Dear Friend,

Happy BC Day and Pride Weekend! There are so many fun events happening—if you're not away camping or exploring our beautiful province, I may see you out and about!

Two of my core values in my work as a politician are being accessible and showing up. As the responsibilities of my portfolio grow, it becomes more challenging to find time to be in the community, which makes those moments even more meaningful. Wednesday was a great day—we held three events around the riding and had the chance to connect directly with many constituents.

We started with “Coffee with Brenda” at Leg-in-Boot Square—thank you to Beth at Convivial Café for providing the coffee! In the afternoon, we hosted a “Lemonade Break with Your MLA” at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House. Meeting with individuals who are navigating systemic challenges is incredibly impactful. The stories I heard will stay with me and continue to inform my work as we strive for meaningful solutions.

Between these events, I biked over to the Museum of Vancouver (MOV) for a lovely tour of some of their new exhibits. You know the MOV, right? It’s in Vanier Park, in the same building as the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.

I LOVED these exhibits! There are three currently on display:

• The Work of Repair: Redress & Reparation at the MOV
• Deep-Seated Histories: Chris from the Collection
• Future Makers: Chairs by New Designers

Each exhibit told a profound story and I highly recommend visiting. I always feel profoundly moved to see examples of reconciliation in action, and what it means to the communities involved. In this case the Tsilhquot’in Nation with the return of their baskets to their traditional lands. The photography in this exhibition is really beautiful.

There’s also an incredible model of a traditional Coast Salish multi-family home, built by Mungo Martin. It’s an incredible model and Martin’s exquisite talent is on display.

Telling the story of Vancouver through chairs may sound a little hard to imagine– but it really worked! There are some gorgeous and interesting chairs in this exhibit including Joe Fortes chair, and chairs that the original fur traders used to carry. I recommend you go check it out – it was very cool! It’s easy to forget the MOV is there – it’s an unassuming spot – but the quality of curation and the amazing artifacts in its collection makes it very well worth a trip.

I’m including a short write-up on tariffs in today’s newsletter, outlining my perspective on BC’s current trade relationship with the U.S. and the impacts the ongoing trade war is having on our economy. I hope you'll take a moment to give it a read.

Stay safe and hydrated this weekend and I hope you enjoy celebrating BC in whatever way you most enjoy this weekend.

Brenda

Thank you to Ryan Hunt, CEO; Sharon Fortney, Senior Curator of Indigenous Collections; Denise Fong, Curator of Urban Cultures for the wonderful tour

Tariffs August 1st Update

(Thank you for the bag design Sa Boothroyd)

By now, most will be aware that a trade agreement with the United States has not been secured by our federal negotiators. Some may argue this is bad news; others will see the importance of resolve and not accepting a deal at any cost.

It’s important to understand that while the general tariff amount has now risen to 35%, this is on goods that are not CUSMA compliant. This is a very important caveat. Let me explain.

CUSMA is the Canada–U.S.–Mexico trade agreement signed in 2018 to replace NAFTA. Historically, many Canadian businesses did not register with CUSMA because there were no tariffs in place, so there was little incentive. Since tariffs, most Canadian companies have registered and become CUSMA compliant. This means they do not attract tariffs. In B.C., we estimate that between 80–90% of businesses are CUSMA compliant. Economists have modelled this out and say that, because of this, B.C. is, on average, experiencing around a 9% tariff. Note that this is lower than the recent trade agreements reached by the UK, Japan, and the EU.

This is good news, but it is not to say the tariffs are not having a negative impact on our economy. They are—and in a multitude of ways. First, the threat of tariffs and changing tariff rates creates uncertainty—a word we are hearing a lot these days. When times are uncertain, investment becomes hesitant, and that slows economic growth. Second, there are specific major sectors in B.C. that are deeply impacted—such as those reliant on steel, and the forestry sector (softwood lumber duties also went up this week). Lastly, CUSMA is up for renegotiation soon, and we expect those negotiations to be challenging.

All in all, tariffs continue to have a significant and negative effect, despite the fact that many businesses are not directly paying tariffs due to being CUSMA compliant.

B.C.’s response remains steadfast—to remain strong as part of Team Canada. Our Premier was just at the Council of the Federation in Ontario and continues to be a powerful voice at that table. I was on a call yesterday with all Finance Ministers, Minister Champagne, and the Governor of the Bank of Canada to discuss implications in our economy. Minister Kahlon is leading a newly focused Ministry driven to grow the economy. Minister Dix is working to unlock clean energy opportunities and to ensure clean energy provision to the mining and LNG sectors. Minister Brar is working to expand the mining of critical minerals to provide jobs and mining benefits to our provincial and First Nations coffers. And more.

Work to diversify our trade relationships includes taking down trade barriers across Canada. The Premier has announced a new agreement with Ontario on liquor sales. We’ve got new agreements on recognition of skilled labour. There is more to come.

And lastly, the work to reduce our own spending through a fulsome efficiency review of government spending is underway across government.

I remain strongly of the view that B.C. will be much stronger on the other side of the trade war due to becoming more self-reliant, and with even more diverse trading partners.

Together, we’ll get there, and we will never become the 51^st state.

Partnership With Haisla Nation to Power Cedar LNG With Renewable Electricity

A new $200-million contribution agreement between the Government of B.C. and Haisla Nation will support building the infrastructure needed to ensure the Cedar LNG facility runs on clean, B.C. energy – making it one of the lowest emitting facilities of its kind. 

The agreement will support Haisla Nation in building a new 287-kilovolt transmission line, a new substation, new distribution lines and nearshore electrification – infrastructure the project requires to run on clean B.C. electricity. This stands in contrast with many higher-emitting facilities around the world, which are powered by natural gas.

The contribution agreement provides $200 million to support the electrification of Cedar LNG, complementing the $200 million in federal support for the facility announced this year.

B.C. Access Grant’s Helps More Than 88,000 Students

The Province is celebrating five years of the B.C. Access Grant, a program that has helped tens of thousands of students throughout B.C. afford post-secondary education.

Launched in 2020, the B.C. Access Grant was the first new post-secondary grant program introduced in the province in 15 years. The grant has helped more than 88,000 students in accessing post-secondary education and training. The needs-based, upfront and non-repayable grant has provided more than $178 million in financial assistance to low- and middle-income students, future workers and their families. This eases financial pressures and improves access to education and training opportunities throughout B.C.

Making HPV Vaccine More Accessible

The Province is broadening access to the free, publicly funded human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and simplifying the immunization schedule, ensuring more people in B.C. have the protection they need against HPV-related cancers.

Starting Thursday, July 31, 2025, the HPV vaccine schedule will shift from two doses to one dose for people age nine to 20. People 21 and older will be eligible for a two-dose series, with six-months between doses. Individuals who are immunocompromised will continue to need a three-dose series. With this change, the Province is expanding eligibility for B.C.’s publicly funded HPV immunization program to include all people 19 to 26, plus people 27 to 45 who are living with HIV or who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual, questioning, Two-Spirit, transgender and non-binary communities.

New Counter Human Trafficking Unit

The Province is strengthening its efforts to combat human trafficking with the creation of a new, co-ordinated provincial response team. The counter human trafficking unit (CHTU) will enhance the detection, investigation and prosecution of human trafficking crimes, while expanding support for victims and targeting organized crime networks operating in British Columbia.

The 12 member team will lead the provincial response to the issue of human trafficking through intelligence, education and investigation. The unit will work with police departments and other agencies to provide increased training to officers and additional capacity in investigations and intelligence-gathering on cases throughout the province. They will also help strengthen the response to these crimes by promoting experts in the field of human trafficking to support criminal prosecutions.

Be Fire Smart This BC Day Long Weekend

As the B.C. Day long weekend approaches, people are encouraged to stay informed about wildfire conditions, be prepared and plan travel.

Open burning, including Category 2 and Category 3 fires, is now prohibited or restricted in many areas. Campfires (Category 1) are banned in the Coastal Fire Centre, excluding Haida Gwaii. People should check local restrictions before burning and, in areas where campfires are permitted, follow safe practices. Avoid having a campfire when it’s windy, choose a proper fire pit or make a ring of rocks at least three metres from trees, shrubs, structures and debris. Do not leave a campfire unattended for any time.

BC Hydro’s Call for Power Request for Proposals

BC Hydro has launched a new call for power for 2025 to secure new sources of affordable, clean or renewable electricity that will support British Columbia’s expanding economy and create thousands of skilled jobs.

As part of the 2025 call for power, BC Hydro has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to acquire up to 5,000 gigawatt-hours annually of electricity from large, clean or renewable projects in partnership with First Nations and independent power producers. This is the equivalent of powering 500,000 homes in British Columbia. The 2025 call for power represents the next phase of B.C.’s renewable-energy expansion strategy – deepening First Nations partnerships, unlocking investment and accelerating progress toward the province’s economic and climate goals.

New Schools on the Way in Metro Vancouver

Construction is underway for new classrooms at seven schools across B.C., creating nearly 1,500 additional student spaces to support rapidly growing communities. The Province has invested approximately $119 million in these classrooms to support growing school districts.

New K-12 classrooms are breaking ground this summer in:

• Chilliwack;
• Delta;
• Fort St. John;
• Richmond;
• North Vancouver; and
• Maple Ridge.

Show Your Pride Locally with the Vancouver Pride Parade and More!

Photo Credit: Adam Baird

Happy Pride season! After a season of upheaval and uncertainty, Vancouver Pride 2025 is a homecoming in every sense. The Pride Festival is coming back to the Davie Village. And for the first time in years, the Parade will conclude in the West End, bringing us back to where Pride first took root.

There are literally too many Pride events to list here, but we want to highlight some of the largest public, free events:

• Vancouver Trans March – Aug 1st 6PM, march up Commercial Drive from Trout Lake to Victoria Park
  • Vancouver Trans March
• Vancouver Dyke March & Festival – Aug 2nd 12PM, march up Commercial Drive from McSpadden Park to Grandview Park
  • Vancouver Dyke March and Festival - Event
• Vancouver Pride Parade and Davie Village  - Aug 3rd 1PM, Parade starts at Concord Pacific Place and proceeds along Pacific St. to conclude at Burrard St.
  • Parade — Vancouver Pride Society Home Page

However, if crowds aren’t your way of celebrating Pride, Kits House will have a more relaxed Pride, next week!

• Kits Pride – Aug 8th 12PM, games crafts, and activities at Kits House (2305 W 7th Ave).
  • Kitsilano Pride

And for almost everything else, consult the official Pride Magazine: Pride Magazine — Vancouver Pride Society Home Page

Events in Vancouver-South Granville

Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon at The Dome

• When: Aug 1st to Aug 8th
• Where:  H. R. MacMillan Space Centre (1100 Chestnut St.)
• Admission: $42

The album that defined a generation comes alive in 360° as Pink Floyd's masterpiece gets the immersive treatment it always deserved!

This groundbreaking show pairs the legendary 1973 album with a jaw-dropping visual journey across the cosmos, created with Pink Floyd's longtime creative director Aubrey Powell (Hipgnosis). As each track unfolds, you'll be transported through deep space, alien worlds, and stunning celestial landscapes — all synced perfectly to the heartbeat of one of rock's greatest records.

The Dome features a brand new 10K resolution system powered by eight Christie 4K cinema projectors, 150,000 lumens of brightness, and 20,000 watts of Dolby Atmos surround sound. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering the album for the first time, prepare for one legendary journey through time and space.

49th Annual Powell Street Festival

• When: Aug 2nd and Aug 3rd, 1130AM – 7PM
• Where: Oppenheimer Park (488 Powell St.) and surrounding area
• Admission:  Free

Celebrate Japanese Canadian arts, culture, and community at the 49th Annual Powell Street Festival! This free, family-friendly event is one of Canada’s longest-running community arts festivals and takes place in Paueru Gai, Vancouver’s historic Japanese Canadian neighbourhood in the Downtown Eastside.

Since 1977, the Powell Street Festival has served as a hub for traditional and contemporary Japanese Canadian arts and culture. It provides a platform for both emerging and established artists, fosters community connection, and honours the neighbourhood’s heritage on the unceded territories of the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. With more than 20,000 attendees annually, the festival represents resilience, artistic excellence, and inclusive community values.

Whether you’re checking it out for the first or 40th time, Powell Street Fest will be a jam-packed weekend celebrating Japanese Canadian culture, food, and art!

Sunset Cinema: Shrek

• When: Aug 6th 9PM (pre-show activities start at 7PM
• Where: šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (650 Hamilton St.)
• Admission:  Free

Vancouver Civic Theatres is excited to present Summer on šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn, a series of FREE outdoor events taking place in July and August 2025 at 650 Hamilton Street!

Hey now, all stars! Join everyone’s favourite ogre for our first Sunset Cinema event of the Summer!

Come enjoy a hit movie on our huge inflatable screen under the stars. Bring your blankets, chairs, and pillows, and we’ll provide the movies! Movies begin shortly after sunset, weather permitting. Be sure to arrive early for pre-show entertainment and to save your spot!

Pre-show activities & entertainment featuring local DJs MangoSweet starts at 7pm, featuring;

•   Shrek-themed Selfie Station

•   Story Station for Kids with The Writer's Exchange

Shrek (2001) is rated G, with a runtime of 1 hour 30 minutes - Movie starts at dusk (estimated 9pm)

The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie

• When: Aug 1st to Aug 24th 
• Where:  Granville Island Stage (1585      Johnston St.)
• Admission: Varies

“A top-tier production in every way”-Stir

On a dark and wintry night, seven strangers are snowed in at a remote English guesthouse while news spreads of a murder in London. The sudden arrival of a police sergeant throws the guests in a panic: the killer is in their midst! The game is now afoot as the sergeant begins to uncover the unsavoury secrets of the visitors. Which one is the murderer? Who will be the next target? For over 70 years, the longest-running play in history has kept audiences guessing. Can you solve this world-famous mystery?

Situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) nations, the Arts Club Theatre Company is the largest theatre company in Western Canada.

A Peter Rabbit Tale Musical & Summer Garden Fair

• When: Aug 1st to Aug 10th
• Where: Pal Studio Theatre (581 Cardero St.)
• Admission: Varies

Peter Rabbit doesn’t think life as a rabbit is all it’s cracked up to be in this spirited and heartwarming children’s musical. Tired of endless chores and frustrated by his goody two-shoes twin sisters, Peter has had enough. After one particularly rough day, he decides to run away in search of a better life — a place where he makes the rules, does whatever he wants, and lives free of responsibility.

But as Peter tries to fit in with a cast of colorful woodland creatures — from feisty squirrels to busy sewing mice — he quickly learns that life on his own isn’t as easy as he thought. Maybe home wasn’t so bad after all…

Presented alongside CTORA’s Summer Garden Fair, this production features an award-winning creative team and cast. Audiences will be seated in an immersive garden-themed set, perfect for families and children.

Audience Information:

Audience: All ages welcome Duration: 1 act, approximately 60 minutes Tickets:

• All attendees require a ticket
• Children under 2 years old may attend for free if seated on a parent’s lap

EMV’s Summer Festival, Bach & Mozart: In Endless Ascent

• When: Aug 1st to Aug 8th
• Where: Various locations from Downtown Vancouver to UBC
• Admission: Varies

EMV’s Summer Festival, Bach & Mozart: In Endless Ascent, celebrates nature’s elements and journeys ever upward. From the earthly forces of Rebel’s Les Élémens and Geminiani’s The Enchanted Forest, to Bach’s celestial works, the poetic beauty of Schubert lieder, and the soul’s final ascent in Mozart’s Requiem, the festival’s sense of infinity is perfectly aligned with our triumphant anniversary year and our ongoing exploration of both old and new works.

These also include meditative sounds of the 11th-century and a cross-cultural encounter between Chinese instruments and baroque strings with Vancouver’s Sound the Dragon. We’re proud to present an exceptional number of new works featuring Canadian composers Edward Top, Dorothy Chang, Lan Tung, Grégoire Jeay, Sandeep Bhagwati and Métis artist Gregory Borton. These bold new works reflect EMV’s commitment to expanding early music into today’s world.