Dear Friend,

Next week marks the final week of this legislature term before summer in our home ridings. It’s been a long haul with extended hours until 9pm every night and I am ready for more time at home and with the terrific folks who make up the constituency of South Granville. This coming week in the Legislature, I’ll finish the estimates for Finance and table the final supply bill to ensure we can continue to fund the services people of B.C. rely upon.

This past week I participated in a number of business-focussed events, including an excellent meeting with the Business Council of B.C. (BCBC), attended by over 100 in person and online attendees. Numerous important issues were raised, including business competitiveness and the ongoing uncertainty due to the global trade challenges. I also heard from a Korean Canadian lawyer working directly with Korean companies considering BC as a home for their head offices, folks from the forestry sector discussing ways to reduce the cost and raise the adoption of mass timber, and suggestions on ways to incentivize economic growth.

At meetings with the Langley Chamber of Commerce and at the Maple Ridge Momentum conference, I shared our fiscal outlook, what we are doing to respond to tariffs as well as opportunities to grow our economy. I also got to meet with some great nonprofits working in Maple Ridge, including a terrific group called Taproot (pictured below), which supports folks living with disabilities, including those with acquired brain injury.

I was unable to attend the opening today but was excited to see that the new Royal Roads Campus in Langford has been named the John Horgan campus. This is a lovely tribute to a man who loved his community of Langford and who both believed in and benefited from the power of education. “John from Langford,” our former Premier overcame a troubled childhood to eventually achieve a Master’s in History and never doubted that education is “the great equalizer”. What an apt tribute.

Please do let us know about opportunities to both attend and highlight events in the riding! We’ve got opening night at Bard on the Beach and a full day of activities at Khatsahlano days, but I know there are many more exciting events I’ll see you at this summer.

All my best,

Brenda

More Funding for Recycling and Waste Prevention Projects

More businesses and organizations in B.C. will receive funding to foster innovation in plastic recycling and waste prevention while creating good, clean jobs for people throughout the province. This year, B.C. is funding 34 new projects with 14 of the projects being Indigenous-led, through the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund. The Fund has created more than 240 direct long-term, full-time jobs in the first two phases, with more on the way in Phase 3.

Projects receiving funding this year include expanding the use of reusable cups at large events, textile and medical-supply recycling, installation of industrial dishwashers in community spaces to reduce single-use dinnerware, zero-waste cleaning supplies, refill and zero-waste store expansions, and construction-waste sorting services, as well as other innovative and unique projects.

Work Opportunities Available Soon for People on Income and Disability Assistance

The Province, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is providing $7.7 million over two years to create work opportunities for people facing significant barriers to employment.

Administered by United Way BC over two years, the Work Experience Opportunities Grant (WEOG) will offer grants to non-profit organizations to create time-limited paid work opportunities for people on income and disability assistance and Indigenous people receiving equivalent federal assistance. The program will provide additional income without affecting income or disability-assistance benefits.

Placements will provide participants with opportunities to contribute to their communities and enhance their job security while gaining skills and experience. Participants will have access to career-transition services, including job-placement support, further training opportunities or mentorship that can help them in future careers.

Premier’s Statement on the Anniversary of the Komagata Maru Incident

On May 23, 1914, a chartered steamer named the Komagata Maru arrived in Vancouver harbour after a long transoceanic voyage from Asia. The 376 Sikh, Muslim and Hindu passengers on board came to Canada in search of opportunity and a better life, like so many others. Instead, they were met with rejection and discrimination.

Only a handful of the passengers on board were allowed to disembark. The remainder were confined to the ship, where they endured harsh and deteriorating conditions. Necessities like food and water were restricted, while legal access and communication with supporters on shore was refused by authorities. After two months, the Komagata Maru was escorted by a warship from Vancouver harbour and forced to return to Asia.

While the issue has faded from public view, the injustice faced by the passengers and their treatment by Canadian officials remains a dark chapter, especially for South Asian communities in British Columbia.

In 2008, the Government of B.C. apologized for the treatment of the passengers. Eight years later, the prime minister delivered an apology in the House of Commons. In 2022, the Government of B.C. funded the South Asian Canadian Legacy Project to raise awareness about the many contributions South Asian Canadians have made to our province’s culture, heritage and economy.

We continue to learn from the mistakes of the past. It is our duty to make sure through education and advocacy that we never repeat them.

Funding for Rural and Indigenous Communities

Local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations throughout British Columbia are receiving funding to promote economic diversification, clean-economy opportunities and infrastructure development. More than 130 projects will receive funding through the third intake of the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP). These projects will strengthen local economies, create an estimated 2,200 jobs and make a positive impact for people and communities across rural areas of the province.

In northern B.C., the Indigenous Economic Resilience in the Rural/Remote North project supports clean job growth, economic resilience and community wellness. This is through the continued development of an Indigenous-led, culturally safe skills-training and employment centre in northern B.C. This project will support vital employment and training infrastructure to boost jobs and circular economic growth that is much needed in rural, remote regions with high Indigenous populations.

Assistance Payments Will Continue During Any Potential Canada Post Strike

The Province is taking the necessary steps to ensure people continue to receive provincial disability and income assistance in the event of a labour dispute at Canada Post.

Income and disability assistance

All monthly cheques that are set to be mailed to clients and service providers will instead be sent directly to ministry offices for distribution.

Clients can also sign up for direct deposit by providing their bank account information by contacting the ministry through: 1-866-866-0800; online: MySelfServe.gov.bc.ca; in person by attending a ministry office.

Seniors Supplement

The provincial Senior’s Supplement, if paid by mailed cheques, will be delivered by Canada Post volunteers as part of the Socio-Economic Cheque Delivery program. Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) are federal support programs. Any questions should be directed to Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914.

Premier Leading B.C.’s Asia Trade Mission

Premier David Eby is leading a trade mission to Asia with business leaders and key government officials to strengthen partnerships, increase investment, diversify trade and create good jobs for British Columbians.

The trade mission is from June 1 until June 10, and includes: Tokyo and Osaka, Japan; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Seoul, South Korea. Premier Eby will be accompanied by Minister Lana Popham and parliamentary secretary Paul Choi, along with representatives from B.C. businesses and research universities.

The team will be promoting B.C.’s strengths and seeking to build relationships that will support new trade and investment in key sectors, including surging demand in Asia for clean energy, B.C. wood and forestry products, technology, LNG and critical minerals, and agricultural products such as halal foods and seafood.

Public Input on George Massey Tunnel

The B.C. government is asking for the public’s input on the replacement of the George Massey Tunnel.

The new toll-free tunnel will include three travel lanes and one dedicated transit lane in each direction, improving travel times for transit and drivers along Highway 99.

Feedback will be given directly to the Environmental Assessment Office to ensure that it includes all the studies and information required to assess the potential positive and negative impacts of the project. The public comment period runs from May 22, 2025, until June 23, 2025.

Party Local - Hyack Multicultural Parade & Festival

Starting this Saturday, May 24th, at 11AM, the annual Hyack Multicultural Parade & Festival returns to the streets of New Westminster, and you should too!  The annual Hyack Parade is our province’s largest family-oriented parade with over 100 entries from throughout BC and some from beyond.

Thousands of people join us for the Hyack Multicultural Parade and stay with us to celebrate the Hyack Festival which turns Tipperary Park into a hub of free entertainment, music, and activities for people of all ages, while supporting local vendors, food trucks, and other artisan creators to display and sell their creations.

You won’t want to miss the high-energy, colourful, and entertaining procession of floats, marching bands, community groups, mascots, performance artists, and more that fill the streets of New Westminster. It’s a “can’t miss” event for the entire family!

Events in Vancouver-South Granville

Spot Prawn Festival 2025

• When: May 25th, 11AM – 3PM 
• Where: False Creek Fishermen's Wharf (1505 W 1st Ave.)
• Admission:  Free to attend, $12 for a Bisque + a Bun (registration required)

This is the Chefs' Table Society's main fundraising event so it can continue to provide education, mentorship, scholarships and sustainability initiatives across the province.

On Sunday May 25, join the Chefs' Table Society of British Columbia for a celebration of an iconic BC product at the annual Spot Prawn Festival.

Outdoor stand up event and runs rain or shine.

You have THREE ways to enjoy it:

• FREE – access to the docks, view cooking demos and more (family-friendly)
• $10 – 8 oz of Prawn Bisque + a Bun– to go if you want! (family-friendly)
• $79 – Spot Prawn Brunch – grazing stand-up style with a tasting menu of 6 delicious spot prawn dishes **19 years and old only (no pets)

Come From Far Far Away by The Broadway Chorus

• When: May 23rd 8PM, May 24th 8PM
• Where: Performance Works, Granville Island (1218 Cartwright St.)
• Admission:  Varies (In-Person and Online Viewing tickets available)

The Broadway Chorus is pleased to present their 47th musical. It's Come From Far Far Away, and if you guessed "A spaceship lands on a mysterious planet," yup, you guessed right! We'll be featuring great songs and spectacular dance numbers from shows like Tick Tick Boom, Oliver, Kimberly Akimbo, Schmigadoon, and more, but we've also dipped into some great songs written for TV, so there'll be lots of surprises in store.

Come on down and see us in-person! The dancing! The singing! The gasping for breath in between the dancing and singing! And costumes so fabulous you'll want to reach out and touch them (but don't, please respect our personal space).

Thanks to the wonders of science, you can see the show from the comfort of your living room ... even if your living room is on the other side of the world. Multiple cameras capture the show from all angles. It's just like being there, only more comfortable, assuming you've chosen your furniture wisely.

Tap Day Celebrations 2025

• When: May 24th and May 25th 
• Where: Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie St.)
• Admission:  Show $35, Workshops from $25

West Coast Tap Dance will be celebrating Tap Day this weekend of May 24-25th. Their show, ‘For the Love of Tap’, will be on Saturday, May 24th at 4 and 7PM, featuring local professionals and local community groups. At the show, they will be honouring Travis Knights, who is joining them for the weekend.

Additionally, 12 great workshops are being offered on Saturday and Sunday. Workshops will take place on the 7th floor of the Scotiabank Dance Centre. There are advanced beginner/intermediate and intermediate/advanced workshops to choose from.

Graham Clark’s 24-Hours of Stand Up

• When: Starting May 23rd 8PM until May 24th 8PM
• Where: Little Mountain Gallery (110 Water St.)
• Admission: Varies

It's now been a full year since Little Mountain Gallery (LMG) reopened and, to celebrate, Graham Clark will punish himself one more time with a full day of stand-up comedy.

Some of the funniest comics in the city (and beyond!) write jokes around the clock for Graham to read on stage. Come in person or watch online with our live-stream.

Our annual fundraiser's partial proceeds will go to Filipino BC in response to the recent tragedy at Lapu Lapu Day, and to support LMG operations. Last year we raised $3,000 for WISH Drop-In Centre Society.

This year is bigger than ever before, with more comics, more jokes and more surprises!

Tickets are sold in blocks of 75 minutes. After 75 minutes audiences will flip for the next show while Graham and comics stay on stage. Check out one show or buy a multi-show pass to stick around.

Inner Elder by Michelle Thrush

• When: May 23rd to May 31st
• Where: Firehall Theatre (280 E Cordova St.)
• Admission: Varies

“Michelle Thrush has a compelling story to tell, but it’s the elegant, sly way she weaves it that makes Inner Elder a treat.” - Hobson

Inner Elder is a powerful solo show created and performed by award-winning Cree actress Michelle Thrush. Through heartfelt storytelling, Michelle takes the audience on a deeply personal journey of discovery, drawing from real moments of her childhood that shaped her life. It has been described as a love letter to community.

A humorous memoir that weaves together memory, spirit, and land, allowing the audience to witness the magical power of transformation through the powerful magic of… our grandmothers.

Day of Music, Presented by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

• When: May 24th 10AM – 10PM
• Where: Various venues across Downtown and Granville Island
• Admission: Free!

Join us on Saturday May 24th for a full day of FREE musical delights from 10am to 10pm spread across multiple stages. With over 70 performances to enjoy, there’s something for everyone in the family. Cap off the day with a free concert by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at 8pm.

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra concludes the Day of Music with a free concert. Conducted by VSO Music Director, Otto Tausk, the orchestra will present a captivating program. The Future of Excellence winner, pianist Jimmy Lee, will accompany Maestro Tausk for Grieg’s breathtaking Piano Concerto in A minor. The concert will also feature a delightful selection of orchestral works, including Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, Sibelius’s powerful Finlandia, Schubert’s beloved “Unfinished” Symphony No. 8, Beethoven’s energetic Scherzo from Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”, and the thrilling sounds of Badelt’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

For locations and schedule see website, below.