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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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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