MLA Letters

MLA Lee's Letter to Minister Whiteside on the need for a culturally appropriate detox centre in Northwest B.C.

May 23, 2023
I am writing to follow up on the exchanges that I had with Minister Rankin during both Supplementary estimates and Budget estimates about the proposal by the Northern First Nations Alliance (NFNA) to establish a culturally appropriate and holistic health, wellness, and detox centre in Terrace to address the shortage of treatment facilities in northwest British Columbia.
Shadow Minister for Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation

MLA Stone’s Letter to Minister Kahlon on the residence and travel costs of Vancouver-West End MLA

May 10, 2023
On behalf of the Official Opposition Caucus, I wanted to follow up on a question that you took on notice on May 4, 2023, with a commitment to report back to the House regarding the residence and travel costs of the Vancouver-West End MLA.
House Leader, Shadow Minister for Jobs, Small Business & Economic Development

MLAs Paton and Oakes' Letter to Minister Robinson on B.C.’s veterinary crisis

April 27, 2023

Thank you for your letter on March 27, 2023, confirming the permanent subsidization of 40 seats for British Columbia students attending the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). This funding will help students afford to enter this profession and fill some spots in the veterinarian shortage in B.C.


However, as we continue to see a high demand for veterinary services for domestic animals and livestock, we need to do more to address the shortage of veterinarians. With 100 veterinarians retiring per year, the time to act is now.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture & Food
Shadow Minister for Post Secondary Education

MLA Stewart, Letnick and Merrifield's Letter to Premier Eby in support of Kelowna's request to exclude parks from drug decriminalization pilot program

April 21, 2023
As Members of the Legislative Assembly representing the residents of Kelowna, we are writing to express our support for the City of Kelowna Mayor, Tom Dyas', request to exclude parks from the drug decriminalization three-year pilot program that your government implemented earlier this year.
Shadow Minister for Environment & Climate Change, Technology & Innovation
Shadow Minister for Children & Family Development
Shadow Minister for Tourism & Trade

MLAs Paton and Oakes' Letter to Minister Robinson on B.C.’s current veterinary shortage

March 15, 2023
We are writing to you today to reiterate our concern about the shortage of veterinarians in British Columbia and the impact it is having on animals, their owners and the vets themselves.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture & Food
Shadow Minister for Post Secondary Education

MLA Tegart's Letter to Minister Ralston on Aspen Planers Permits

February 13, 2023
I am writing you today to express my deep concern regarding the delays in issuing permits to Aspen Planers in my riding, and the devastating effect that not having permits issued is having on Aspen Planers employees, forestry contractors, and the community of Merritt...and potentially the communities of Savona and Lillooet in the future if permits are not immediately issued.
Assistant Deputy Speaker

MLA Kyllo and Lee's Letter to Premier Eby on Community Benefits Agreements

January 25, 2023
We are writing to support the statements published by Cowichan Tribes and Khowutzun Development Corporation (KDC) on January 19, 2023, as well as by Jon Coleman, a member of the Cowichan Tribes, on January 16, 2023, calling on the British Columbia government to permit Cowichan citizen-owned companies to participate in the construction of the Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project.
Shadow Minister for Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation
Deputy Whip, Shadow Minister for Labour & Skills Training

MLAs Kyllo, Stone and Paton's Letter to Minister Alexis and Minister Bains on ongoing BC Temporary Foreign Workers Program processing delays

January 13, 2023
We are writing to you regarding the unacceptably slow certification and application processing times for the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program in British Columbia, which pose a serious threat to many businesses and industries. Farmers, ranchers and others from the agriculture industry throughout B.C. have shared concerns about the risk to their industries that rely heavily on the TFW program for seasonal and experienced labour.
House Leader, Shadow Minister for Jobs, Small Business & Economic Development
Shadow Minister for Agriculture & Food
Deputy Whip, Shadow Minister for Labour & Skills Training

MLAs Kyllo, Doerkson, Merrifield, Letnick and Stewart's Letter to Minister Cullen on the invasion of zebra and quagga mussels in B.C.

January 13, 2023
We’re writing to support the Shuswap Watershed Council’s recent request for increased funding and expanded inspection stations to prevent an invasion of zebra and quagga mussels in British Columbia waters. There is a high risk of these mussels infiltrating B.C. waters due to boat traffic, and the consequences of such an invasion would be devastating to the Shuswap and Okanagan regions and the environment as a whole. The request for more support to combat these risks is also echoed by regional organizations like the Shuswap Waterfront Owners Association and the Okanagan Basin Water Board.
Shadow Minister for Environment & Climate Change, Technology & Innovation
Shadow Minister for Children & Family Development
Shadow Minister for Water, Land & Resource Stewardship & Rural Development
Deputy Whip, Shadow Minister for Labour & Skills Training

MLA Kyllo's Letter to Minister Kahlon on the winter shelter crisis in Salmon Arm

December 8, 2022
I am writing to you regarding the urgent matter of a lack of overnight shelter for the unhoused community in Salmon Arm.
Deputy Whip, Shadow Minister for Labour & Skills Training

MLA Kyllo's Letter to Minister Rankin on the winter shelter crisis in Salmon Arm

December 5, 2022
Thank you for meeting with me briefly on November 24, 2022, regarding the lack of overnight shelter for the unhoused community in Salmon Arm. I am writing to follow up on our conversation and discuss the next steps in finding a solution to this unacceptable situation that is forcing people to sleep on the streets in freezing temperatures.
Deputy Whip, Shadow Minister for Labour & Skills Training

MLAs Merrifield, Letnick and Stewart's Letter to Minister Dix on long ambulance wait times

November 15, 2022
As Members of the Legislative Assembly that represent residents in Kelowna and surrounding areas, we are writing to you to express our grave concern about B.C. Emergency Health Services’ (BCEHS) decision to reduce the number of ambulances in Kelowna by 30 per cent. As a rapidly growing region which has already been suffering from a shortage of health care and emergency services, this decision will be dangerous for residents who will now face even longer wait times and uncertainty when dealing with health emergencies.
Shadow Minister for Environment & Climate Change, Technology & Innovation
Shadow Minister for Children & Family Development
Shadow Minister for Tourism & Trade

MLA Bond's Letter to Minister Dix on expanding coverage of Cystic Fibrosis drug, Trikafta

September 7, 2022
I am writing today to urge you to take immediate action on the expanded coverage of the lifesaving Cystic Fibrosis drug, Trikafta. Families across British Columbia continue to wait for the approval of this drug for children under the age of 12, leaving many children to suffer unnecessarily.
Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services & Long Term Care

MLA Doerkson's Letter to Minister Osborne on the Conflict of Interest Commissioner asked to investigate the minister's actions

June 28, 2022
I am writing to you about an issue that has recently been brought to my attention concerning a potential conflict of interest on the part of the Minister of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship, Josie Osborne.
Shadow Minister for Water, Land & Resource Stewardship & Rural Development

MLA Kyllo's Letter to Premier Horgan on Bill 10

June 1, 2022
I am writing to you today to express my deep concern over the conditions under which Bill 10 — and the measures that will follow the passing of this legislation — are being implemented, and how they will impact workers’ rights to freely and fairly choose whether to become unionized or not.
Deputy Whip, Shadow Minister for Labour & Skills Training

MLA Kyllo's Letter to Premier Horgan and Minister Bains on Employment Standards Branch wait times

May 12, 2022
I am writing to you today to express concern over your government’s handling of the Employment Standards Branch (ESB) — an institution that is instrumental in upholding workers’ rights through the Employment Standards Act and ensuring all employees can receive the compensation, security, rights, and justice they are entitled to.
Deputy Whip, Shadow Minister for Labour & Skills Training

MLA Paton's Letter to Minister Popham on support for farmers to recover from massive flood losses

January 24, 2022

I am writing to you on behalf of a number of farmers who are rightfully concerned about their ability to access financial compensation following the devastating flooding that occurred last November.

It appears Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) has some restrictions that have left many producers ineligible for relief. Farmers have let me know that they have tried to apply for the funding but have been told they technically don’t qualify for any support because their farms are incorporated and bring in more than $1 million in annual sales.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture & Food

BC United Caucus Interim Leader Bond and MLA Morris' letter to Minister Farnworth on the Coastal Gaslink Pipeline

November 16, 2021
We are writing to you today, following our learning of the tense situation facing hundreds of British Columbians working on the Coastal GasLink (CGL) project, which has the full support of all 20 elected First Nations councils along its route.
Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services & Long Term Care
Shadow Minister for Public Safety & Solicitor General

BC United Caucus Interim Leader Bond and MLA Kirkpatrick's letter to Minister Dean on Autism Funding in B.C.

November 12, 2021
We are writing to you today to express our significant concerns with your government’s planned changes to the service delivery model that provides support for neurodiverse children, including your decision to abandon individualized autism funding and the AT Home Program.
Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services & Long Term Care
Shadow Minister for Housing, Childcare, Autism & Accessibility, Gender Equity & Inclusion

MLA Tegart's letter to Minister Whiteside on IDL school funding

October 14, 2021

My colleagues and I in the BC United Caucus have received a range of correspondence regarding your government’s planned changes to the enrollment conditions for students in Independent Distributed Learning (IDL) programs offered across the province.

It is my understanding that starting in the 2022/23 school year, public and independent online school authorities can only operate within their district unless granted special permission from the Ministry to cross-enroll from another district or authority. This will mean that students not currently residing within district boundaries will no longer be able to attend their chosen schools via online learning.

Assistant Deputy Speaker

MLA Halford's Letter to Premier Horgan on funding naloxone kits

September 24, 2021
Our province continues to experience the deadliest year of overdose deaths on record. Last month, we marked International Overdose Awareness Day and somberly reflected on the tragic loss of over 1,000 British Columbians to overdose deaths, so far this year. Naloxone kits are a vital tool needed to save lives and prevent these overdose deaths. We find it unacceptable that with deaths at record levels, your government cut the funding that provided kits to frontline emergency responders during an overdose crisis.
Shadow Minister for Transportation & Infrastructure, ICBC & Affordability, TransLink, BC Transit & Sport

BC United Caucus Interim Leader Bond and MLA Stewart’s Letter to Minister Eby on COVID data reporting

September 24, 2021
I am writing to you regarding the recent reports of a serious rise in cases of COVID-19 at temporary housing facilities throughout Victoria, including the former Paul’s Motor Inn, Muncey Place on Blanshard Street, the Travelodge, and 844 Johnson Street.
Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services & Long Term Care
Shadow Minister for Tourism & Trade

MLA Kirkpatrick's Letter to Minister Chen on delay of promised ECE wage enhancement

September 10, 2021
Recently, my office has received several emails from daycare operators and employees expressing frustration over the delay of your government’s promised ECE wage enhancement.
Shadow Minister for Housing, Childcare, Autism & Accessibility, Gender Equity & Inclusion

BC United Caucus Interim Leader Bond’s Letter to Premier Horgan on Providing Clarity to Small Businesses

September 3, 2021
I’m writing to you today to request answers to a number of questions being raised by British Columbians following your announcement of a vaccine card to provide proof of vaccination to access non-essential services.
Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services & Long Term Care

Interim Leader of the Official Opposition Bond’s Letter to Premier Horgan on Answers Needed to Support Those Impacted by Wildfires

September 1, 2021
I wrote to you on August 20, 2021 about the impact the wildfires have had on thousands of British Columbians, yet have not received a reply from you. Your correspondence office did confirm receipt but the lack of direct communication is very disappointing, especially because the situation has gotten worse since the letter was delivered.
Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services & Long Term Care

BC United Caucus Interim Leader Bond's Letter to Premier Horgan on BC Wildfires

August 23, 2021

Dear Premier Horgan,

While you were away, thousands of British Columbians have experienced evacuation orders and alerts while countless others faced the smoke and flames from wildfires raging in much of our province.

As you return to British Columbia, our communities are looking for greater certainty, better communication, and financial supports to assist with the loss of homes, and other impacts to property and livelihoods.

Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services & Long Term Care

MLA Morris's Letter to Minister Farnworth on Emergency Preparedness

August 6, 2021

Further to our telephone conversation on Monday, July 26th. You had mentioned that the province was in litigation with Safeguard and restricted on what you could speak about, other than to confirm that Safeguard, although invited, had not submitted any bid to contract services for BC Wildfire.

In discussion with MLA Davies and Safeguard after our conversation, they state that they are not in Litigation with BCWFS or the Province of BC. Safeguard had sent what they termed, a “friendly letter” 2 months ago asking government to pay 2.2 million dollars outstanding for the Burns Lake deployment of 2018 as they had only been paid for the original Fort St. James deployment. Safeguard states they have so far chosen not to pursue it in lieu of trying to work with BCWFS and the conflict it would create.

Shadow Minister for Public Safety & Solicitor General

MLA Tegart's Letter to Premier Horgan on Support for Lytton Residents

August 3, 2021
It has now been 34 days since the Lytton Fire incinerated a whole community. Lives, pets, and homes were lost; and businesses, livelihoods, and jobs destroyed. The medical services building, grocery store, police station, school, administration buildings, and ambulance are gone. The Village of Lytton and Lytton First Nation residents who survived the fire are now scattered in a multitude of communities, families are searching for loved ones, and evacuees have been moved numerous times. These community members have lost their stability and sense of belonging. They are looking for hope and answers but are getting very little information from agencies working on the ground.
Assistant Deputy Speaker

MLA Tegart's Letter to Premier Horgan on support for Lytton residents

July 13, 2021

As you know, it has been a devastating couple of weeks for the people of Lytton as a wildfire virtually destroyed the town and everything in it. My constituents suffered great trauma as they evacuated homes and businesses on a moment’s notice, most with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Tragically, we lost two valued community members and our hearts go out to their families and loved ones.

With all this in mind, it is vital that we ensure these evacuees get the supports they need. To my knowledge, in B.C. we have never seen a wildfire destroy nearly an entire town before. This makes the situation unique, and we must respond accordingly.

Assistant Deputy Speaker

BC United Caucus Interim Leader Bond's Letter to Premier Horgan on the call for an independent review into Government handling of the heatwave

July 12, 2021

I am writing to you today because countless British Columbians found themselves unprepared for the extreme heat wave that our province faced. It is vital that we better understand what happened and what changes need to be made to ensure that we are prepared to prevent the unnecessary loss of life when the next heat health emergency occurs.

It is for this reason that I am calling for an independent review of the response to the heat wave we experienced, in order to understand how we can better respond to future extreme heat events. I think we can both agree this is likely to become a more regular occurrence.

Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services & Long Term Care

BC United Caucus Interim Leader Bond's Letter to Premier Horgan on striking the Select Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs

June 1, 2021

The horrific discovery of a burial site of 215 children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School is absolutely heartbreaking and has deeply impacted Indigenous people and people throughout the country.

Yesterday’s statements from all parties in the Legislature were deeply moving and demonstrated a clear commitment from all of us to continuing to move forward with meaningful reconciliation.

Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services & Long Term Care

MLA Wat’s Letter to the Premier and Minister Eby on Anti-Racism Action Items

May 27, 2021
We all must take a stand and speak out against these hateful and cowardly acts because all British Columbians have the right to live without fear of violence or discrimination.
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Anti-Racism Initiatives, Arts & Culture

MLA Merrifield's Letter to Minister Dix on second-dose priority for cancer patients

May 21, 2021

Thank you for your ongoing service to British Columbians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I also thank you for prioritizing cancer patients for their first doses. As they are recognized as a priority, I am writing today to implore you to reconsider the timing of second doses, specifically for cancer patients. I write on behalf of the many cancer patients across B.C. I have heard from those whose physicians advise them that they would greatly benefit from receiving their second dose within the manufacturers’ recommended dose schedule of either 21 days (Pfizer) or 28 days (Moderna).

Shadow Minister for Environment & Climate Change, Technology & Innovation

MLA Lee, Oakes, Tegart, and Doerkson's Letter to Minister Fleming on deterioration of roads in rural B.C.

May 6, 2021
We are writing to you regarding the continued deterioration of our province’s transportation system, including roads in rural B.C., especially those in the Cariboo and Fraser-Nicola regions.
Shadow Minister for Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation
Shadow Minister for Water, Land & Resource Stewardship & Rural Development
Assistant Deputy Speaker
Shadow Minister for Post Secondary Education

MLA Paton and MLA Oakes' Letter to Minister Kang on BC Veterinarian Shortage

April 28, 2021

We are writing to you today to reiterate our concern about the shortage of veterinarians in British Columbia and the impact it is having on animals, their owners, and the vets themselves.

This is not a new issue; in fact, it was raised by our Caucus in December 2019 but unfortunately, we haven’t seen any movement on it — and the situation is becoming much more serious.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture & Food
Shadow Minister for Post Secondary Education

MLA Lee's Letter to Minister Fleming on the need for Infrastructure investment in B.C.

April 16, 2021
In January 2021, I wrote to you to express the urgent need for your Ministry to develop a comprehensive province-wide plan to strengthen and support transportation and infrastructure in B.C. While I have received a reply from you about other transportation issues I have raised over the past few months, you did not indicate whether you would commit to developing such a plan in consultation with industry stakeholders.
Shadow Minister for Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation

Interim Leader of the Official Opposition Bond and MLA Merrifield's Letter to Premier Horgan on COVID-19 data transparency

April 7, 2021
We are writing today to ask again for you and your government to take immediate action to improve the transparency and reporting of COVID-19 data in British Columbia.
Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services & Long Term Care
Shadow Minister for Environment & Climate Change, Technology & Innovation

MLA Wat's Letter to Minister Eby on proclaiming Anti-Racism Education Day

April 6, 2021
I am writing to you today to ask you and your government to support our request to have May 29 proclaimed as Anti-Racism Education Day.
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Anti-Racism Initiatives, Arts & Culture

MLA Lee and MLA Merrifield's Letter to Minister Dix on Transportation Workers Exclusion from Vaccination Priority List

March 22, 2021
Over the past week, we have joined British Columbians in the collective relief in what the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout means for B.C. We know that vaccines are the key to getting us out of this pandemic and protecting B.C. residents during this time. 
Shadow Minister for Environment & Climate Change, Technology & Innovation
Shadow Minister for Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation

BC United Caucus Interim Leader Bond and MLA Merrifield's Letter to the Premier and Minister Dix on ALS funding in B.C.

March 12, 2021
We are writing today to urge you to take immediate action on increasing funding, clinical trials, and research into Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) here in British Columbia.
Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services & Long Term Care
Shadow Minister for Environment & Climate Change, Technology & Innovation

MLA Clovechok's Letter to Minister Farnworth on reliable funding for Avalanche Canada

March 5, 2021
During the 2019 and 2020 budget estimates, I had the opportunity to highlight the excellent work Avalanche Canada does for our Province. As you know, Avalanche Canada is a national organization that services the entire country; however, you will know that 95% of Avalanche Canada’s forecasting stations are located in B.C., and only 80% of their budget is spent in B.C.
Caucus Whip & Shadow Minister for Columbia Basin Initiatives

MLA Lee's Letter to Minister Fleming on the growing need for increased supports for B.C. airports

March 4, 2021
I have written to you in the past about the need for a comprehensive plan to sustain B.C.’s transportation networks, which connect our province and support the efficient movement of goods and people. This would include specific and targeted relief for transportation service organizations that are having difficulty making ends meet during this challenging time with COVID-19. I look forward to a response from you laying out such a plan, which is becoming more urgent with every day that goes by.
Shadow Minister for Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation

MLA Paton's Letter to Minister Popham on annual farmers’ market season and impacts of the pandemic

March 3, 2021
I am writing to you today in advance of the annual farmers’ market season which is fast approaching. These markets not only connect British Columbians to locally produced goods, they are also an important source of income for the hard-working vendors who participate in them.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture & Food

MLA Kirkpatrick's Letter to Minister Dean on B.C.'s autism funding and challenges families have faced during the pandemic

March 2, 2021
I am writing concerning B.C.’s autism funding provided by the Ministry of Children and Family Development to help pay for eligible services or supports that promote skill development for children living with autism.
Shadow Minister for Housing, Childcare, Autism & Accessibility, Gender Equity & Inclusion

MLA Wat’s letter to Minister Kang on protecting Chinese language in Chinese Medicine Exam

February 18, 2021
As Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, you know well the importance of our transportation networks in B.C., which connect our province and support the efficient movement of goods and people. You are also no doubt aware of the profound impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on these networks, with service disruptions creating an urgent situation in many northern and remote communities that have been left increasingly isolated.
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Anti-Racism Initiatives, Arts & Culture

MLA Tegart’s Letter to Minister Whiteside on VSB Reduction of School Hours

February 17, 2021
I am writing to you today to follow up on a letter sent to you on January 29, 2021, by my colleague and MLA for Vancouver-Langara Michael Lee, who relayed a series of concerns he has received from a large number of parents with students enrolled in elementary and secondary schools across School District 39 in Vancouver.
Assistant Deputy Speaker

MLA Lee’s Letter to Minister Fleming on support for Vancouver Island bus routes

February 17, 2021
As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, it is absolutely essential that government provides the appropriate relief to maintain vital services that are struggling due to the far-reaching impacts of the virus. A critical example of services needing support is Wilson’s Tofino Bus and Vancouver Island Connector, which have operated throughout Vancouver Island for years, connecting communities that have no other transportation options.
Shadow Minister for Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation

MLAs Halford and Cadieux Letter to Premier Horgan on Action needed to stop gatherings at Peace Arch Park

February 10, 2021
On behalf of the Official Opposition, we are writing to express our concern about the increased volume of visitors to Peace Arch Park, which straddles the international border between the U.S. and Canada.
Shadow Minister for Transportation & Infrastructure, ICBC & Affordability, TransLink, BC Transit & Sport

Interim Leader Bond’s Letter to Minister Dix on standardizing of visitation policies for long-term care

February 4, 2021
As we enter the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus continues to spread at a concerning rate and sadly, it is seniors in LTC facilities who continue to disproportionately lose their lives to this deadly disease. Meanwhile, LTC homes across B.C. have been operating their essential visitor policies differently in individual homes and Health Authorities due to an overall lack of policy standardization as highlighted in the Ernst & Young report that was completed in October of 2020 and only recently released by your government.
Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services & Long Term Care

MLA Lee’s Letter to Minister Fleming on Protecting Transportation Networks

January 29, 2021
As Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, you know well the importance of our transportation networks in B.C., which connect our province and support the efficient movement of goods and people. You are also no doubt aware of the profound impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on these networks, with service disruptions creating an urgent situation in many northern and remote communities that have been left increasingly isolated.
Shadow Minister for Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation

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