I hope that this email finds you well and that you have had a safe start to the New Year. As we turn the page on 2020, we enter 2021 with vaccine in distribution and light at the end of the tunnel.
At time of writing, over 1.1. million vaccine doses have been distributed to the provinces and territories so far, with millions more on the way. Our Government has been working diligently to deliver the over 80 million doses we have secured from approved vaccine candidates Moderna and Pfizer through the most diverse vaccine portfolio in the world. Just this week, our Government signed a memorandum of understanding with Novavax to pursue Made-in-Canada production of their COVID-19 vaccine, having previously committed to purchasing 52 million doses of the Novavax vaccine, with an option for an additional 24 million doses.
Canada remains on track to provide vaccines to anyone who wants one by September 2021. As vaccine manufacturers retool their facilities to produce even more doses, we are seeing a temporary reduction in doses so that they can dramatically scale up production henceforth. You can find the details of the coming shipments here.
Of course, vaccines that are on the way in the coming weeks and months won’t help you if you get COVID-19 today. For this reason, I am extremely concerned with the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases in Whistler over the last month, and particularly the last week. Please be calm and kind to one another and continue to follow the public health guidance from Vancouver Coastal Health.
The Government of Canada continues to strongly advise against all non-essential travel, particularly international travel. Since March 2020, Canada has restricted all discretionary or optional travel from non-Canadians, with only specific allowances for immediate family or essential workers. This week, we have introduced further stringent measures, giving us some of the strictest measures in the world for individuals arriving from abroad to limit the risk of the spread of the virus. These include but are not limited to the following:
Suspending all flights to/from Mexico and the Caribbean countries until April 30, 2021.
Requiring:
a molecular test upon arrival (in addition to the existing requirement to have one within 72 hours of a departure flight to Canada)
the returning individual to reserve a room in a Government of Canada-approved hotel for three nights at their own cost, while they await their test results at an estimated cost of over $2,000
individuals that test positive to quarantine at a government approved facility.
Requiring a molecular test for non-essential returning land border travelers to Canada.
This month, Parliament resumed sitting and we continued the important work before us, including the myriad of issues related to management of the COVID-19 pandemic, passing our strengthened climate action legislation, implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into federal law, among many others. Together, I am confident that we can accomplish these priorities and much more, so we can Build Back Better and create a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future for all Canadians. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make this happen.
On January 13, 2021, I hosted our second annual Constituency Office Open House, virtually welcoming residents from across our riding to meet me and my team, and to hear from them on how our government will move forward in the year ahead.
I also had the opportunity to present our inaugural Unsung Champion Awards to celebrate and recognize volunteers in our community that have stepped up in the past year in service to their communities. These awards are given out to volunteers who make our communities kinder, stronger and a better place for us all through their tireless and dedicated efforts. Recipients are all nominated by fellow community members. Please see below to learn more about this year’s twelve inaugural Unsung Champions.
Finally, a big shoutout to Lions Bay for celebrating their 50th birthday, having been incorporated as a village municipality in January 1971.
Please visit my social media platforms for more immediate updates:
Reminder: You're Inivted to a Townhall with Minister McKenna
A reminder that you are invited to join me for virtual town hall discussion with the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities on Wednesday, February 10 at 2:00pm PST.
We look forward to covering topics of high-interest in our community, and across the country, such as how federal investments are supporting social, green, community, recreation and public transit infrastructure. Please feel free to share this event with your friends and networks, and submit any questions you would like to have answered to [email protected].
Event Details: Topic: Town Hall with Minister McKenna and MP Patrick Weiler Time: Wednesday, February 10 at 2:00pm PT Facebook Live:https://www.facebook.com/PatrickBWeiler/
Community Updates
On January 8, we marked one year since the tragic loss of family, friends, and loved ones from Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. The downing of Flight 752 was a national tragedy that struck very close to home, with more than 85 Canadians and permanent residents among the 176 passengers that perished.
Pillars of the North Shore community were lost, as we mourned the loss of so many members of the Iranian-Canadian community from the Lower Mainland. They enriched our communities and helped build a more vibrant, open, and accepting society. Their loss will continue to be deeply felt here on the North Shore and in communities across Canada. Our Government will continue the important work of investigating the downing of Flight 752 using all the resources we have, in concert with our allies and partners around the world.
Looking to February, families across our community and country will be celebrating Lunar New Year on February 12, a time for renewal as we look to a brighter future in the year ahead. This year we welcome the Year of the Ox, which represents hard work, positivity and honesty. To all those celebrating Lunar New Year, we recognize the important contributions you make to our country, which continue to enrich our communities and create a stronger, more prosperous, and more inclusive society.
February is also Black History Month, a time to celebrate and acknowledge the enormous contributions that Black Canadians and their communities have made, and continue to make, in all sectors of society. This year, we are also celebrating 25 years since the first celebration of Black History Month, a milestone achieved through the efforts of the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black woman Member of Parliament and the first Black woman federal Cabinet minister in Canada. As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Black people in Canada, let us also remember our collective duty to continue efforts to combat racism in all its forms in a way that is informed by Black history, Black voices, and Black lived experiences.
We also mark Family Day on February 15. This year more than ever, we have come to understand the importance of family connection. For many, the pandemic has strained and/or ceased in-person connections, especially with our elders, as we seek to protect our loved ones and keep them safe from COVID-19. This Family Day, let us continue to keep our families safe and healthy by maintaining our efforts during this second wave and finding new ways to connect digitally. As the Queen said in her address last year, “We will meet again”.
Inaugural Unsung Champions
We are very fortunate to live in a region that exemplifies the very best of community volunteerism, where volunteers have continued to make incredible contributions in service of our community during these challenging times. Below are this year’s inaugural Unsung Champions:
West Vancouver & Bowen Island:
Jonathan “Bear” Yeung is an extraordinary nine year old young boy in West Vancouver who has worked hard to raise funds for those in need and generate food and beverage donations to assist frontline workers at Lions Gate Hospital. His selfless and heroic actions are an inspiration to us all. We salute his continued efforts to help vulnerable members of our community during this difficult time.
Peter Morley has helped supervise the Ladies Woodworking Class at the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre for 19 years, helping to build a sense of community by sharing his woodworking expertise in a kind, friendly, safe, and patient manner, and ensuring the equipment is maintained and hand tools are clean and sharpened. He continues to enhance our sense of community for seniors across West Vancouver.
Nancy Farran has a long history of extensive community involvement and leadership over the past decades, including ongoing work with the West Vancouver Foundation. Her ability to inspire and pull our community together to develop a lasting legacy in West Vancouver is exceptional. We salute Nancy for her many hours of service that have strengthened the bonds of cooperation and trust that bring people together.
Violet Roden has worked for decades to provide counselling services for sexually abused children and to support seniors in our community. We recognize her tireless efforts in obtaining funding, supporting and educating community groups regarding the tragic absence of sexual abuse counselling in British Columbia. Her work to establish ACT II, the first sexual abuse counselling centre, was accomplished as a result of her visionary leadership, skill and determination.
Edward and Sheree are long-standing volunteers who have served in senior roles and responsibilities on the Bowen Island Community Foundation, BI Arts Council, the Community Economic Development Committee, the Neighbourhood Emergency Response Program (NERP), and the Economic Development Committee. We are thrilled to highlight and recognize their tireless work in pursuit of numerous community projects, committees, and initiatives. Their extraordinary contributions to our community and the energy, passion, expertise, and experience they bring to their work are appreciated by Island residents and beyond.
Sunshine Coast:
Penny Lyle is a member of the Sechelt Garden Club, who has worked tirelessly with her team to help local businesses beautify their courtyards, storefront and public patios with planters and flowers, including the ongoing maintenance of these flowers and flowerbeds throughout the year.
Graham Walker has volunteered countless hours over the past year as the music coordinator, sound technician and emcee for Slow Sundays in the Creek. This multi-generational event brings joy and energy to the community through music and games for all ages.
Irene Davy and the late Clint Davy spend countless hours treating and helping many thousands of sick or injured birds and animals through the Gibsons Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Irene and her team of volunteers work seven days a week, in all weather, to make a huge difference to the wildlife of the Sunshine Coast.
The Sunshine Coast Farmers Institute is a community of members who support small-scale, ethical and sustainable farming on the Sunshine Coast. Through their significant and ongoing efforts, they provide bulk buying and educational opportunities that help local farmers become more successful and resilient.
Sea to Sky Country:
Ruth Simons has over the last decade made significant and ongoing efforts to protect and enhance the biodiversity of Howe Sound. We recognize her tireless work into volunteering to create a Howe Sound Biosphere Reserve – even through the ups and downs, working through any obstacles that have emerged. She has consistently raised awareness on issues affecting Howe Sound, bringing together community, government, First Nations, and industry and business leaders to action solutions.
Ian Kruger is a community advocate for health living and recreation in Pemberton. He has worked hard to support healthy living as the Chairperson of the Pemberton Off Road Cycling Association since 2016, previously as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Pemberton Valley Trails Association, and as an ER nurse at the Pemberton Health Centre. His work over the years and his advocacy for building trails and mountain biking has helped enhance the health and wellness of our community and beyond.
Tracey Saxby is a community leader that has volunteered over 7,600 hours into the My Sea to Sky organization since 2014, connecting with a diverse audience, developing effective collaboration, and building a shared vision for a better future. We recognize her efforts to protect the biodiversity of Howe Sound as it recovers from many decades of industrial degradation. Her energy and commitment are boundless, and she has motivated hundreds of volunteers to dedicate thousands of hours over the last seven years.
All of our inaugural recipients are a source of pride to our community. I look forward to celebrating next year’s Unsung Champions as they continue to do the work to make our communities a better place.
Pre-Budget Consultation & Survey
As we look ahead to the Government of Canada’s Budget 2021, we are seeking your input and ideas on how we can continue to create jobs, grow the middle class, and create an economy that works for everyone.
As our Government continues to do everything in its power to fight COVID-19, save lives, and provide people, businesses, and our community with the support they need, we also want to look at local long-term investments we can make to build a healthier, more inclusive, equitable and sustainable community and country.
Once COVID-19 is under control, our government has a plan to make smart, targeted and time-limited investments that will stimulate the jumpstart of our economic recovery. Our growth plan will invest between $70 and $100 billion over three years (approximately 3-4% of GDP) to quickly and effectively restore jobs and create long-term, shared prosperity for Canadians. How we do this is key. We want to hear what you think are the best ways to address the challenges created by this pandemic, and to Build Back Better.
I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to our upcoming community consultations across our riding on Budget 2021. The events will be hosted on Zoom and the details can be found below:
