Orca Lelum Youth Wellness Centre- Opening Ceremony

Hychka to the Elders, board and staff of Orca Lelum Youth Wellness Centre for the honour of asking me to witness the opening ceremony of their new facility in the territory of Snaw-naw-as First Nation on Wednesday. As Center Director Emmy Manson said, they will strive for a healing legacy not a trauma legacy, providing medically supervised withdrawal management, mental health supports and holistic residential treatment for youth aged 12 to 18. This unique program is the first youth treatment facility on Vancouver Island that is culturally appropriate and was developed by Kw’umut Lelum Child and Family Services under the leadership of Executive Director Bill Yoachim and will help to fill an enormous gap in support services for young people who are ready to take the path to recovery. Thanks to my colleague MP Lisa Marie Barron for inviting me to join her for this momentous occasion and to the Hon. Sheila Malcolmson and the BC NDP government for this important investment in Indigenous-led treatment and recovery services.

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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. 

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