Image: BC Govt. / Flickr / File
OPINION

YOUR PERSPECTIVE: 2023 Year in Review

Dec 21, 2023 | 8:00 AM

This year, our government has been focusing on the priorities that mean the most to British Columbians, like healthcare, housing, the cost of living, preparing for the effects of climate change, and so much more.

We know that reliable, accessible healthcare services are at the top of people’s minds, and we’ve taken direct action to help relieve some of the stresses on our healthcare system.

That’s why we’re strengthening our healthcare workforce and working to train, recruit and retain more healthcare professionals. We’ve hired thousands more healthcare workers, including 578 internationally trained nurses, and more than 1000 new paramedics and emergency service providers across the province through these efforts.

By giving pharmacists the power to prescribe for minor ailments and contraception, we’re easing demand on doctors and walk-in clinics. Hundreds of thousands of people are already using this convenient service.

This year we tackled the housing crisis from all angles. We passed legislation to turn short-term rentals back into homes for people, made zoning changes easier, and made a commitment to build higher-density housing, especially in growing areas near public transit.

We also focused on making sure that our communities are better prepared for climate change related emergencies by improving flood mitigation infrastructure and taking a more proactive approach to protecting communities from increased wildfire challenges.

In my own riding, just a few highlights this year have been committing to build a new and improved Mission Secondary School, beginning construction on the final four-laning of Highway 7, launching the YES Youth Emergency Shelter pilot project for at-risk youth, and announcing a $1 billion E-One Moli Manufacturing facility in Maple Ridge that will create hundreds of good jobs in the clean energy sector.

I know that people in my own community and people across the province have been feeling the effects of global inflation on the cost of living in B.C., and that’s why this year we’ve continued to put money back in people’s pockets with measures like the Climate Action Tax Credit, reduced childcare fees, keeping ICBC premiums low, and more.

We know that there is more to do on all of these issues, and we’re ready to get to work for all British Columbians in 2024.

I want to wish everyone in my own community, and across the province a very Happy Holiday Season and Happy New Year!

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.