In The Community

Mood Disorders Society of Canada Meeting

It was a privilege to meet with representatives from Mood Disorders Society of Canada recently in Ottawa to discuss the important role of community organizations and peer support workers in helping Canadians with mental illnesses. They spoke about how the chronic underfunding of Canada’s mental health sector limits the ability of non-profit organizations to expand services and meet growing demand. We agreed that investing in community mental health organizations could reduce pressures on the healthcare system and help Canadians who are struggling. Finally, we talked about my Private Member’s Bill, C-414, which is pushing for parity between physical and mental health in our universal, public healthcare system. Canada is facing a mental health crisis and it’s clear we need systemic change so everyone can access care when they need it most.

Alberni Valley Multiplex- Skating Party

Great fun at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on Thursday as skaters of all ages took to the ice to glide the light fantastic! Thanks to the gang who travelled all the way from Ahousaht First Nation for the skating party and members of the Alberni Valley Rescue Squad who demonstrated their human pyramid building skills. Thanks especially to the Multiplex management and staff for creating a winter wonderland at the rink. It was truly magical and provided a chance to forget the worries of the world for a couple of hours. 

Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

 

Thank you to Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director for inviting me to the Chamber's roundtable discussion with members last month. Issues raised during this meeting included: affordable housing, the impacts of cuts to foreign students, transitional issues in the aquaculture industry and business insurance. I very mush appreciate connecting with members at this annual event and receiving invaluable feedback about issues of importance to the business community in the Comox valley. 

Mayor Minions and Josie Osborne- Roundtable in Port Alberni

Thanks to Mayor Minions and Josie Osborne for including me in Port Alberni’s roundtable with the Honourable Ravi Parmar, Chief Watts, Chief Lauder and industry leaders this month. We know the industry is struggling and the impacts on workers is devastating. It was important to hear from all about the changes that are required at all levels of government. I promised to continue the fight in Ottawa for biomass tax incentives to help protect Canadian jobs in this sector including 350 good jobs at the Catalyst paper mill.

Annual John Douglas Memorial Swim

What a way to kick off the New Year! This morning, I joined other brave souls for the annual John Douglas Memorial Swim in Port Alberni. Braving the frigid waters is a *refreshing* reminder of resilience, togetherness and starting the year with a splash of courage, just as our friend John would have wanted. Thank you to everyone who waded in with us or came to cheer us on—it’s events like these that make our communities so special. Wishing you all a fantastic start to 2025, may it be full of energy, connection and new adventures!

Parksville Community Centre Society on 75 years of service

Congratulations to the Board and volunteers of the Parksville Community Centre Society on seventy-five years of service to the community. It was a pleasure to present president Duane Round, Treasurer Sue Hodges and board member Barbara Kennedy with a certificate from the House of Commons in celebration of all those who have contributed to the Community Centre since 1949. The Society fosters relationships with community groups, charities and like-minded organizations. In addition to operating this wonderful Centre, it organizes much-needed Popup Recycling Events for Oceanside. Truly a place “where community comes together”!

Parksville's Ballenas Secondary School- Politics 12 Class Visit

Thanks to Parksville’s Ballenas Secondary teacher Jessylee Spence for inviting me to meet with her Politics 12 class about my role as a Member of Parliament. Ms. Spence told me that "meeting real life politicians and asking questions is one of the two things EVERY student mentions in their final conference as a highlight of their learning.” It is certainly a highlight for me too. One of the best parts of my job has always been hearing from young people about their issues and passing on my experiences about how they can get involved. I never fail to come away from these encounters feeling optimistic about the future of our communities, our country and our planet.

MP Johns calls on the government to finally provide friendship centers with long-term funding

I was up in Question Period again on Thursday asking the government to get serious about its funding allocation for Friendship Centres which are essential in the lives of thousands of Indigenous residents of both urban and rural communities. For many, they are a home-away-from home, providing culturally safe programs and services for Elders, children and families. Governments at all levels are increasingly reliant on Friendship Centres to deliver services, most recently as they relate to mental health and the toxic drug overdose crisis and the impact of catastrophic climate events such as wildfires and floods which have driven many people from their home communities into cities. The National Association of Friendship Centres is proposing a national budget of $63 million with inflationary increases over a ten year period. I support this sensible proposal which will provide sustainability and financial stability for these amazing organizations across Canada. I will continue to fight for Friendship Centres!

Alberni Valley Restorative Justice Society- Annual General Meeting

Thank you to Alex Glassey, president of the Alberni Valley Restorative Justice Society for inviting me to speak at this year’s Annual general Meeting. As I told members of the Society, restorative justice is such an important force for good in the community and certainly over the past year, I have been very impressed with their collaborative work with First Nations, schools, social service groups, the RCMP and the federal and provincial judicial systems. Significantly, they have created awareness with both municipal and regional governments and applied for almost $2 million in federal grants to extend their reach in the Valley. The momentum that is being created by this initiative is truly inspiring, particularly as it shifts justice towards healing as an outcome for so many.

16th Annual Toy Drive in Parksville Tigh Mara Resort

Thanks to Parksville’s Tigh Na Mara Resort for hosting the 16th Annual Toy Drive last week and to all those who dropped by with toys or cash donations to SOS and food donations for the Salvation Army food bank. Great to see Chief Michael Recalma, unshaved and in a beautiful red suit and hat! Even though you will have to wait until next year for another wonderful buffet breakfast, donations are still being accepted by the SOS and Salvation Army.