This one is for 2018!
At the beginning of a new year we can reflect on what we accomplished in the year past, learn the mistakes we made and improve on what we did well. In politics, especially in the opposition, it is easy to get caught up in negativity. I am resolved to be positive and always seek ways to improve as a community advocate and representative.
Here are five reasons I am hopeful in 2018.
1. Proportional Representation
Democratic reform is underway in British Columbia. In the fall of 2017 we banned corporate, union and foreign donations at the local and provincial levels. In the fall of 2018 there will be a referendum on proportional representation.
It is important that the seat count in the legislature fairly reflects the will of the people. Currently, this is not the case in our first-past-the-post system. Stay tuned, there will be much more on the referendum coming very soon!
In 2018, we have a chance to get rid of first-past-the-post!
2. Housing
Stable housing is essential for a strong community. Right now it is difficult for many British Columbians to find suitable housing they can afford. The growth of the housing crisis in British Columbia is well documented. The muted response from the provincial government has rightly drawn criticism.
In 2018, the government has committed to take action on the housing crisis. They promised to finally address the supply and demand issues that are driving up our real estate market unsustainably.
3. Emerging Economy Task Force
The world is changing rapidly. The tech revolution is impacting every aspect of 21st century living. Now that old business models are challenged by innovators, we are in danger of falling behind other regions that boldly embrace the change. Until this past fall session, the provincial government was not preparing for these social and economic changes, we must be more proactive, agile, flexible, visionary and fearless.
In 2018, the “Emerging Economy Task Force” and “Innovation Commissioner” can position British Columbia as a leader in the 21st century economy.
4. Childcare
The costs of housing, food, clothing and transportation are going up. In addition, access to quality, affordable childcare is difficult. A central focus of the BC Greens 2017 platform was lifelong learning, starting with childcare. Although the government has a different approach, we agree that helping families with childcare is a priority and we are working together to implement it.
In 2018, the government has committed to establish a comprehensive childcare program in our province.
5. Health and Wellness
Since opening our office this summer, no topic has been more popular than health and wellness. Access to programs and services, such as finding a doctor and long surgery waitlists, is a challenge. In addition, as our province struggles with an opioid crisis, mental health and addictions can no longer be ignored. With this in mind, in January our constituency office is shining a spotlight on health and wellbeing. We are working to better understand health and wellness program and service delivery in our riding. So, we are hosting four events including two symposiums (Salt Spring/Saanich Peninsula) for health care professionals, a community dialogue open to the public, and a public Town Hall with Health Minister Adrian Dix.
In 2018, we will make the changes needed to improve health and wellness in Saanich North and the Islands and across British Columbia.
In summary…
Ultimately, I’m a positive person. So, let’s start 2018 on a positive note! The whole Saanich North and the Islands constituency office team look forward to strongly advocating for our riding and I am excited about the spring session of the legislature.
What are you hopeful for in 2018? Please share with me in the comments below.
I am hopeful, Adam, that health is a true part of your top 5-not only addressing the lack of doctors, but the lack of clean “green !” breathable air in what was once the gorgeous gulf islands. People still misunderstand -wood burning is NOT safe and “natural” yet; wood smoke is contributing to the Co2 problem=globally, and, it truly affects children and others’ health and right to breathe clean air. There is a reason and, it is toxic wood smoke- that people die young in the islands. This practice as a way of a main heating source is outdated as much as smoking cigarettes, eating refined sugar, driving leaded cars, using plastic bags and farming with pesticides. (all info is backed by all Dr.s, scientists, the WHO, Minister of Environment, Health and so forth) Thank you SO much, Adam, for trying to get people to act/think/become Green. If people (in need, who falsely claim “it’s cheaper”) have some financial support to rent/own, cleaner tech- insulate their homes properly, I say, let’s help them wean themselves off of this outdated and polluting practice, they’ll feel great that their own street, is Super Green, and they are contributing to something that is actually Green. Sincerely, yours in health.
Massive New Years Greetings To You Adam And Your Family!!!!
At the top of my list Adam, is getting rid of the damn SiteC dam, once and for all. For most of the last forty years that I’ve been concerned about the dam plans on the Peace River, the end Site C forever campaign is just starting to get to ‘Critical Mass’ now that the NDP has made the largest political mistake in its BC history by giving the go ahead on Dec11th.
I’ve watched it go down twice before. I’ve witnessed the opposition to its latest neocon attempt, grow from sparse attended events/awareness to surge to the widespread revolt underway across the province and within the ranks of the NDP happening as I write. The tireless activism of First Nations, the Peace Valley farmers, ecology activists and BCHydro ratepayers all have to be applauded for continuing to raise the awareness of this dams devastating consequences to BC’s future. In its more recent incarnation two supporter premiers have been sent to oblivion, partly because of thier support for this rampaging white elephant. John Horgan and his whipped caucus may have thought the season of tinsel, wrapping paper and shortbread would massage thier mistake, but all I’ve witnessed is strengthened resolve and mounting action planning that will force a final death stake through the heart of this past century’s damn vampire.
You, Sonja and Andrew, I hope will have a major part to play in ending Site C forever. This mega billions waste project threatens so much of the Green solutions platform that we must empower the surging grassroots ‘End It’ movement, so that the energy solution that rises every morning and it’s related conservation initiatives have any hope to shine.
There are rallies happening and being planned all over the province. The Peace Valley Summit in Victoria J26-27, Climate Convergence action organizing meeting tonight in Van and many mounting campaigns are cracking everywhere (like the banks of the Site C worksite). Seeing the Global People Super Power ‘ring of fire’ flare up around the Site C apologists will make last summers BC fires and Decembers California infernos look like a marshmallow roasting campfire. The Green Party can be the golden bridge out of this inferno by broadcasting the solutions, revisiting CASA, backing the FN’s injunction, leading the rallies, requiring NDP accountability and demanding an ‘End Site C’ decision so our children won’t be wanting to spit on our graves. Our children no longer have any options besides ‘us’ choosing a ‘solutions only future’.
I look forward to meeting with you at the end of January and please forward these comments to Sonja and Andrew if possible.
May The Forests, Free Flowing Rivers And Wild Salmon Be With You,
douglas gook
250 747 3363