We are investing $4.2 million in 49 community counselling agencies to provide free or low-cost mental health counselling services. Since 2019, we’ve invested a total of $19 million in these culturally-sensitive counselling services that meet clients where they’re at, whether that’s in person or virtually. This flexibility has meant more people from all walks of life have received the help they need, including those in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, who otherwise might not have been able to access care. Here in North Vancouver-Seymour, there have been a number of agencies that have received this important funding.  The North and West Vancouver branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association,  and  Family Services of the North Shore are just a couple of agencies that will provide supports to people in our community.  

Mental health challenges exist on a spectrum, and sometimes people need more comprehensive support. Earlier this month, we announced a new ground-breaking complex care housing model that will more provide more comprehensive services and supports for people with significant mental health, substance use and other complex challenges. This new model goes beyond what is offered in current models of supportive housing. So far we’ve announced four projects, in Surrey, Abbotsford, and Vancouver, but soon more communities across B.C. will benefit from this first-of-its-kind housing strategy. This is an important first step as we build out these services and is a vital part of our work to build a comprehensive system of mental health and addictions care that people need.

I know that between the pandemic, the toxic drug crisis, extreme weather, and recent discoveries at residential school sites, more people than ever are facing mental health challenges. Our priority is to make sure that British Columbians can get the care they need, when they need it. We are taking action from all sides to support people, but we know there is more work to do.

We are also building a healthier and cleaner culture by making it easier for students to walk or wheel to school.

Students at 12 more schools across the province will get more exercise and fresh air on their daily commute thanks to 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.

CapU's Centre for Childhood Studies 

More people will have access to local child care when Capilano University’s (CapU) new purpose-built Centre for Childhood Studies opens with expanded on-site child care and learning spaces for students at the School of Education & Childhood Studies. Slated to open in 2024, this facility will have a total of 143 childcare spaces, more than doubling the existing amounts.

The spots will be open to students, employees and community members.

This centre will be spread over two stories, and will be approximately 7,000 square metres (23,000 square feet). The centre will work with the CapU’s early childhood educators (ECEs) program. ECE students will be able to get on-the-job training by working on-site at their campus, and parents will have access to quality childcare in a state-of-the-art and purpose built building.

This is a great development that is being brought forward in our community. I am proud that this government has made families a priority!

For more information, click here. 

Lions Gate Hospital expansion

Watershed security

Mineral tenures surrendered in ecologically sensitive Skagit River Donut Hole

An agreement has been reached regarding historic mineral tenures in an area within the Silverdaisy watershed known as the Skagit River Donut Hole, the area surrounded by both Skagit Valley Park and E.C. Manning Park, and between Hope and Princeton. This agreement to extinguish the mining rights in an area of almost 58 square kilometres, brings the province one step closer to protection for the watershed. 

Consultation on the future use and protection of land within the Silverdaisy watershed will follow. And of all this consultation will be done by listening to all the parties involved, including First Nations. 

For more information, please click here. 

Nominations open for the Order of BC

B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards

The British Columbia Multiculturalism and Anti-racism Awards honour exceptional individuals and organizations that promote multiculturalism and address racism. Now is your chance to nominate someone that is helps bring positive change in your community! For more information, please click here. 

Nominations are open till February 8, 2022, at 11:59 PM.

BC COVID-19 Closure Relief Grants doubled for eligible businesses!

If your business has had to close to comply with public health orders – you may be eligible for funding up to $20,000 through the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant. Apply now by clicking here. 

Eligible businesses may include:

• bars, nightclubs and lounges that do not serve full meals
• event venues that were required to physically close 

Additional support may be available from the federal government. For more information on federal business support programs, click here.