Dear Friend,

I hope that despite the tumultuous times we find ourselves in, you are still enjoying the onset of summer - or festival season. 

I am especially looking forward to Bard on the Beach, with opening night June 19th. This year's lineup includes Much Ado About Nothing, The Two Gentleman of Verona, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, and The Dark Lady. 

For those who would like to attend, the Pinoy Festival runs from 9am to 10pm tomorrow at Swangard Stadium. While the Filipino community continues to feel the weight of sorrow, the power of unity and the call to come together with purpose pulls people together. 

Today, I'm writing from the Island where I’ve been attending our caucus retreat. I spent yesterday touring a live forestry site where the We Wai Kai Nation are harvesting -  balancing sustainability, economic development, and biodiversity.  It was particularly enjoyable because Chief Ronnie and I are distant cousins, and I enjoyed spending time with him.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Brenda

With Chief Councillor Ronnie Chickite 

Asia Trade Mission Brings Back New Opportunities

The Premier’s trade mission to Asia is bringing back new opportunities to grow a stronger, more diversified economy and create good jobs throughout the province.

During the mission, which included stops in Japan, Malaysia and South Korea, Premier Eby was accompanied by Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food, and Paul Choi, parliamentary secretary for Asia-Pacific trade.

Representatives from 19 B.C. companies, universities and associations were part of the business delegation. The trade mission focused on strengthening relationships with governments, business leaders and investors, as well as promoting B.C.’s strengths in key sectors, such as clean energy, technology, wood and wood products, agrifood and critical minerals.

New Recruitment Campaign to Attract Us Doctors and Nurses

Doctors, nurses and allied health professionals in the U.S. are now seeing targeted advertisements encouraging them to follow their hearts to B.C., as the Province launches a recruitment marketing campaign in Washington state, Oregon and California.

The campaign, which launched on June 2, 2025, includes video, audio, digital, social media and print placements. Health-care workers will be directed to visit B.C.’s comprehensive recruitment website to explore opportunities and access personalized support to help with their move. This is part of the Province’s “Team BC” approach to recruiting health-care workers from the U.S. in collaboration with health authorities, regulatory colleges and other partners, such as local government and communities.

More Sheriffs Coming to B.C. Courts

A graduating class of 33 sheriffs is preparing to start their careers, helping keep people safe as they access court services throughout B.C.

Sheriffs maintain a safe environment for everyone, delivering justice services in 90 Provincial Court locations. They are highly trained peace officers who provide protective services for the judiciary, the Crown, defence, court staff, the public and all participants in the justice system. Sheriffs also protect court users, transport accused and convicted people to and from correctional institutions, and perform other duties. Without sheriffs, court matters cannot proceed.

Expanding the Camera Network to Help Detect and Monitor Wildfires

A camera network that gives first responders information to support wildfire response, emergency management and public awareness is being expanded through a partnership between the Province and the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus (UBCO).

After a successful trial in 2024, the Province is investing $200,000 to expand the camera network throughout British Columbia. Early detection of wildfire plays a crucial role in reducing risks, lowering suppression costs and protecting communities.

Communities, local governments or First Nations interested in becoming involved in the development of the camera network, can contact the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) for more information: BCWS.CameraNetwork@gov.bc.ca

Attracting Investments in B.C.’s Life-Sciences Sector

B.C. will lead a delegation of companies to the BIO International Convention in Boston, Mass., to attract more investment to the province’s life-sciences sector and build relationships with other countries to help strengthen the economy against ongoing U.S. tariffs.

BIO is the largest and most comprehensive international event for biotechnology, bringing 20,000 industry leaders together from across the globe. The ministry will showcase B.C.’s award-winning Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy to international delegates. The strategy builds on the momentum of the rapidly expanding sector and supports businesses to more easily commercialize their innovations.

Racist Incident Helpline Making a Difference

One year after its launch on May 30, 2024, the Province’s racist incident helpline is making a difference for people in B.C. experiencing racism, with approximately 94% of callers reporting their needs were met.

The racist incident helpline is a toll-free, multilingual service for people who have been subjected to discrimination based on the colour of their skin, culture, ethnicity or place of origin. Callers receive support, guidance and referrals to local community-support services. One year after its launch, the helpline has received calls from 807 people seeking help dealing with racism, and has made more than 2,329 referrals to support services.

Civil Forfeiture Grants

Please join me in congratulating these three outstanding organizations in Vancouver-South Granville who have been awarded this year’s Civil Forfeiture Grants.

Arts Umbrella Association’s “Act Your Art Out Surrey” project will deliver a transformative arts program for youth aged 9-13 in Surrey, addressing risks of criminal activity, school drop-out, and recidivism.

Trent Gauthier’s “Horizons – Enhanced Educational Pathways” project will support Indigenous students in Vancouver who face barriers to graduation through interim independent learning plans, mentorship, and hands-on trade skills training.

Treehouse Child and Youth Advocacy Centre will continue providing a collaborative response to children and youth impacted by abuse. Their specialized and compassionate team – police, social workers, and victim support – works to streamline investigations and provide vital resources.

Mabuhay (Welcome) Local – Pinoy Festival 2025: We Rise

Come experience the sights and sounds of the Philippines in Burnaby – the heart of the Lower Mainland! The "Pinoy Festival: Panahon na para Magsaya 2" is the largest local Filipino Heritage Month Celebration in British Columbia, taking place at Swangard Stadium (6100 Boundary Rd, Burnaby) on June 14th, from 9AM to 10PM!

Our community feels the weight of sorrow, but we also feel the warmth of compassion, the power of unity and the call to come together with purpose. Let’s turn grief into grace, and pain into purpose. Join our community at Pinoy Festival and together let’s celebrate our culture, our unity and our pride. Together, We Rise.

It's a free and family-friendly festival of festivals that will showcase the best of our culture and will have something for everyone! Indulge in an irresistible spread of authentic Filipino dishes, from sizzling street food to home-cooked favourites! Be mesmerized by traditional dances, folk songs, and powerful performances that bring Philippine heritage to life! Rock out with top Pinoy bands and artists for an electrifying concert experience! Witness a stunning display of indigenous weaves, traditional attire, and modern Filipino fashion! Feast your eyes on breathtaking artworks and masterpieces from our talented Filipino artists! Kick back and relax with great Pinoy BBQ, ice-cold drinks and live band jams! Discover a treasure trove of Filipino goods, crafts, and must-have finds! Jumpstart the day with a high-energy Zumba party, grooving to lively Pinoy beats!

Events in Vancouver-South Granville

Summer Market Festival in Kitsilano

• When: Jun 14th and 21st, 11AM – 7PM
• Where: Kitsilano Beach Park (2225 Cornwall Ave.)
• Admission:  Free

This summer, Artisan Avenue is bringing the heart of BC’s handmade scene to the beach and the park—with over 40 local artisans, live music, and sunshine-filled vibes you won’t want to miss!

Find one-of-a-kind souvenirs, gifts, and locally made treasures that tell real stories—crafted with care by BC’s most talented makers.

Festival d’été francophone de Vancouver (Vancouver Francophone Summer Festival

• When: Jun 13th – 21st
• Where: Studio 16 (1551 W 7th Ave.)
• Admission: Varies

Every June since 1990, Le Centre culturel francophone de Vancouver organizes the Festival d’été francophone de Vancouver (Vancouver Francophone Summer Festival), one of the most important cultural and musical francophone events in Western Canada.

Discover more than a week of concerts under the banner of international francophone music. In a lively atmosphere, thousands of people come together to hear artists from across Canada and around the world. Our audience is not limited to the Francophone and Francophile community but includes the population of Vancouver at large as well as tourists who are interested in taking in a cultural experience that is unique on the West Coast!

The Festival is:

• One of the most important francophone rendez-vous  west of Ottawa
• A way to abolish language barriers and promote multiculturalism

Japan Market Summer Festival

• When: Jun 14th and 15th, 11AM – 7PM
• Where: Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ Square (750 Hornby St.)
• Admission:  $5 (free for children 15 and under)

Get excited for Japan Market’s biggest event of the year!

Featuring over 70 vendors offering yummy Japanese food (including food trucks), unique Japanese style crafts and merchandise. There will be some exciting Japanese cultural entertainment and workshops.  Stay tuned for details.

Samurai will be on site again for free photo opportunities! Don’t miss out!

**First 50 people to enter the market will receive a $10 Japan Market dollar vouchers. Giveaway will be happening on both mornings at 11am.

Pets are not recommended as our event gets very crowded. Get your ticket today!  Early bird pricing ends at 11:45pm on June 13. On the event days, tickets will be available at the reception desk by cash only, or online by credit/debit card on this page.

Hamlet at the Pacific Theatre

• When: Jun 13th 8PM, Jun 14th 2PM and 8PM
• Where: Pacific Theatre (1440 W 12th Ave.)
• Admission: $20

A fresh re-telling of Shakespeare's classic tragedy. In the wake of the death of a father and a king, Hamlet must find a way to navigate a court of murderous intrigue.

In this fresh take on Shakespeare's classic play, Hamlet is reimagined as a woman disguising herself as a man in order to survive the cutthroat world of the Danish court. This adaptation explores themes of sexism, gender, grief, family, and love -- Asking us to answer question: Are we who we pretend to be?

What to know before you go: This show contains discussion and portrayals of violence and murder.

3rd Annual Father’s Day Pow Wow

• When: Jun 14th and 15th, Grand Entry at 12PM on both days
• Where: Brittania Community Centre Field (1100 McLean Dr.)
• Admission:  Free, family friendly, and open to all!

The 3rd Annual Father’s Day Pow Wow is making headlines! Big thank you to everyone for helping us share the love, healing, and celebration that this weekend will bring.

Join the Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society at Britannia Community Centre – Fields for a powerful weekend of culture, honour, and community as we come together to uplift our fathers, grandfathers, sons, and all those who walk with strength and love.

It will be a beautiful weekend filled with culture, connection, and community spirit. Elders, artists, staff, and Knowledge Keepers all come together to showcase the heart of what makes our circle so strong. From interviews to artwork, beading, and laughter — we’re proud to share our stories and traditions with the world.

Mark your calendars for June 14–15 — you won’t want to miss this powerful weekend of drumming, dancing, and honouring the sacred roles of our fathers, grandfathers, and sons.