Working with community

MLA Report

By Carole James

It’s been a busy spring at my Victoria-Beacon Hill Community Office, and I thought I would use my MLA report this month to update you on events around our community.

April began with Easter Dinner at Our Place, and I was honoured to once again participate as a server. The BC Community Achievement Awards, which recognize individuals who provide extraordinary contributions, leadership and inspiration in their communities, this year held a personal connection for me. My mother Mavis was a recipient for her work on the Board of the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria. Congratulations, mum!

So many local initiatives are making a difference in Victoria-Beacon Hill, and I’ve spoken about several of them in the Legislature over the last few weeks. They include Victoria’s Food Eco District, Our Place’s Sponsor-a-Breakfast program, and the Victoria High’s stadium revitalization project, led by their alumni association. Watch the videos on my website at carolejamesmla.ca/news.

So many events, too, all powered by committed citizens who volunteer their time and energy. I was proud to be part of Bridges for Women’s International Women’s Day events, the annual March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, and the Earth Walk for Peace and the Planet. I was also honoured to take part in Vaisakhi at the Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple, the Ride for Lyme event in recognition of Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and the Stroller Brigade in support of affordable, accessible, quality childcare.

My office has coordinated sessions with various community stakeholders including Sheenagh Morrison, a local accessible employment advocate from Self-Advocacy BC, and with Wounded Warriors Canada.  I met with the SPCA, collaborating to support the Distressed Animals Act, introduced by the Opposition in March.

Along with my South Island colleagues in the Official Opposition, I have supported the Maritime Museum of BC’s efforts to secure a new space. That work continues.

With its increased fees and charges, this year’s BC budget has made it harder to make ends meet. It was a topic that came up over and over again during a public forum we held in March.

I have heard from many citizens on the issues of poverty, homelessness and rising costs of living. Most are opposed to the government giving a tax break to the top two percent of income earners while the rest pay more. It’s just not right.

The pressures facing citizens are evident in a myriad of ways, and my community office is here to help however we can. Over the last few weeks, we’ve helped a young man who lost his ID get his birth certificate and care card applications completed as quickly as possible, and connected him to ICBC for his BCID. 

“Kara” and “Ben,” both 18 years old, came to our office in dire straits. Their landlord had kicked them out of their home, and with little income, they were at risk of being homeless. By working with social assistance and connecting them to community supports, we were able to ensure they had a roof over their heads and had help holding their landlord accountable.

“Murray” and “Joe” were seniors trying to make end meet on small pensions and having a hard time keeping up with rising rent, Medical Service Premiums, and BC Hydro costs. My office connected them to several programs, including the SAFER rental assistance program for seniors. We also worked with Health Insurance BC to get them on premium assistance, saving them more than $100 a month.

My office is here to help constituents with provincial programs and services. Please don’t hesitate to call or write.

1084 Fort Street
Victoria, BC V8V 3K4
Phone: 250 952-4211
Carole.James.mla@leg.bc.ca
www.carolejamesmla.ca