Happy holidays everyone!

Hi,

It’s good to be back from Victoria, and it was good to see so many at my community office’s open house on last Wednesday night. I’m looking forward to the chance to talk with many of you at holiday events here at home.
We achieved a lot this fall in the Legislature. We’re working hard to make life here better and more affordable with increased services.

The last MSP bills for people across our province went out this month. It’s the end of the unfair premiums that the previous government increased. The elimination of these MSP bills on January 1 is a net tax cut of $800 million. Individuals will save up to $900 and families up to $1,800 – each and every year.

After the previous government let speculators – even money launderers – drive up home prices by over 75% here in our community, community members asked for bold action to tackle the housing crisis. But they also asked for existing measures to be improved. I’m glad to say that our government listened to feedback on the speculation and vacancy tax I provided from our community, as well as input from right across the province. This week’s announcement of exemptions for water-access only properties is one example.

Our government is investing in the Tri-Cities. Grants to local community organizations have helped to create opportunities for people to get involved in sports and the arts. We're funding local environmental stewardship and public safety.

We’re working with childcare providers, opening new childcare spaces and making them more affordable for families.

And we’re investing in innovation province-wide, to tackle climate change and to protect our environment. Working with our partners both here at home and south of the border, we can strengthen our economy and make it sustainable. 

A year into our CleanBC plan, we’re beginning to make progress. For example, we've introduced training for technicians to service the increasing number of Zero Emission Vehicles now on our roads. We’ve legislated reporting for public accountability and transparency on our climate targets. And our province is now recognized as a climate leader on this continent.

To everyone who has reached out to share their ideas this fall – you have my thanks. It’s your feedback that keeps me aware of the diverse needs of our community. You are helping our government to make better decisions for all of us.

I wish you all the best this holiday season.

Happy holidays, Rick

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Water-access properties now exempted from Speculation and Vacancy Tax

After the BC Liberals let speculators, and even money launderers, drive up the price of homes by over 75% in our community, community members have asked for bold action to tackle the housing crisis and for government to improve upon existing measures. The province listened to feedback on the tax that I provided from my community, as well as input from across the province. The exemption from the tax for water-access only properties is one example. Learn more

Recognizing the Crossroads Hospice Society's work

Crossroads Hospice Society is a truly special place in our community. I want to thank everyone at Crossroads Hospice for all that they do, from the board to the employees to the volunteers. Watch

Over $1.68 million in funding for Tri-Cities sport, arts and culture organizations

It’s great to be able to support these 51 local Tri-Cities organizations with funding. These grants will help create opportunities for people in the Tri-Cities to get involved in sports, the arts, and their communities. Read more

A great turn out for my office’s open house last week. I was glad to see so many faces from the community.

What future for the Burrard Thermal lands?

Recently I’ve been considering the future potential of the Burrard Thermal power plant site for the City of Port Moody. The power plant was shut down under the previous government without any real plan for the future of the site.

Today, BC Hydro still operates a transmission station there, but a lot of the land at the site is just sitting unused. While there are some limitations to what it can be used for, I think there are also great opportunities to use the land for something that could create jobs in the new economy and help the environment. 

What do you think the Burrard Thermal lands could be used for? Let me know

Preparing for climate change in our communities

We want to hear from you. We want to know how B.C.’s changing climate is affecting you and what you think needs to be done to prepare for climate change in your community and across the province. Share your thoughts

Looking at how we manage our old growth forests

Give us your feedback on the ecological, economic and cultural importance of our old-growth trees and forests. Fill out the questionnaire and help us develop a the new approach to old-growth management for British Columbia. Share your ideas

My office is here to help. Contact us.

When you contact my community office, my staff and I will do everything we can to assist. Your confidentiality is respected at all times. To give you a better idea of how we can help, please review the following information.

What my Community Office can help you with:

• Provide information on locating government services and contact information
• Assist in understanding government policies and services
• Assist in navigating through government bureaucracy
• Ensure due process is being followed
• Attend community events
• Accept practicum students
• Provide congratulatory and greeting messages
• Provide government documents, legislation discussion papers and other web-based forms if you don’t have internet access
• Resolve issues you may be having with provincial ministries or agencies. However, by law, there are some things we cannot help you with.

We can help you if:

• You are a resident of the Port Moody-Coquitlam riding; and,
• Your matter is with the provincial government.