Dear Friend,

Are you feeling, as I am, that summer disappeared in a blink — and how on earth is fall already knocking at the door? I’m delighted to share that I had a real vacation and am back to work with “vim and vigour,” as my Gram used to say. I read a heap of fiction (I usually read a couple of hours each night at home, but almost entirely briefing notes and spreadsheets). I hope you also managed to get some downtime this summer and that you’re feeling refreshed.

Even while on vacation, I worked a little each day — just enough to keep up with the big files. And there are many on my desk right now, including the BCGEU job action and our Q1 financial update, coming Monday.

Of course, I can’t comment much on the BCGEU situation, except to say these important government workers are highly valued, and we look forward to returning to the bargaining table. As Finance Minister, it falls to my team to ensure we reach a deal that is fair to workers and fair to all British Columbians, especially in the face of serious economic headwinds. I truly believe we can do both, and we hope to be back at the table soon.

This week I’ll be heading to Ottawa with Premier Eby, Minister Kahlon, and Minister Parmar. Our work with the federal government to ensure BC receives our fair share bore fruit this week, when the Prime Minister announced that 40% of the “projects of national significance” are BC projects. At this time of powerful economic headwinds — including the trade war — focusing on growing our economy internally is of primary importance. It's how we will get our deficit down (along with careful spending) and how we will ensure we can continue to provide the services that are so crucial to people in our communities.  

Also, this week, we learned that Teck Resources has combined with Anglo American, a UK-based firm, to form one of the largest critical mineral companies in the world, headquartered here in Vancouver. The “critical” in critical minerals refers to the fact that we cannot continue to electrify the economy without them.

On a personal note — my middle son got married on Hornby Island this past weekend! It was a beautiful wedding. I learned that many in his age cohort are choosing to “reject the wedding industrial complex” and hold personal, DIY events. His was a delight — small, intimate, zero-waste, and full to the brim with love. This mom is beaming with pride.

Lastly, our office signage finally arrived, and we’re now much easier to find! Feel free to stop by and say hello — we’re right under the “Brenda Bailey MLA” sign at 1245 West Broadway. I may often be in Victoria, but you’ll always find Meagan, Celine, and Kathleen ready to lend a helping hand.

I'll be out and about in the riding this weekend and hope to bump into you.

All my best,

Brenda

640 More Child Care Spaces on School Grounds

Families in 12 communities throughout the province are benefiting from 640 new child care spaces on school grounds, expanding access to high-quality child care for young children, as well as before- and after-school care.

More than $23.5 million in ChildCareBC New Spaces funding was provided to school districts to create these new child care spaces. Eighteen new centres on school grounds are opening for the return to school or have recently opened, including spaces operated by school district staff.

PreVenture Program to Support Youth From Drug and Substance Use

More young people will soon have better access to the tools they need to manage stress, build resilience and prevent early substance use and mental-health challenges with the expansion of drug- and substance-use prevention supports.

The PreVenture program is an evidence-based program that helps students of 12-18 years develop skills to navigate common challenges, such as peer pressure, identity development and interpersonal conflict, all of which are key factors in helping to prevent early drug and substance use and mental-health challenges.

400 New Affordable Homes Coming Soon

People living in Metro Vancouver will soon have access to more affordable housing with 400 new rental homes opening and breaking ground in Coquitlam, North Vancouver and Vancouver. The homes are intended for people with low and moderate incomes, including families, individuals, seniors and people living with disabilities.

The five new housing developments are as follows:

• 600 W. Queens Rd.:  Hollybrook’s 86 homes in North Vancouver, operated by Hollyburn Community Housing Society
• 5085 McHardy St.: 102 homes in Vancouver, operated by the Community Land Trust
• 708 Farrow St.: 21 homes in Coquitlam, operated by VRS Communities Society
• 1656 Adanac St.: 97 homes in Vancouver, operated by Entre Nous Femmes Housing Society
• 3132 Rosemont Dr.: 94 homes in Vancouver, operated by M. Kopernik Foundation

2026 Annual Rent Increase: 2.3%

More people will be able to stay in an affordable home near their jobs, schools and loved ones as the Province ties the annual allowable rent increase to inflation at 2.3% in 2026, down from 3% in 2025.

This is the second year in a row that the maximum allowable increase is tied to the Consumer Price Index. The maximum annual allowable rent increase for 2026 cannot take effect prior to Jan. 1, 2026. By announcing the increase now, landlords have the time they need to give the required minimum of three months’ notice of the change for renters to plan ahead.  

Supporting Francophone Initiatives in B.C.

Government is investing $250,000 to support six non-profit organizations in delivering initiatives that reflect the needs and priorities of British Columbia’s francophone communities. The funding will support a wide range of initiatives, including mental health, digital literacy, arts and culture.

Two non-profit organizations in Vancouver-South Granville, La Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB) and La Coopérative d’immigration le Relais francophone de la Colombie-Britannique, are funding recipients. The funding will support a wide range of initiatives, including mental health, digital literacy, arts and culture.

Funding Extended for Drop-in Services at Downtown Eastside

People experiencing homelessness will benefit from continued day-space drop-in services, as the Province extends funding to Watari Counselling and Support Services (Watari) and Aboriginal Front Door Society (AFDS). Watari’s daytime drop-in centre offers laundry and shower facilities as well as kitchen and meal services. AFDS provides storage, washroom facilities, daytime drop-in services, as well as kitchen and meal services.

Funding is being extended until March 31, 2026.  This investment means people experiencing homelessness in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside will continue to have services they rely on, ensuring there are places for people to go during the day that provide connection and access to supports.

Continuing Mental Health Support and Services Funding

Adults living with mental-health challenges will continue to have access to low- or no-cost counselling services to help them get well.

Free or low-cost adult mental health or addictions counselling services will continue to be provided through investments in the Community Counselling Fund. Forty-four community-based organizations in all health authorities in the province, including urban, rural and Indigenous communities, will receive funding to provide supports.

Events in Vancouver-South Granville

Vancouver Fringe Festival - Final Weekend!

Date: September 12 to 14, 2025

Time: Varies

Location:  Granville Island and beyond!

Tickets: Varies

Final weekend! With 87 shows this year, there’s something for everyone. Explore theatre, comedy, dance, drag, music and more!

Opening Reception: Doug Dorsett, Urban Impressions

Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025

Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Location:  Kurbatoff Gallery (2435 Granville St.)

Tickets: Free

Be among the first to view the exhibition, meet Dorsett in person, and enjoy an afternoon of art and conversation.

Bike the Night 2025

Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025

Time: 5:00pm – 9:30pm

Location:  Vancouver Seawall, starting at David Lam Park (1300 Pacific Blvd.)

Tickets: Free (registration required)

Join HUB Cycling for a leisurely 10-kilometre route along the iconic Vancouver seawall that starts with a fun pre-ride celebration!

Pop Up Dances Festival

Date: Friday, September 19 to Sunday, September 21, 2025

Time: Varies

Location: Granville Island Locations and VPL Central Branch

Tickets: Free

Pop Up Dances happens in a mix of indoor and outdoor public spaces. Rain or shine, this Festival promises to delight audiences of all ages. All presentations are free to attend.

Vancouver Queer Film Festival

Date: September 11 - 21, 2025 (in-person) and September 22 - 28, 2025 (online)

Time: Varies

Location:  International Village Cinemas (88 W Pender St.) and various venues in Vancouver

Tickets: Varies

Discover 100 2SLGBTQIA+ films from 25 countries, with over 150 artists and special guests who will be in attendance this year, including filmmakers, performers, panelists, hosts, award jurors, and pitch competition finalists, in-person and online!

Tech-Up Showcase

Date: Friday, September 19, 2025

Time: 9:30am – 5:00pm

Location:  Science World (1455 Quebec St.)

Tickets: Free

The Tech-Up Showcase focuses on making STEAM subjects—science, technology, engineering, art & design, and math—accessible to everyone, regardless of age or experience. Admission is free, entry is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.