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. 

Business Development Bank of Canada- BDC

This week I had the chance to meet with the Business Development Bank of Canada (“BDC”) President and CEO Isabelle Hudon who has been travelling to meet with MPs across the country. I took the opportunity to turn the meeting into a roundtable and invited some economic leaders from our riding including Huu-ay-aht Elected Chief Councillor John Jack, Patrick Deakin (Economic Development Manager for Port Alberni), Lori Camire (Executive Director of Community Futures Alberni Clayoquot), Julie Sperber (President and CEO of Vancouver Island Economic Alliance), Tracey Clarke (Executive Director of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce), Ramon Ramirez (Partner of Chinook Business Advisory and board chair of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce). Ms. Hudon noted I was the first MP of the 177 she’s met who has invited community leaders to have a roundtable. One part of an MP’s job is connecting entrepreneurs directly with leaders of federal institutions, so I was thrilled to have this opportunity to get this group in the same room.

BDC plays an important role in fostering economic growth in Courtenay-Alberni, including providing $128 million in loans for businesses. Of that total, 40% has gone to women owned businesses and 6% to Indigenous owned businesses, which are above the national average for business loans. Ms. Hudon shared information about new envelopes of funding for Indigenous entrepreneurs, as well as about the increased partnership with Community Futures. Thank you very much to Ms. Hudon for making the journey to Vancouver Island and for the engaging discussion on how to build a stronger, more resilient economy, especially in rural Canada!

Alberni Valley Youth and Family Services

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit the new space for ADAPS (Alberni Valley Youth and Family Services) and speak with their Executive Director Debra Hamilton and her dedicated team. We celebrated our history of working together to secure funding from the Substance Use and Addictions program and the launch of the new Youth Mental Health Fund. These funding opportunities are helping ADAPS better serve youth in the riding, like through the launch of Foundry Port Alberni which will be a hub of health resources for young people.

We also discussed how to better support the wellness of children, youth, and families in the Alberni Valley. The lack of affordable and accessible housing for youth, especially youth coming out of care, continues to be a major challenge. This is an area where I will be pushing the federal government to step up and fill in the gaps when I return to Ottawa next week.

Courtenay-Alberni Naut'sa mawt Housing Project

Thank you to Roger Kishi, Coordinator of Homeless & Housing Programs for Courtenay's Wachiay Friendship Centre for inviting me to attend the opening ceremony of its new Naut'sa mawt (a Coast Salish word meaning "together as one”) housing project.. Naut'sa maw is a five-storey, wood-frame building which houses 40 affordable non-market homes prioritized for Indigenous people. The project is funded by BC Housing, the federal Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Friendship Centre, the City of Courtenay and the Comox Valley Regional District. It will be managed through a partnership between Wachiay and M'akola Housing Society. Hychka to all involved in creating these wonderful new homes.

Cumberland's Annual May Day

Thanks so much for the warm welcome by those in attendance at Cumberland’s annual May Day Bean Dinner on Thursday, in celebration of International Workers Day. It was an honour to join friends, workers and families for this proud tradition in one of Canada’s most historic labour communities. A big thank you to all those who helped organize the supper, the cooks and to the community choir for its wonderful renditions of labour songs. And, to all those who continue to build solidarity in Cumberland and across Courtenay-Alberni. Together, we keep the spirit of May Day alive — because when workers rise, we all rise.

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”!