Introducing David Eby's 2014 VPG Accountability Report

It was a big year for the Vancouver-Point Grey Community Office. In our first Accountability Report you'll find interesting statistics, highlights of major local issues like the Pine Free Youth Clinic closure and the school strike and a financial report.

We've provided some snapshots below and the full report can be found here:
http://davideby.mla.bcndpcaucus.ca/in-the-community/2014-accountability-report/

Read the 2014 Accountability Report
Learn about the legislature: Field Trips to Victoria

This March, a large group of residents from the University Neighbourhoods Association visited Dave in Victoria. The group left the UNA early in the morning to travel and take the ferry to the Legislature in Victoria and enjoyed a lunch meeting with Dave just before question period.

We would like to thank once again all the great community leaders who worked tirelessly to coordinate and organize this trip with our office.


If you're a teacher or a student hoping to learn more about your MLA's work in Victoria, it's easy to book a school tour of the legislatureThis year David has also had a chance to meet with students from local elementary schools. If you or your group is interested in making a trip to Victoria, our office can help!

Students from U-Hill Elementary get a tour of the legislature and a meeting with their MLA.

Students from Fraser Academy gives two thumbs up to their classroom visit to the legislature and tour with their MLA.

An early morning breakfast and conversation for our first MLA Toast Talk on transit issues (April).

David meets with the Kitsilano contingent of the Kids for Climate Action group at the VPG community office to discuss their vision for a better future.

At the Jericho Lands Town Hall organized by the West Point Grey Residents Association in April 2015. Over 400 neighbours attended to hear from MLA David Eby, the Canada Lands Company and representatives of the Musqueam, Tseilwatulth and Squamish First Nations.

Dave, Cailey and Ezra enjoying some family time on West Broadway in Kitsilano.

The mobile office gets some exercise at Vancouver's first Cargo Bike Race hosted as part of Bike to Work Week in May. 

Your MLA in the News

The Globe and Mail, May 18: In Vancouver, debate swirls over Jericho Lands

The Globe and Mail, May 18: Alberta NDP rookie MLAs prepare for a whole new world

Vancity Buzz, May 15: Province has no plans to collect data on foreign real estate investment

Vancouver Province, May 12: Province, Opposition clash over lobbying activities of former lottery corporation boss

Vancouver Province, May 11: Coffee with MLA David Eby

Global TV, May 9: Rallies held across BC to advocate for $10/day child care

The Georgia Straight, Apr 28: Vancouver-Point Grey MLA David Eby questions future of Jericho Lands


For more news updates visit our website: http://davidebymla.ca/news/

Your neigbours in the News

The Georgia Straight, May 7: Parents hold "Not Safe to Shake" rally at Bayview Community School

The Province, May 19: New rules allow largest ships to refuel in English Bay, researcher says

Congratulations to all our constituents who are working toward making this province a better place. If you know of a Vancouver-Point Grey resident's story in the news, please let our office know.

Upcoming Community Events
  • Friday June 12 - Our second "Toast Talks" breakfast. This breakfast's conversation topic is the oil spill response with local expert Eoin Finn, local fisherman Dane Chauvel. 8am at Deacon's Corner Kitsilano. Register here.
     
  • Saturday June 13 - First Saturday UBC Farm Market of the summer. Come back every Saturday until October between 9AM and 1PM for farm-fresh food.
     
  • Sunday June 14 - The Kitsilano Farm Market is expected to return to its regular location at the Kitsilano Community Centre (assuming no delays in construction). In the meantime, you can visit them at their temporary location in Riley Park.
     
  • Wednesday June 17 Bring your favourite dish to Kits House Potluck Night. Starting at 7pm every third Wednesday of the month.
     
  • Thursday June 18 Opening Reception of Melancholy Bay, Images of English Bay Burrard Inlet and Howe Sound at the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery from 6-9pm
     
  • Thursdays, starting June 18 (for 10 weeks)- English Conversation Classes (free) 7:30 - 8:30pm. Drop in any Thursday evening to David Eby's office (2909 West Broadway) or call Ken Morton 604.886.8265
     
  • Saturday and Sunday June 20-21 - Kitsilano's version of Car Free Day, Kits Block Parties, are back! 
     
  • Saturday June 20 - The annual Point Grey Fiesta celebration will be held at Trimble Park. Meet Dave at the Point Grey BIA pancake breakfast 8:30-10am at Safeway near Blanca. The parade will begin at 10th and Blanca Saturday morning at 10am. 
     
  • Saturday June 20 - Interested in art and drawing? Check out the 6th annual Vancouver Draw Down. Local events are being held at the Kitsilano Community Centre and the Old Barn Community Centre.
     
  • June 22 to August 4 - Kitsilano Showboat! Come out for free entertainment.
     
  • Saturday June 27 & Saturday July 25 Learn all about Bees! Come to this family friendly two part talk n' tour of Kitsilano honey bees. Talk: June 27 at 11am. Tour: July 25 at 11am @ David Eby's office 2909 W. Broadway. Register here.
     
  • Sunday June 28 - Come out for Greek Day on Broadway - delicious food and great performances.
     
  • Saturday July 11 Khatsahlano Street Party, Vancouver's largest free music and arts festival, is back on West 4th from 11am until late. Stop by David's Mobile office and say hello.
     
  • Saturday July 11 - Brock House Summer Fair runs from 10-3pm. Stop by for musicians, dancers, a BBQ and a tour of Brock House.
     
  • Friday July 24 - The 24th Annual Sandcastle Competition takes place at Spanish Banks from 10-2pm. Hosted by the West Point Grey Community Centre.
     
  • Sunday July 26 - David will be at the Kitsilano Farmer's Market with the mobile office from 10-2pm. Come visit at 10th and Larch.
     
  • Saturday August 29 - Another chance to visit our mobile office and David at a Farmer's Market... this time at UBC Farm from 9-1pm.
     
  • Saturday August 29 - Movie at Trimble Park hosted by the West Point Grey Community Centre from 6:30-10pm. Family friendly. 
     
  • September - Stay tuned for an MLA Town Hall on Housing. Date and location TBA.

Find out about events going on at UBC here.

Know of an upcoming community event? Send us an email and we'll try our best to add it to the Vancouver-Point Grey newsletter: david.eby.mla@leg.bc.ca
Summer Office Hours

Our regular office hours are Mondays by appointment, Tuesdays to Fridays from 9:30-4:30pm.

Please note the community office will be closed August 4-7th for summer break.

As we are occasionally out in the community and we have limited staff levels, please contact us in advance to make an appointment via phone: 604-660-1297, email: 
david.eby.mla@leg.bc.ca, or visit us at 2909 West Broadway (at Bayswater).

如果您有任何的問題或者需要任何資料關於卑詩省政府或各類的社會服務, 歡迎您前來查詢. 本辦事處逢星期四和星期五提供華語服務.

The Vancouver-Point Grey community office is online at 
http://davidebymla.ca

Copyright © 2015 Vancouver-Point Grey Community Office


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