Do You Want to Connect?

Community gaming grants provided by the Province of BC are a very important part of what makes so many non-profit events and services possible. Everything from youth sporting events and community fairs, to art exhibits and extra-curricular school activities, may be eligible for funding from the Province.

On July 28 it was announced by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development that BC's Community Gaming Grant Review team, led by independent reviewer Skip Triplett, will visit 14 different communities across the province between August 11 and September 7 to hear from British Columbians and examine the role of government in allocating gaming funds.

The team is looking to discover more about how we can improve things such as the application process, criteria and eligibility, existing legislation governing gaming grants, and the future role of government in providing grants.

Submissions can be mailed, faxed, submitted online, or presented at one of the community forums. Anyone interested in participating in this exercise is encouraged to register online as space is limited.

Triplett's final report is due on October 31, 2011.

You can register to attend a community forum, submit ideas, and learn more at:

http://www.communitygaminggrantreview.gov.bc.ca

The Gift of Literacy

On Monday, Premier Christy Clark awarded the 2011 Council of the Federation Literacy Award to Dee McRae. This award recognizes Dee's outstanding efforts to improve adult literacy in her home town of Houston, B.C. – and beyond.

One million adults in our province have challenges with literacy. Dee is one of many in B.C. who are working to bring this number down. Her years of hard work and dedication have significantly improved the lives of many people, giving them confidence and the ability to reach their potential.

Since 2001, the Province has invested approximately $1.5 billion in literacy and literacy-related initiatives, such as StrongStart BC early learning programs. The programs this funding makes possible are vital.

But so are the contributions of people like Dee McRae and many others like her throughout the province who give of their time, energy and passion to help others who need to improve their levels of literacy.

Perhaps you might like to make such a difference. If so, please contact Literacy BC at 1-800-663-1293 or email info@literacy.bc.ca to find out how.

July Newsletter

Thank you to the constituents of Richmond East for the trust you have placed in me over these twenty years of public service.  There is no other work I would rather be doing.  I consider it both an honour and a privilege to live and work with you in this riding.

It was a joy for me to be present at the opening of the newly enlarged Hamilton Community Centre.  This is a great addition to a wonderful Richmond East neighbourhood.  Thank you to all who made it possible.  I especially enjoyed the fact that the Legislative channel was playing on the small TV’s on each of the treadmills.

I had the opportunity to represent our government at the July 4^th announcement of the partnership between Genome BC and the BC Cancer Foundation.  Both organizations are focused on the potential of genomics to improve patient outcomes.  Genome BC is funding three applied genomic research projects totaling 9 million so that the clinical tools we do have are better able to treat each patient’s individual cancer.  This is good news for patients and their families.

I look forward to the summer opening of the new Nelson Road Interchange which we can all see taking shape in East Richmond.  This new infrastructure will redirect container truck traffic off Westminster Highway and directly into the Port via Nelson Road from the Alderbridge Connector -  a win for farmers and residents alike.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer with family and friends.

Linda Reid MLA Richmond East and Deputy Speaker

July 2011

HST Helps the Whole Country

We have lost sight of one important point in the debate over the fate of the HST here in British Columbia. It is good for Canada as a whole.

Here is something well worth reading:

“Provincial retail sales taxes (RSTs) are outdated and inefficient. They impose a significant tax burden on new business investment and increase the day-today operating costs of Canadian businesses. Unlike the Goods and Services Tax (GST), under which businesses receive a credit for the sales tax they pay on their inputs, these costs are subsequently embedded in the prices consumers pay for goods and services."

- Government of Canada, Budget 2009: Canada's Economic Action Plan

People wanting to invest in Canada and do business here should not have to struggle with a myriad of different sales tax systems, varying from province to province.

The Potential of Genomics

This morning it was my pleasure to represent our government at the announcement of the partnership between Genome BC and the BC Cancer Agency. Both organizations are focused on the potential of genomics to improve patient outcomes. Genome BC is funding three applied genomic research projects totalling 9 million so that the clinical tools we have are better able to treat each patients's individual cancer. This is good news for patients and their families. Special guest included Sindi Hawkin's sister Rupie and Sindi's Dad. Rupie spoke beautifully of her sisters' contribution to cancer care in our province.  I will be there when the Cancer Care Center for the Southern Interior carries the name Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins.

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians

I will be honoured to attend the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association 49th Canadian Meeting in mid July in Charlottetown. The Honourable Kathleen Casey is the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island and she will be our host during the deliberations. She has been a glorious mentor to me over my time serving as Deputy Speaker in British Columbia. The discussions are fascinating from a procedural perspective - how each jursidiction in the commonwealth grapples with particular issues will continue to be the focus/challenge of maintaining order in our respective jurisdictions. The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians will be seeking resolution on a number of topics that make "cities fit for girls and women." There is much work to do.

Child Care Month

Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to rise today to recognize Child Care Month – May – and Child Care Provider Appreciation Day – May 19th.

Just this morning, I attended the Child Care Awards of Excellence in Vancouver. This event honoured not just child care professionals from across B.C., but also organizations and local governments – including the District of West Vancouver and, I’m very proud to say, the City of Richmond – for outstanding service to children and families. It’s wonderful to see communities being recognized – because I firmly believe that strong, supportive and engaged communities are a key to creating a quality child care system that meets the needs of local families.

We have a range of child care options in B.C., which are often tailored to meet the unique needs of the children and families they serve: young parents still in school, Aboriginal children and families, and children with special needs to name a couple examples. I’m proud that this government has supported early learning and child care for many years, knowing the incredible difference it makes in the lives of children.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that the members of the House join me in recognizing and celebrating Child Care Month. And, to our thousands of amazing child care professionals I say ‘thank you’ for the work you do every day to help our little ones learn and grow and blossom – and for the peace of mind you bring to thousands of parents.