January 2025 Newsletter
- Kelly Greene
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Happy New Year
As we welcome the new year and a new Lunar New Year -- the Year of the Snake, I hope that you all enjoyed a happy and restful holiday and that your 2025 is off to a good start.
At the beginning of the year, eligible families and individuals began receiving the first Climate Action Tax Credit payment of the year. As well, over 340,000 eligible BC families will receive or have received the BC Family Benefit, now with a temporary cost-of-living bonus averaging $400 annually to help with family expenses.
This month, Premier Eby met with the Prime Minister and fellow Canadian premiers to continue discussions of our ongoing response to threats like these, and emphasized the importance of breaking down trade barriers between provinces and territories, to support each other and grow our provincial economies.We are starting off this year with actions that lift people up.The Year of the Snake is traditionally associated with transformation, wisdom, exploration and fun. I will be attending many local events and I hope to see you. I look forward to learning from you what this year means for you, learn about your needs and hopes, ahead of February 18 this year, the start of the BC Spring Legislative Session, when I return to a sitting of the Legislature in Victoria.In this newsletter, you will read more about affordability measures, our action plan to respond to economic uncertainty, local news about services we all depend on, and community events.🐍 My office team and I are spending time from late afternoon to midnight at Aberdeen Centre for the Lunar New Year countdown, starting now Tuesday Jan. 28 (the eve) until midnight. Tonight, come visit and win prizes! 🐍
Happy new year, everyone!
Government Investing in the Community
Instead of giving tax breaks to the wealthy, we’re taking action to help people with costs – putting more money back into people’s pockets through new and expanded programs.
More than 340,000 families in BC are set to receive extra support through the enhanced BC Family Benefit, now featuring a temporary cost-of-living bonus. This bonus delivers an average boost of over $400 per year, easing the financial pressures of raising a family.
This month, British Columbians are also receiving the first climate action tax credit payment for the year.
Emergency Planning in BC
This month, as Minister, I attended a very meaningful First Nations Leadership Gathering. Thank you to all the Nations I had the opportunity to meet with over the past few days for the impactful conversations and sharing your experiences with me. I look forward to continuing to do this important work in Emergency Management and Climate Readiness together.
Championing Public Education
As someone who got my start advocating for public education I always appreciate opportunities like I had last week to meet with the Trustees of the Richmond Board of Education, Superintendent Usih and Secretary Treasurer Wang.
I am grateful for their respectful advocacy for the 4,100 staff and 24,000+ students in the Richmond School District, and for their focus on the learner.
January 24th is United Nations International Day of Education in celebration of the role of education for peace and development. In 2025 our ability to teach critical thinking skills and ensure space for every student to learn and grow is so very important.
Buy Canadian
Tariffs are on the minds of Canadians.
Premier Eby recently said, "I don’t expect [the tariffs imposed by this American administration] to last once everyday Americans realize that their electricity and gas cost more; that one in four sticks of lumber that they use come from Canada and that they’re suddenly 50 per cent more expensive. And that American lumber outlets will match prices."
Last week, Premier Eby met with the Prime Minister and fellow Canadian premiers to continue discussions of our ongoing response to President Trump's tariffs proposal, which would drive up cost of living on both sides of the border.
Even though governments in different provinces may not always agree on everything, it's important we all support each other and grow our economies together as Canadians right now. One recent example is the agreement we negotiated with Alberta to allow B.C. wineries to sell directly to Alberta buyers. Learn more here.
Watch Premier David Eby speak about this agreement on your social media platform.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFJOiNkT9i-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Short Term Rentals Registry
Short-term rental operators must register with the City of Richmond in order to operate and the property must meet all of the criteria listed by the City in order to qualify for a business licence. Now, the Province is launching a new short-term rental (STR) registry in addition.
I have heard from Richmond residents that these two levels of registry will help more people find a home in the Richmond neighbourhoods they love and have decided to plant their roots. Your government is taking action in ensuring there are enough homes for people who live and work in B.C., as well as plenty of accommodations for those who visit communities in every region. This strikes the right balance while bringing in standards and also reining in speculators who are operating illegally or are operating suites not up to Code.Hosts will receive a provincial registration number that must be displayed on all online listings in B.C., effective May 1, 2025. Hosts who do not comply and who do not have a provincial registration number will have their listings taken down as of June 1, 2025.
As of June 2024, multinational short-term rental platforms were required to report data to the Province monthly on all short-term rentals operating in B.C. This information has been shared with more than 50 local governments to support bylaw enforcement. The provincial registry will continue to put Richmond and BC back in the right direction.
Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 27th is Holocaust Remembrance Day. My colleagues from the provincial government and I recognize that diversity is our strength and we solemnly observe this Day. Thank you to the Richmond's Jewish community for having invited my colleagues in the Lower Mainland and I to attend your Holocaust Remembrance event. I brought the recognition certificate signed by the Premier.
Nominations are open for the Province’s top honours, the Order of British Columbia and the Medal of Good Citizenship. These awards celebrate people who have demonstrated exceptional achievement, excellence, or distinction in a field of endeavour that benefits the people of B.C. or beyond. Nominations for both honours must be submitted by Friday, April 4, 2025, to be considered this year. See links above to submit a nomination today!
Steveston Interchange Project Update
The Steveston Interchange Project has reached a major milestone with the completion of the north half of the new overpass. Next steps include removing the existing overpass and building the new south half in its place. The Project is on track to be completed by fall 2025.
For the most up-to-date Project information on traffic impacts, visit the Highway 99 Tunnel Program website. If you have construction-related questions, please email StevestonProject@flatironcorp.com or call 1-888-270-1075 (24/7).
Our office is here for you
We know that the winter months may be hard for some of us. People anywhere in Canada can call and text 9-8-8 if they are thinking about suicide or are worried about someone who is.
Healthlink: dial 8-1-1
BC211 — multilingual service that links people to resources for help: dial 2-1-1
For financial supports for people, visit this page.
Our office promotes community events and we are currently hosting a colouring contest! Print and submit before Feb 5.
For general BC vaccination info, visit this page.
To read and better prepare for road safety, visit PreparedBC webpage.
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