The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Board of Directors adopted the 2024-2028 Financial Plan Bylaw, an annual requirement which must be completed by end of March each year. This year’s budget will see a 5.8% average increase in property taxes for RDCK residents, although this is highly variable depending on the Electoral Area or […]

March is kidney health month! This week I met with Castlegar Sunrise Rotary Club members including Gwen Chernenkoff to chat about the The Kidney Foundation of Canada Walk. As a living donor I know first hand just how much this walk raises funds that directly support families. It was fabulous to share my mine and my […]

Premier’s, parliamentary secretary’s statements on International Women’s Day  Thousands of B.C. women started their day happy, cared for by their families and full of ambition. So many others face oppression, discrimination, poverty and violence. B.C. is home to countless smart, caring and passionate women who make our province stronger. Today, we celebrate the contributions and […]

Dear Editor, Not long ago I received a call requesting donations to save our CBC. As I reflected upon our conversation, it became clear to me that the only way to save our public broadcaster was to ensure that the Conservatives do not win the federal election. However, due to their strong lead in the […]

Last week Premier David Eby issued a heartfelt apology for historic wrongs against the Sons of Freedom children, including the effects on the descendants and community. The Government of British Columbia has committed to a $10 million recognition package and also recognizes the immediate need for these resources, especially for the elderly. In the coming months the […]

Last week Canada took another major step forward truly universal healthcare with the tabling of the NDP’s Pharmacare Act.  When fully implemented this legislation will allow all Canadians to use their health card to obtain their prescription drugs, just as they use it to see a doctor or use hospital facilities.  And it will save Canada as […]

This week, I returned to the legislature for a new session of presenting, debating, and passing legislation alongside my colleagues. In our first week, we presented our Throne Speech and 2024 Budget, sharing some of the priorities of our government for the year ahead. We know that people are facing challenges, like global inflation and high interest rates. […]

The BC Legislature resumed Feb. 20 with a Speech from the Throne that outlines our commitments for the fall session. The 2024 Budget will be announced on February 22. Our government has taken on some of the biggest challenges facing British Columbians, like childcare, housing, and healthcare. We will continue to add important pieces to […]

Government apologizes for historic wrongs against Sons of Freedom Last week in Castlegar and Grand Forks, Attorney General Niki Sharma delivered a heartfelt and a long overdue apology to the Sons of Freedom Doukhobor community for historic wrongs committed by the provincial government. Along with this apology, a $10 million compensation package was also announced for […]

A Federal Court Justice has ruled in favour of conservation groups that challenged the federal Environment Minister for failing to take action to protect the critical habitats of at-risk migratory birds across the country. This includes the threatened Marbled Murrelet, a seabird that relies on coastal old-growth forests in B.C. for nesting. Ecojustice lawyers, on […]