Pacific Rim Region Coastal Safety Coordination Meeting

I very much appreciated the invitation by Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Manager of Community Initiatives Brooke Wood to attend the "Pacific Rim Region Coastal Safety Coordination Meeting" in Tofino on March 4th. This meeting was initiated by myself and federal environment minister Steven Guilbeault to bring together various organizations to enhance regional recreational coastal safety through education, prevention and response strategies. Community representatives in attendance were loud and clear about the reinstatement of the 36 year old Surf Guard Program at Incinerator Rock which has the highest rate of incidents and drowning fatalities since the Conservative government shut it down in 2012 as part of the Harper/Poilievre austerity program that included cuts to veterans services, fisheries offices and scientific research. Ironically, they pointed out, several beaches within national parks on the East Coast of Canada are far less dangerous with fewer visitors but include life saving programs. I pledged to continue the fight for Surf Guard in Parliament. I’m not backing down on this.

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Poppy Flag Raising Ceromony

Thank you to the Qualicum Legion #76 for inviting me to attend the Poppy Flag raising ceremony and Poppy Campaign Kickoff for 2023 on Friday. Every year from the last Friday of October to November 11, tens of millions of Canadians wear a Poppy as a visual pledge to honour Canada's Veterans and remember those who scarified for the freedoms we enjoy today. 

The Poppy is distributed freely to all who wish to wear one, and the Legion gratefully accepts donations to the Poppy Fund, which helps military an RCMP veterans and their families. Thanks to QB Legion Poppy Campaign Chair Arlene King an outgoing Poppy Campaign Chair Bruce Ballingal for their service. 

King Charles III Coronation Medal to Respected Elder Grace George

It was my very great honour to present the King Charles III Coronation medal to respected Elder Grace George on October 16th at wonderful ceremony at Wickaninnish Community School in Tofino. The King Charles III Coronation Medal is awarded to 30,000 Canadians who have made significant contributions to their community and their country and there is no more deserving recipient than Grace.
I was privileged to present this honour to Grace on behalf of the Governor General of Canada for her dedication to Nuu-chah-nulth language revitalization over thirty years as an education support worker. Her dream of a day when children would enthusiastically learn their own language has come true because of her willingness to share her knowledge and provide loving guidance to her fellow educators. Klecko Klecko to Grace for making such a difference to so many.
Thank you to the children of Wickaninnish for their songs and dance and to Chief Elmer Frank, Chief Maquinna, Principal Dani Stone, Tofino Mayor Dan Law and School District 70 Superintendent Tim Davie, Chair Pam Craig, Trustees Janis Joseph and Cynthia Orr for attending.

'State of the Island" Economic Summit

Great discussions at the 2024 ’State of the Island’ Economic Summit in Nanaimo. I love the group shot with these amazing economic leaders: Tseshaht First Nation Chief Ken Watts, former Huu-ay-aht First Nation Elected Chief Councillor Robert Dennis, four-time Mayor of Port Alberni, Ken McRae and City of Port Alberni Economic Development Officer Pat Deakin. The whole conference was about partnerships and for the limited time my schedule allowed me to stay, I enjoyed the panel discussions with Chief Watts, Carol Anne Hilton, former Chief Dennis, Huu-ay-aht Councillor Trevor Cootes and others on economic reconciliation. Congratulations to the organizers, speakers and delegates for such a wonderful conference.

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