May 2025 Newsletter
- Kelly Greene
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Hello Richmond-Steveston constituents,
🌸 I hope you are having an excellent early spring!🌸
We have lots going on here in the provincial government, and we want to share these exciting developments with all of you. From affordability, emergency preparedness and everything in-between, we hope you find something you are interested in learning more about.
Feel free to reach out for any questions, comments or concerns, and we would be happy to help.
Infrastructure Projects Act
To facilitate faster delivery of cost-effective high-quality investments for the people of B.C., the infrastructure projects act has been introduced. the Province has embarked on the largest, most ambitious capital plan in B.C. history to build the schools, hospitals, student housing and other infrastructure that growing communities need.
Premier David Eby states, “We are building a record number of new schools, hospitals and major transportation projects across B.C., but too many others face unnecessary and costly delays. This legislation is designed to speed up permitting and approvals to get shovels in the ground more quickly on priority projects.”
With this legislation, we can get shovels in the ground faster to deliver more key projects, like Richmond Lions Manor-Fentiman Place for the Richmond community.
BC Supports Projects that Help Communities Prepare for Climate Emergencies
To better protect people and communities throughout B.C. from the increasing threat of natural and climate-related emergencies, our government is providing more than $40 million for 61 projects.
The frequency of climate-caused events is increasing, and managing and reducing these risks is essential,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “By supporting communities on these projects, we are helping to better protect these communities and the people who call them home. Our new DRIF program provides reliable, long-term funding so communities can better plan for and address their most pressing disaster-mitigation needs.”
More Nurses Moving to BC to Provide Care
We’ve shorted the process for US nurses to come to BC to work – from months, to just days. With the uncertainty and chaos happening south of our border, we have an opportunity to attract the skilled health-care workers our province needs to strengthen public health care. A record number of people are interested in moving to BC to join the health care workforce.
Do you know a health care worker in the US? Invite them to move to BC: http://BCHealthCareers.ca
Province Continues to Ensure People are Protected from COVID-19 and Measles
Starting Tuesday, April 8, 2025, free additional COVID-19 vaccines will be available to people in B.C., with a focus on those who are at higher risk of severe illness.
With an increasing number of measles cases reported in B.C. and the resurgence of measles cases worldwide, public health officials are also encouraging people in B.C. to check their immunization records to ensure they are up to date with their measles immunization.
You can check your immunization records by going on Health Gateway or connecting with their health-care provider, and if needed, to book an appointment to get a free measles vaccine.
Premier Leading Asia Trade Mission to promote B.C. Investment
Premier David Eby, Minister Lana Popham, and MLA Paul Choi will go on a trade mission to Asia to strengthen partnerships, increase investment, diversify trade and create good jobs for British Columbians. The trade mission is from June 1 until June 10, and includes Tokyo and Osaka, Japan; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Seoul, South Korea.
“Our largest trading partner has become increasingly unreliable, so now is the time to expand international markets for B.C. goods and develop deeper bonds with other countries,” Premier Eby said. “This trade mission is about showcasing all that B.C. has to offer, deepening our relationship with major customers, supporting good jobs here at home and building our province’s position as the economic engine of a stronger and more independent Canada.”
Construction Begins on Student Housing at SFU, more child care on the way
The new eight-storey residence will provide an additional 445 beds for students at the Burnaby campus. Construction is expected to be completed on the student-housing residence and child care facility in fall 2027.
Construction is expected to start in fall 2025 on a stand-alone child care centre, which will add 160 new child care spaces to more than 410 existing spaces in the Burnaby campus and at SFU’s Sapperton location. With these new spaces, more than 570 child care spaces will provide support to the SFU community.
People Facing Barriers to Employment Will Gain Experience for In-Demand Jobs
The Province, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is providing $7.7 million over two years to create work opportunities for people facing significant barriers to employment.
Administered by United Way BC over two years, the Work Experience Opportunities Grant (WEOG) will offer grants to non-profit organizations to create time-limited paid work opportunities. The program will provide additional income without affecting income or disability-assistance benefits.
For more information about the Work Experience Opportunities Grant, visit: https://uwbc.ca/program/grants/#provincial
To learn more about available WorkBC Employment services, visit: https://www.workbc.ca/discover-employment-services
Know a Chinese speaker who wants to read government news more easily? Refer them to the official BC government Weibo - @卑诗省府GovernmentofBC 的个人主页 - 微博 (weibo.com)
For general BC vaccination info, visit this page.
To read and better prepare for road safety, visit PreparedBC webpage.
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