May has been a month of transition as things wind down in Victoria in preparation for the break, while Vancouver-Mount Pleasant ramps up the energy in preparation
for summer! I'm excited to share with you a few of the many announcements and events that have come out in the last month.
The groundbreaking of new United Gospel Mission's Women and Families Centre, celebration of the Nisga'a treaty anniversary, and announcement of the inquiry into money laundering are only some of the many announcements our government made this month. You can find more details about those below.
I look forward to spending more time in the riding in the coming months as we enter the summer and seeing all of you at the various community events! In this newsletter, you'll find a list of dates and celebrations coming up right here in Vancouver-Mount Pleasant - save the date!
As always, please continue to reach out to my team at the community office with your ideas and concerns. Thank you for taking the time to read about some of the work we've done in the last month, and I look forward to seeing you in the summer sunshine.
Children and families will soon have new and much-needed supports in the Downtown Eastside at the Union Gospel Mission’s Women & Families Centre. The groundbreaking was all about people like Chloe, a constituent from whom I have heard about the importance of this Centre -- it will provide a chance at life with affordable housing, child care, training and treatment support all under one roof. This memorable day is about the power of partnerships and I am so proud of the investment this government is making.
The seven-storey building will provide 36 affordable rental homes, a new 28-space child care centre and 27 addiction recovery beds for women and children in the Downtown Eastside.
Feminists Deliver is a grassroots collaboration of British Columbia-based self-identified women and girls and the organizations that support them, which have come together to host the Feminists Deliver conference in June 2019. I am so excited that our government is supporting this opportunity to bring these organisations together as they disrupt and challenge the status quo!
I was thrilled to celebrate the graduation of 11 new Indigenous doctors at the University of British Columbia! They’re the next generation of doctors & healers who will care for our communities. A big shout out to the Indigenous MD admissions program for lifting these students to success!
Did you know that article 23 (i) of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action calls for an increase in the number of Indigenous professionals working in health care?
Nisga'a Treaty - 19 Years!
My grandparents taught me to work hard & be proud of who I am, and, I was a proud witness of the Nisg̱a’a Nation and the Government of British Columbia marking the 19th anniversary of the Nisg̱a’a Treaty with a flag ceremony at B.C.’s Parliament Buildings. The ceremony was emotional, especially when I think about the people who fought hard against the Nisga’a Final Agreement. Together, we celebrated the generation of Nisga’a raised with hope & optimism. #PaddleTogether
Tackling Money Laundering
Government to hold public inquiry into money laundering
Our government will hold a public inquiry into money laundering that has distorted British Columbia’s economy, fueled the overdose crisis, and driven up housing prices.
“From day one, our government has been working to tackle the housing crisis and fraud that went unchecked for over a decade, hurting people and B.C.’s economy,” said Premier John Horgan. “We have taken decisive actions to combat money laundering, but questions remain and people in B.C. deserve answers. That is why we have decided to proceed with a public inquiry into money laundering in the Province of British Columbia.”
More than $7 billion in dirty money was laundered in B.C. in 2018, hiking the cost of buying a home by about 5%, according to British Columbia’s Expert Panel on Money Laundering in Real Estate.
The panel’s report, which was released along with the remaining chapters of Peter German’s review into money laundering in real estate, luxury cars, and horse racing, estimates that a total of $7.4 billion was laundered in B.C. in 2018. The panel estimates that $5 billion was laundered through the real estate market.
B.C. deterring money laundering in post-secondary system
As the next step in cracking down on money laundering in British Columbia, as minister for Advanced Education, Skills and Training, I have instructed all public and private post-secondary institutions to review their policies to ensure they are not targets for money laundering after being identified as one of several vulnerable sectors.
Government Highlights
Creating opportunities for kids to thrive through power of sport
More children and youth will be able to get in the game and gain the benefits of sport and active living, thanks to our government's historic investment in Sport BC.
Our government's $2.5-million investment over the next three years will allow Sport BC to expand programs, such as KidSport BC, aimed at increasing participation by children who are often under-represented in sport, including children from lower-income families, Indigenous children, children and youth with disabilities, girls and newcomers to Canada.
Province responds to housing task force with steps to protect renters, landlords
In addressing the recommendations of the provincial Rental Housing Task Force, the B.C. government is moving ahead immediately with increased public education and bolstered enforcement to better protect the rights of both renters and landlords.
The task force recommendations will be implemented in three phases that focus on public education, enforcement, and coordination.
More people to benefit from farmers’ market program
The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets has expanded the BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon program to help more lower income households access fresh, locally-grown, healthy food, thanks to support from the Province.
For some of these events we are excited to be hosting tables and booths. We are always in need of volunteers. It's a great opportunity to connect with your MLA, neighbours and make new friends. Community outreach also helps to educate and empower our constituents about the accessible supports our Vancouver Mount-Pleasant office can provide. If you're interested in getting involved with our community office, please fill out our volunteer form here!
Community Programs and Events in VMP
Immunize BC
If you were born between 1970 and 1995, you may need a measles booster. Find out where you can get yours at: https://immunizebc.ca/finder
Camp Potlatch
For children between the ages 7-14, Potlatch’s week-long Main Camp gives campers the opportunity to explore a variety of traditional camp activities while living in a positive and supportive cabin community. All activities are fun, age appropriate, and closely supervised by enthusiastic and highly trained staff. In addition to a wide variety of camp activities, each camper in the Main Camp program participates in a 24 hour off-site excursion. Registration is open from March 4 - August 24. For more information visit: https://www.bgcbc.ca/camp-potlatch/
City of Vancouver Recreation Summer Camps and Activities
The City of Vancouver offers a variety of summer day camps and activities for all age groups! Whether you are looking for opportunities for leadership, making new friends, learning how to paint or unleash your hidden talents in digital film making or African drum making, there are hundreds of pathways waiting for you! Registration dates vary, so enroll early! Click here: https://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/vancouver/Activity_Search
Mount Pleasant Farmer's Market
Every Sunday until October 27
Upcoming: Sunday June 2 (more info)
Mount Pleasant Farmer's Market has returned this year, since May 26th! Each week, there are over 30 farms, producers, and food and coffee trucks. Come out and try some local fare!
Hot+Noisy Chinatown Mahjong Social | Summer 2019
First & third Saturday of the month!
Chinatown Memorial Plaza, Keefer & Columbia
Fourth annual "hot+noisy" Chinatown Mahjong Social season, outdoor summer evenings in the Memorial Plaza. Featuring mahjong, ping pong, Chinese chess and checkers, music and karaoke. Find out more here!
Vancouver International Children's Festival
May 27 - June 2
Come out for some fun in the sun on Granville Island! With indoor shows and art activities all around, there's something for everyone. Admission is $22 for adults, $12.50 for children, or $6 for activity zone wristbands. Find out more here!
Bard on the Beach
June 5 - September 21
With four productions coming on two stages, come and enjoy the works of Shakespeare! You can find their itinerary and buy tickets here!
Indigiqueer & Two Spirit Crafting Night
Thursday, June 6, 2019; 4 PM - 7 PM
First Thursday of Every Month
BYRC would like to invite all Indigiqueer and Two Spirit youth between the ages of 12-24 to join us for an afternoon of beading and traditional crafts with Peyton, our Indigenous Youth Support Worker. You're welcome to bring any crafting, carving or beading supplies from home. Feel free to drop by BYRC anytime between 4-7 PM. We will have snacks, coffee and tea available.
For more info, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/287155308619103
Hon. Melanie Mark, MLA Vancouver-Mount Pleasant
1070-1641 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3Y4
604-660-0707
melanie.mark.mla@leg.bc.ca