It’s time to welcome a new year with as much hope and optimism as we can muster.
As a province, we continue to rise to the challenges we face with the perseverance and determination we need. The ongoing pandemic is making us all frustrated that we can’t return to normal, but by continuing to follow the good guidance of health authorities and through continuing sacrifices, we’ll get through it in as good a way as possible.
The severe weather events caused a lot of sadness and grief, with many people uprooted from their homes. Again, it is our collective efforts that have supported those impacted, and our resiliency will remain. For those able to contribute to the Red Cross, which has assumed jurisdiction over flood relief, donations can be made on its website (redcross.ca).
My first full year as minister of social development and poverty reduction has been eventful and interesting, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this new role. A highlight for me was the passage of the Accessible BC Act, designed to make our province a place where everyone has an opportunity to live their lives to the fullest. It was residents of the Sunshine Coast like Geraldine Braak, Ellen Frank and Bonnie Klein, among others, who have instilled in so many the importance of promoting change in our communities that will improve the quality of life for all of us.
Thank you to our public service, which continues to bear a particularly heavy load during the past number of months: members of our health-care profession, teachers, public servants, elected officials, and their teams of supporters. We all acknowledge and are grateful for the tasks you shoulder.
I hope that everyone finds all the strength they need in each other as we continue to do our best through difficult times.
Wishing everyone the best in 2022!
