Dear Friends,

Spring is right around the corner and 2018 is well under way. We already have accomplished so much since January 1st. This past month we’ve worked hard to make schools safer within the capital region district, helped support new developments for young families, and made life more affordable for all British Columbians.

I visited Keating Elementary School in Saanich and announced $7.92 million in funding for seismic upgrades. Our government has an ambitious capital plan and we are working hard to ensure every child in BC can learn in a safe and healthy environment.

Burnside Elementary school will be seismically upgraded and there will be a development of new affordable market housing with child care and community learning spaces on site. A partnership between School District 61 and Pacifica Housing has allowed this development and upgrade to happen in unison. I am thrilled to see this development moving forward with our non-profit housing partners. This is a great example of what we can achieve when we come together with neighborhood priorities at the heart of decision making.

I recently joined my colleague Minister Claire Trevena in announcing new Southbound Victoria bus priority lanes on Douglas St. This newly designated lane will reduce congestion, ease traffic times for commuters, and improve the speed of the transit system serving British Columbians.

Shorter commute times and larger paycheques await Victorians, as Premier Horgan announced the minimum wage will be increased to $15.20 by 2021. Minimum-wage earners will see a boost to $12.65 in June and every June subsequently until 2021. This gradual increase will make life more affordable for those working and living throughout the capital region.

Our government will continue to work to make life more affordable for our community and communities throughout British Columbia. Please come by the community office, call, or email to share your thoughts on how we can build a better BC.