Full Newsletter Link with Live Links
The holidays are coming! I am excited to attend community events and have in-person connections with our Richmond Steveston community now that the Legislative Session is breaking for the winter holidays.
As you may have heard, Premier David Eby was sworn in as the 37th Premier of British Columbia and is hitting the ground running!
This week, our new government Cabinet was appointed and sworn in. Two new ministries have also been created – The Ministry of Housing, and the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. With these new ministries, we’ll have dedicated ministers and staff working to address some of the biggest issues facing us as British Columbians.
I now serve as the new Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Aquaculture -- I’m looking forward to getting to work!
Government is investing in communities. In this newsletter, you will see how these government investments are making people's lives better right here in Richmond.
As well, our newsletter contains Richmond community programs and upcoming community events ahead of the holiday season. There is also a reminder to get your children vaccinated! Please reach out to my community office if you need support navigating provincial services, or if you just want to share your thoughts on how our government is doing.
Happy holidays!
Government Investing in the Community
More Doctors! More internationally educated family doctors are on the way
Too many people in B.C. don’t have access to a family doctor, and we’re working to change this. More internationally-trained doctors can get licenced to work in B.C. sooner. New associate physician roles are being made that will allow some international medical graduates to work under another doctor’s supervision right away. This means more people will have access to the necessary health care, and healthcare workers will have extra support in hospitals and clinics. For more information: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022HLTH0067-001799
Last week, child care became more affordable for thousands of families across B.C. On December 1st, new fee reductions took effect that will see families save up to $550 per month, per child. That means a family with two kids in full-time care could have their monthly fees reduced by over $1000. This is in addition to the savings of up to $350 per month per child that were introduced in 2018 and which participating child care providers were already passing on to families.
Find out more about our $10-a-day child care sites and spaces at www.gov.bc.ca/childcare10aDaysites.
Supporting our Youth When young people make the courageous decision to come forward and get help, it’s important there are supports. I see the importance of these supports and the role they play in our families. Our government has ensured young people in Richmond have access to more mental-health and substance-use services with the opening of the Foundry’s permanent location. Foundry Richmond provides free and confidential mental health and substance use supports, as well as medical services, peer support and social services – in one location! In November, I joined Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow, my colleague Henry Yao and Foundry staff at their new permanent location 101-5811 Cooney Rd, for their grand opening. Foundry is a critical part of our government's roadmap to create a continuum of mental health and substance use care that works for everyone. For more information: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/mental-health-and-addictions-strategy
Government Highlights in BC
Kelly In The Community
I made visits to our local Richmond-Steveston pharmacists to hear about their experiences with the changes to prescription renewals and other enhancements to their roles.
Folks were happy to have a box of Outpost Mini Donut Company as a thank you for the important work pharmacies do everyday. Starting Oct. 14, 2022, pharmacists across British Columbia can renew prescriptions for a wider range of medications so people access the medication they need in a timely fashion and ensure continuity of their treatment!
Visiting Local Businesses
Local shops contribute so much to our local community, economy, and our sense of place, unlike the big box stores. Support our local businesses! I enjoyed my time hearing from local business owners and workers.
What's great about shopping local is while you shop in the Village, you can take in the beautiful holiday display!
✨ Did you know that the Steveston Holiday Display Contest – sponsored by Tourism Richmond, Steveston Merchants Association and Steveston Insider – takes place every year? Come check it out!
Richmond Announcement
The 90th annual Richmond Christmas Fund is a success and is wrapping up soon! Last registration is Saturday, December 10. Between 9am and 1pm, residents seeking support can visit Richmond Caring Place at 7000 Minoru Blvd. Those who qualify for assistance will receive their selection items on the same day they register.
For more information on registration or on how to donate or volunteer, please check the website!
The Winter In The Village Passport is available from December 1-31. Download ‘Light up the Village’ and you can access self-guided tour, offers and chances to win weekly prizes!
Upcoming Events
On Saturday Dec. 10, the RCRG Christmas Fund will hold their last in-person registration of the year! It is at the Richmond Caring Place, located at 7000 Minoru Boulevard.
Here are other events coming up soon (please open the full newsletter link for live links):
Steveston Festival of Trees at Gulf of Georgia Cannery: Dec 1-24
Winter in the Village Saturdays Steveston Town Square
Songs in the Snow December 10th & 17th
St Joseph the Worker - Light Up: Saturday December 10, 5pm
Walk Richmond in Steveston Village: December 17, 10am starting at Garry Point (more dates)
Holiday Display Contest throughout December in Steveston Village!
Holiday Dog Parade along Imperial Landing: 11am this Sunday December 11th
School’s out for 2022: Friday, December 16th
Anne of Green Gables the Musical – Gateway Theatre: Dec 15-31
Steveston Tram – Lego Tram & Polar Express readings: Dec 1-24
Boat Holiday Light Contest at the Fisherman's Wharf
Winter Wonderland Skating at Richmond Arena: more information at City of Richmond BC (info on Admissions and Fees)
Steveston Icebreaker 8k & 1k Kidsrun: Sunday, January 15
You are welcome to visit the City events website and search for upcoming events via keywords and date range!
For general BC vaccination info, visit this page.
For financial supports for people, visit this page.
To read and better prepare for road safety, visit PreparedBC webpage.