SOUND OFF: Despite challenges, gratitude abounds
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IT’S BEEN A DIFFICULT YEAR for a lot of people — between a cost of living crisis, difficulties accessing health care services, and serious public safety concerns. But despite these challenges, we also have a lot to be grateful for in my riding of Shuswap.
First, I want to thank each and every one of my constituents for their support. It’s a great privilege to represent you and serve as your voice in the Legislature in Victoria. When I see constituents out and about it our Shuswap communities, they don’t hesitate to share their views and concerns which I am happy to relay to government. Sometimes we get results; other times, the government is slow to act —but we remain determined to get things done.
The NDP government certainly didn’t act with much urgency to resolve the shelter crisis in Salmon Arm, which it became aware of last May. Seven months, dozens of meetings and a not-yet-disclosed amount of money — to announce a potentially life-saving solution for early January — is indeed cold comfort to those sleeping outdoors. Although I am pleased a solution is in the works, if that much-delayed announcement is representative of government’s ability to respond to what the Housing Minister confirmed to be an “emergency situation,” then British Columbians have reason to be very concerned.
As we waited months and months for answers on the shelter crisis, I am grateful to those in our community who generously offered warm supplies and food to those in need. Thank you for your support, compassion and kindness.
