Dear Friend,

Now that the Legislature has wrapped for 2025, and my attention turns to working with the Federal Government on issues of importance for BC. I am off to Ottawa next week for a meeting with all Provincial and Territorial Finance Ministers and Minister Champagne. There are many topics of shared importance including health care funding, the CPP, infrastructure funding, trade, and of course, the pipeline. See my write up below on the pipeline, if of interest.

I am staying in town for the holidays and hope to bump into many of you as I enjoy the many holiday festivities in our riding and city! I plan to do some long hikes on the North Shore, to getting out in my kayak, and to seeing family and friends my work pulls me away from.

For many of us, the holiday season gives us the change to reflect on what is most important to us, to spend time with those we love, and to rest and rejoice.  I wish you and yours a very happy holiday season, however you chose to celebrate.

Peace and Joy

Brenda

Disability Assistance Claw Back Removed for Couples

Starting Dec. 1, 2025, couples where both members receive disability assistance will receive the same support allowance as they would if they were two single people.

In addition, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, couples where one partner has the Persons with Disabilities designation will also benefit from an increased annual earnings exemptions, allowing them to keep more of the money they earn. The changes will be automatic for eligible families, with no application required.

Interprovincial Trade Barriers Lifted

The Government of B.C. proposed, chaired and championed a national initiative to establish the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement (CMRA), which was signed by federal, provincial and territorial trade ministers in Yellowknife on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, through the national Committee on Internal Trade.  

 If a good can be lawfully sold in B.C., it will no longer face additional testing, certification or other approvals before it can be sold across the country. Any exceptions to this standard will be clearly identified. The CMRA applies to the sale of all goods except food and will take effect in December 2025.

My Thoughts on the Pipeline

Many folks have reached out to me about the Federal and Alberta MOU on a new pipeline from Alberta to tidewater, likely either at the Port of Prince Rupert or the Kitimat terminus.

Some folks have said that BC is standing in the way of economic development. But that is in fact the opposite of what is happening. We are pushing hard to develop our resources to lessen our ties with the US and enhance exports to Asia and other markets. A pipeline that goes through the Northern Coast has the potential to undo the work we’ve done to build agreements with Coastal First Nations that allow us to increase exports during this damaging trade war. For many Nations, and many BC’ers generally (this MLA included), bitumen tankers travelling through our dangerous North Coast is a line in the sand.

The Government of BC has been working hard on making fair and long-lasting agreements with the Coastal First Nations to move major industrial projects forward to continue to grow BC’s economy in the threat of the US trade war. BC has many resources including critical minerals and natural gas, which, when liquified can be exported to Asia. BC has some of the least emitting LNG in the world because when the liquefaction process (cooling to -160 degrees) is done with hydro energy, it creates a lower carbon footprint than when done with gas, as is the most common practice. BC has the strongest environmental protections of any jurisdiction doing LNG extraction.

LNG is not a neutral product. It too is a fossil fuel and has negative impact on our climate. But BC’s work to ensure it is the lowest possible emitting LNG can offset higher carbon emissions by displacing both coal and higher carbon LNG. Personally, I am not a fan of LNG, but I do understand why we have made the decision to develop this resource in the light of the trade war. I see the impact of Trump’s tariffs on government revenue and see the need for further economic diversification, including LNG. The revenue from these projects can fund health care, schools, and social supports that are so important to us as Canadians. But not at any cost. Not at the cost of lifting the tanker ban and risking destruction of our coast line and the livelihoods of the people on the North Coast who work in eco-tourism, fisheries, seafood production and more.

Partnerships with Coastal First Nations, like with the Haisla Nation on Cedar LNG, support First Nations with economic growth and supports the provincial economy as whole.

Importantly, if there was a spill from an LNG tanker, the LNG would not leave an impact on the coast. It neither spreads nor sinks. Bitumen on the other hand, would have a truly devastating impact. We saw this when the Exon Valdez spilled 11 million gallons of crude oil in Prince William Sound, Alaska, not far from BC’s North Coast. The oil spill destroyed fish habitats, oyster beds, marine mammals and 250,000 birds, river beds, the coastal ocean floor and more. Salmon and herring fisheries collapsed. Orca populations were reduced and long term impact on these large mammals continue to be documented. It has been decades and the ecology is still recovering. The diluted bitumen Alberta plans to transport is even heavier and more damaging than what spilled in Alaska.

It is also true that the North Coast is home to some of the most difficult to navigate waterways in the world. Hecate Strait is notoriously dangerous and rough. In fact, the North Coast is one of the four most dangerous waterways in the world. These are the reasons the tanker ban was brought in. And to be clear, an “exception” to the tanker ban is not a solution. It is the equivalent of no ban at all.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that we already have a pipeline from Alberta. One that we did not support but that went through anyhow. And remember, it was the taxpayers who ended up paying for that $40 billion dollar pipeline. There were important concessions to ensure there is an oil spill response at the ready. (I noticed the two large oil response vessels when I visited my Mom in Nanaimo, for example). We know that the time to respond has a huge impact on the level of devastation. The lower coast is a less dangerous and more populated area lowering the risk of spill and increasing response times.

The TMX can be optimized for more oil. It currently operates at 70% and there are ways to increase the flow. There is no need to push through a potentially devastating project that:

• Would damage the work already done to move forward with shared LNG projects with Coastal Nations that do not run the risk of destroying the North Coast – and it represents billions of dollars for BC’s coffers at a time when our economy is struggling with the impacts of Trump’s tariffs;
• Would put the North Coast of BC, one of the roughest navigable waterways in the world, at risk of a devastating oil spill;
• Has no private sector proponent;
• Has no route, business plan or funding.

I love BC’s Northern Coast. I have kayaked the Great Bear Rainforest, and photographed whales and grizzly bears as they went about their business in peace. I want to protect that for the next generation, while still building BC’s economy to ensure we can provide the services people need. Premier Eby’s plan does both. The MOU between Ottawa and Alberta does not, and is a step in the wrong direction.

New Requirements for Prescribed Alternatives

The Province is completing the transition to new witnessed dosing requirements to address the diversion of prescribed alternatives, while maintaining access to the program for people who need it.

As of Dec. 30, 2025, all patients who have prescriptions for prescribed alternatives will be required to take their prescribed medication under the supervision of a health professional, such as a pharmacist or nurse, when the medication is dispensed at the pharmacy. This policy completes the transition, which started this year, to move patients to witnessed dosing.

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Every December 6, Canadians honour the 14 female engineering students and staff who were murdered at École Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989 solely because they were women. The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is a time to remember those who have experienced gender-based violence and those whose lives have been taken by it.

In the 36 years since that tragic day, gender-based violence and hatred towards women in traditionally male-dominated workplaces remain all too common in our society. We all come together on this day as a commitment to those we’ve lost, that they will not be forgotten, as a commitment to ourselves, that we won’t ignore gender-based violence, and as a commitment to future generations, that we will one day end gender-based violence.

Strengthening Gambling Regulation in BC

The new gaming control act will be coming into effect on April 13, 2026, establishing an updated regulatory framework and new regulations for the gambling industry to prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering and fraud. There will also be changes to the gambling industry’s fee structure to ensure fees align with costs to regulate the gaming sector.

The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) will be transitioning to an independent gambling control office. The independent gambling control office will have a general manager who makes and enforces regulations in gambling and horse racing.

Ensuring Care-Home Workers Safety and Better Seniors Care

The Province is taking significant steps to ensure seniors and people with complex health needs in publicly funded care homes, and the workers who care for them, continue to have the support they need, regardless of where they live or work.

Changes to protect workers and seniors include:

• consistent labour standards across long-term care and assisted-living sites;
• stronger recruitment and retention due to fair wages and benefits;
• reduced turnover and more stable staffing;
• better continuity of care for seniors; and
• a more equitable, resilient long-term care and assisted-living sector.

This transition reinforces consistent provincial labour standards across the sector, strengthens the workforce and promotes high-quality and reliable care for seniors and people with complex health needs.

New Independent Rights Advice Service under Mental Health Act

People experiencing a mental-health crisis now have a legal right to meet with an independent rights adviser to better understand their rights and the supports available to them, with amendments to the Mental Health Act coming into force.

The Mental Health Act allows people with a severe mental-health disorder to be admitted and treated at designated mental-health facilities to prevent the person’s substantial mental or physical deterioration, or for the person’s own protection or the protection of others. Through the amendments, eligible patients must be informed about their new right to meet with a rights adviser, and facilities that provide involuntary treatment must support patients’ ability to meet with a rights adviser when requested.

Civil Forfeiture Grant Applications Now Open

Applications are being accepted for the 2025-26 Civil Forfeiture Grant program to support organizations dedicated to community safety in British Columbia. This year, organizations can submit applications for projects in the following funding streams:

• crime prevention
• gender-based violence
• Indigenous healing
• restorative justice
• anti-hate

Applications will be accepted until Dec. 15, 2025.

Parliamentary Committee Seeking Written Input on Bill M 216, Professional Reliance Act

The BC Legislature Parliamentary Committee is seeking input on Bill M 216, Professional Reliance Act.

British Columbians who wish to provide input on the bill must do so via the parliamentary committee consultation portal.

The public consultation period closes at 3:00 pm on January 6, 2026. Official feedback will not be accepted past this date.

Events in Vancouver-South Granville

Coco-a-Go Go at Sip, Shop, & Sparkle in South Granville

Date: Saturday, December 6th, 2025

Time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm

Location:  Starts at The Plaza at Granville St. and W 13th Ave.

Tickets: Free

Take in the plaza festivities at Granville & West 13th — complete with a hot cocoa crawl, a Santa letter-writing station, and seasonal décor. Taste, vote, and discover your favourite cup of cocoa. Meet our friendly plaza elf, write a letter to Santa, and take home your official Nice List certificate — a beautiful keepsake.

Marché de Noël Francophone (Francophone Christmas Market)

Date:  Saturday, December 6th, 2025

Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm

Location:  Studio 16 (1551 W 7th Ave.)

Tickets: Free

Come celebrate the magic of the holidays at our Francophone Christmas Market! Enjoy a warm and friendly atmosphere, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive music. Family activities, kids’ activities, food trucks, prizes to win, mulled wine and cider, and maybe a visit from Santa Claus? Allons-Y! (Let’s go!)

Fairview Christmas Bazaar

Date:  Saturday, December 6th, 2025

Time: 11:00am – 5:00pm

Location:  Fairview Baptist Church (1708 W 16th Ave.)

Tickets: Free

Get ready for a festive extravaganza at the Fairview Christmas Bazaar - a jolly gathering of local vendors, food, and holiday cheer! Browse through a variety of vendors offering unique gifts, festive decorations, crafts, discounted second hand items and delicious treats perfect for the holiday season.

Winter Lights Ferry Ballet

Date: Sunday, December 7th, 2025

Time: 4:00pm – 5:30 pm

Location:  On False Creek, starting at David Lam Park, looping by Granville Island and ending at the Vancouver Maritime Museum

Tickets: Free

It’s time for the Dance of the Sugar Plum Ferries! A special holiday ferry ballet performance comes to False Creek on December 7th. Watch the ferries perform a spectacular dance routine from either side of False Creek!

“The best way to spread festive cheer is by boat! We can’t wait” – Vancouver Maritime Museum

Grounding Peace in Justice and Liberation: An evening with Amal Elsana Alh'jooj

Date:  Tuesday, December 9th, 2025

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm (Doors 6:30pm)

Location:  Canadian Memorial United Church (1825 W 16th Ave.)

Tickets: Free. Donations appreciated. Seating limited. Registration advised.

Amal Elsana Alh'jooj is a Bedouin Palestinian feminist, peace activist, and community organizer. She has organized grassroots movements promoting universal access to rights and social justice in the Global South, and civil society projects around issues of minority rights in Israel, particularly for women and indigenous peoples.

IndigE-girl Comedy: Auntie Holiday Hotline

Date:  Friday Dec 12th, 2025

Time: 8:00pm (Doors 7:30pm)

Location:  The Fox Cabaret (2321 Main St.) and Live-Streamed Online

Tickets: Varies

The Aunties are back, and they’ve got advice, attitude, and absolutely no filter. IndigE-girl Comedy’s biggest holiday blowout of the year is here, bringing together some of the sharpest and funniest Indigenous comedians for a night that fills your cup, warms your heart, and drags you (lovingly) into the holiday spirit.