NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and I meet with Qualicum First Nation

Port Alberni Freidnship Centre

Thank you to the Board of Directors of the Port Alberni Friendship Centre for taking time last month to bring me up to date on its work and challenges faced by this important institution in our community. Friendship Centres are home-away-from-home for many Indigenous people who have settled in urban areas to go to school or work or because there isn’t sufficient housing in their home communities.

Governments rely on Friendship Centres to provide important social services which, in the case of Port Alberni, includes a childcare centre, tiny homes, a shelter and recreational and social services for families and Elders, all of which are culturally-based.

In spite of this reliance on Friendship Centres to provide these services, they have always been chronically underfunded by the federal government. Operational and program funding is provided through contribution agreements which are often renewed just weeks before their expiry—sometimes, many weeks following their expiry. Although the Port Alberni Friendship Centre has an exemplary record of responsible fiscal management, it struggles to provide assurance of continued employment to its staff because of the government’s refusal to enter into longer term agreements.

In the coming weeks, I will work with Jagmeet Singh and the NDP critic on Indigenous Crown Relations, MP Lori Idlout, to advance the objectives of the National Association of Friendship Centres to secure funding that addresses rising costs and addresses the restrictive terms and conditions of funding agreements with the government along with the need for flexibility to address the needs of individual Friendship Centres.

Alberni Valley Business Excellence Awards Gala

A wonderful time was had by all Saturday night’s Alberni Valley Business Excellence Awards Gala, an incredible evening dedicated to recognizing the hardworking individuals, businesses and organizations that drive our local economy and strengthen our community.

Thanks to Joleen Dick, Chris Washington, Colin Minions and the Board of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce for organizing this wonderful event along with their partners, the City of Port Alberni and Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners! The community is the big winner, of course, with so many passionate and community-minded individuals working to build a stronger, more prosperous future for everyone. Let’s show them our support by shopping local this holiday season!

"Stuff The Bus" Campaign in Port Alberni

Great turnout for the fourth annual “Stuff The Bus” campaign in Port Alberni on Saturday--organized by the Amalgamated Transportation Union Local 1724 and supported by the Salvation Army, the Lions Club, 93.3 The Peak, BC Transit and PW Transit. Thanks especially to local bus driver and bus-stuffing-champion Collette Harding! If you "missed the bus”, take a toy over to the Salvation Army or stuff some cash into a Kettle near you! Most of all, thanks to each and every person who came down to bus with a gift or donation, your generosity and kindness will be reflected in the joy and laughter of many children this season!