COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant Open! 💰📣

Dear <<First Name>>,

This week marked an important milestone in the early learning and childcare agreement with the Province of British Columbia. My ministry announced the investment of $6.5 million towards the construction of the Centre for Childhood Studies at Capilano University.

As a mother, I know every parent wants to give their child the best start in life. Children deserve the best start in life, and child care makes a real difference. this is why we're investing in more child care spaces and early childcare educators throughout the province.

Children, families, and communities need high-quality early learning and childcare to thrive. It improves children's preparation for school and life, reduces gender and socioeconomic disparity, accelerates workforce diversity, and fosters the building of a resilient and inclusive society.

Shaun McGrath, CapU alumnus and current child care user –

“As a full-time student, knowing my son was happy and well-cared for by quality childcare educators, and only one minute away on campus, was absolutely priceless. We felt truly blessed to get a spot for him at the Capilano University Children’s Centre. I am thrilled the new Centre for Childhood Studies means so many more students will be able to benefit by having access to high-quality child care on campus.”

Find out more at https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022AEST0003-000040

This week we are continuing to highlight the positive contributions of active people in the Burnaby-Deer Lake community!

Meet Doris Mah, a long-time resident of Burnaby. Originally an immigrant from Hong Kong who later graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Nutritional Sciences from UBC, she is now working as the Chief of Staff to MP Peter Julian!

She is a citizen representative for the City of Burnaby Social Planning Committee and a board member for the Society to End Homelessness in Burnaby and the Burnaby Citizens Association. She is also studying for her Master’s in Political Management at Carleton University.

In addition to her work, she also co-founded Stand With Asians Coalition (SWAC), non-profit society and movement that started in Burnaby to combat anti-Asian and all other forms of racism!
The origins of SWAC started back in 2021, when Doris read a Burnaby Now article at her kitchen table, that stated the Burnaby RCMP reported a 350% increase of anti-Asian hate crimes in the city, and other articles reporting that Vancouver was quickly rising as the capital of anti-Asian hate crimes in North America.

Wanting to stand up against racism, Doris co-founded SWAC as a group, and went to the City of Burnaby, hoping to have a day to combat anti-Asian racism. She successfully received a proclamation from the City of Burnaby to declare May 10th, 2021 as the Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism in Burnaby.
Doris also sent out many emails to different cities all across Canada to spread awareness. Over 40 cities representing nearly 9 million Canadians have also issued similar proclamations declaring May 10th as the Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism.

SWAC is working hard to unite municipalities in hopes that policies and changes are made to protect all Canadians from racist crimes. The movement is also working on uniting these municipalities representing 10 million Canadians to declare this upcoming May 10th, 2022 as the Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism.

“Each person has the ability to influence the world. If you are passionate about doing something you think is right, you should go for it and pursue it!”

If you would like to learn more about SWAC or get involved, you can find their Facebook page here, and their website here. You can also view their previous e-rally here.

Applications open for COVID-19 Closure Relief Grants

We know how difficult the recent surge in Omicron COVID-19 cases is for impacted businesses, workers and their families. To support businesses directly impacted by public health closures, our government fast-tracked the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant program.

These grants will provide temporarily closed businesses up to $10,000 and will help with expenses like rent, insurance, employee wages, maintenance and utilities.

Applications will be accepted from January 12, 2022, at 10 a.m. to February 28, 2022, and can be found at: www.gov.bc.ca/business-relief.

Record number of new homes registered in B.C.

New data released by BC Housing shows a record number of new homes registered in British Columbia in 2021.

By working together with committed partners in local governments, the federal government, non-profits, First Nations and the private sector, we can build the homes that British Columbians need.

Funding helps promote electric vehicle uptake in B.C.

In communities across the province, more people than ever are discovering the benefits of switching to electric vehicles. Community groups and local governments throughout are now eligible to receive funding through the Community Outreach Incentive Program (COIP).

Funding will be used to educate communities on the benefits of EVs, and encourage people to make the switch.

I'm here for you

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about any provincial issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you.

My office can be reached at (604) 775-0565 or Anne.Kang.MLA@leg.bc.ca.

Sincerely,

Anne Kang, MLA
Burnaby-Deer Lake

The British Columbia Reconciliation Award recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering the Calls to Action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s report; and/or inspired others to do so.

This award celebrates the promise of a shared path to Reconciliation through the incredible work of leaders from all over British Columbia, whose commitment to recognizing past injustices and healing those wounds will lead us all to a brighter future.

This Nomination Guide includes important information that should be carefully reviewed before submitting a nomination and tips on how to present a compelling nomination package for the British Columbia Reconciliation Award program.

All nomination materials must be submitted online by January 15, 2022, @ 11:59 p.m.

Visit the BC Achievement website to view the British Columbia Reconciliation Award program page or contact info@achievement.com (604-261-9777 ext. 101).

Foundation of Leadership for Youth

NBby Neighborhood House 4908 Hastings St

If you are a grade 8-12 youth and would like to build your leadership skills, get active in your community and make friends, BNH Foundations or Future Leaders might be for you!

We help young people become the future leaders of their community!

For dates times and registration, email: caseworker@burnabynh.ca or call 604-431-0400.

COVID-19 updates from the BC Centre for Disease Control

Total vaccine doses administered in B.C. are 9,897,611.

There are currently 36,049 active cases in British Columbia as of January 14, 2022. A total of 291,246 people who tested positive have recovered.

As of today, there have been more than 5,272,664 completed tests. Our province has adjusted testing to 1,000.312 people per 1,000,000.

For more information, please visit BCCDC's website

COVID Resources

For medical info, visit covid-19.bccdc.ca or call 811
For vaccination info, visit gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated
For financial supports for people and businesses, visit this page .
For PHO orders and guidance, visit this page.
For seniors looking for additional support, or for those looking to support seniors, call 211 or visit bc211.ca
For virtual mental health resources, click here.  

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