Lest We Forget 🌺

Dear <<First Name>>,

It’s my pleasure to be at the Hospital Employees' Union evening event with my colleagues to learn shared priorities in health care.

Did you know that the Hospital Employees’ Union is B.C.’s largest healthcare union representing over 60,000 healthcare workers?

Our provincial government remains committed to supporting our healthcare frontline workers for better working conditions and streamlined training and recruitment. Our communities are growing, so we must continue supporting those taking care of us.

Thank you to the First Nations and provincial leaders who have attended the 2023 BC Cabinet & First Nations Leaders’ Gathering last week.

I am grateful to have met one on one with more than 16 groups of First Nation leaders to discuss priority areas, particularly implementing the UN Declaration Act on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in BC.

There is a lot more to do, but together, we can advance reconciliation and deliver results that are for everyone.

On Remembrance Day, we honour the sacrifices made by generations of British Columbians who served on the battlefield, and the families they left behind.

We also recognize those who returned home, with injuries both visible and invisible.

We stand alongside veterans to honour those who risked their lives to protect ours and build a more peaceful world.

Lest we forget.

Here are some things I'd like to share with you from the past week:

Legislation introduced to deliver more homes near transit hubs

Building more homes near transit hubs is the focus of new proposed legislation aimed at speeding up the delivery of homes and encouraging more communities near the transit, services and amenities that make life better for people.

This legislation, if passed, will build on work underway to facilitate more transit-oriented development, create more livable communities and tackle the housing crisis.

Earlier this year as part of Budget 2023, the province committed approximately $400 million to deliver thousands of units at or near transit over the next 10 to 15 years by accessing land that is suitable to be acquired near transit hubs and transforming it into thriving communities.

Read more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HOUS0063-001748

PharmaCare covers more medical devices for people with diabetes

People living with diabetes in B.C. will benefit from access to the Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which is covered as a limited coverage benefit for eligible patients as of Nov. 7, 2023.

By increasing access to the tools needed to effectively monitor glucose levels, people can manage their diabetes in a simpler way and have peace of mind when making decisions about their health.

The Dexcom G7 is an updated version of the Dexcom G6 and connects with select iOS and Android devices. CGMs allow people with diabetes to regularly monitor their glucose levels through a sensor worn under the skin on the abdomen, buttocks or back of the arm.

Legislation introduced to streamline delivery of homes, services, infrastructure

As part of work underway to deliver more homes for people faster, the province has introduced new legislation to reduce construction delays and streamline processes to fund key services, infrastructure and amenities for growing communities.

Currently, some high-growth municipalities use the rezoning process to negotiate with homebuilders for funding needed for amenities to support the growth and vibrancy of their communities.

The new legislation, if passed, supports the introduction of Bill 44 to allow upfront zoning, which will facilitate an increase in housing supply in communities throughout B.C.

BC PharmaCare expands coverage for autoimmune conditions

People living with certain moderate to severe autoimmune conditions in B.C. now have access to more treatment options.

BC PharmaCare has added one medication to the PharmaCare formulary and expanded coverage of one available medication.

As of Nov. 1, 2023, rituximab will be considered for patients with certain moderate to severe autoimmune disorders, such as Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The pharmaceutical drug is expected to benefit as many as 400 people.

Celebrate advocates for anti-racism, multiculturalism

People throughout B.C. are encouraged to submit nominations for annual awards that recognize outstanding work in strengthening multiculturalism and fighting racism.

Nominations will open on Nov. 1, 2023, for the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations in British Columbia that are working to enrich inclusion and cultural diversity, or actively reducing racism and discrimination in their communities.

The call for nominations will close at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time) on Nov. 29, 2023.

Upcoming events

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

Provincial Government Resources

Visit gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated for your influenza and COVID-19 vaccination info
Call 811 for free-of-charge provincial health information and advice.
Call 211 for free, confidential, multilingual service that links people to resources for help.

Burnaby Family Doctor Resources

To find a family doctor, click here
To find a clinic, click here.
For non-emergency health information and advice, click here.

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