The past 12 months have been challenging, and although it feels like the pandemic is behind us, our worries have not lessened.
As we move into 2023, the cost of living continues to soar. People are feeling the pinch as the prices of gas, food, rent and medications skyrocket.
Our communities are in distress and this is of great concern. It is the perfect opportunity to ask ourselves what we can do to mitigate some of this financial instability and to turn to Ottawa for help.
To ensure that no one was left behind and to address the affordability crisis immediately, my colleagues and I forced the government to deliver three things to put money back into people’s pockets. We fought for a new dental care program, an extra $500 to help pay the rent and up to $476 for an additional GST rebate.
As well, more than $145.5 million in federal funding has been brought into the North Island-Powell River riding this past year. These funds support endeavours by local organizations as they clean up the ocean, provide better support for seniors, promote research training and talent development, and give incentives for zero-emission vehicle programs – to help fight climate change and to make our communities better places to live in and work.
All these victories were won through hard, persistent effort and augment the work that is conducted in our community offices on behalf of our constituents.
It has been a busy, sometimes tumultuous, year and I am looking forward to the challenges and steps forward we’ll make together in 2023. I am proud to serve our communities in North Island-Powell River and to represent your voices.
I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season and so much more in the new year!
