SOUND OFF: Premier, please get Lytton residents back home

WHEN WE ELECT a new premier or prime minister, we often use the first 100 days of their mandate as a marker for how the rest of their term will unfold. In the first 100 days, we expect to see a leader take quick action on the promises they have made to voters, as a show of faith that they have their back and will continue to competently work hard on their behalf.

If we apply that concept to the village of Lytton, which was completely destroyed by wildfire more than 100 days ago, we would expect residents to have some measure of stability and some optimism for the future as they are included in the rebuilding process and as they learn about the recovery work unfolding in the community they call home.

Sadly, residents continue to tell me they don’t feel this way at all. If, as Premier John Horgan claims, there are people on the ground doing all kinds of recovery work, the residents of Lytton aren’t aware. Because 100 days later, we have no update on the re-establishment of services. People still don’t have full access to their homes. The premier promised interim housing, yet residents still don’t know where it is. In fact, local resident Denise O’Connor started a petition calling for a plan on this issue 30 days after the fire, and today we’re no closer to any answers.

I’m also frustrated by the lack of detail I’ve received in response to the four letters and endless emails and inquiries I’ve sent to government. If I can’t get answers, what am I supposed to tell my constituents to help reassure them during this traumatizing and stressful time?