It is that time of year again, when we reflect on the year that was and the year ahead – and make lists. 2021 was an incredibly challenging year for our province, as we navigated a devastating heat dome and floods, as well as dangerous new variants of COVID-19. Our riding and our country have shown incredible resilience in responding to these challenges by helping one another, while working hard to lead robust economic recovery that is setting the stage for a better future. Last year, I set the following three objectives/projections for 2021:

1. Eliminating the COVID-19 virus in Canada and setting Canada on a road to “Build Back Better”, through the 2021 Budget and creating and utilizing a new Regional Development Agency for British Columbia to support local enterprises and to help them seize the unique economic opportunities available to them.
2. Reforming the Temporary Foreign Workers Program, creating other new immigration programs, and leveraging existing immigration streams to ensure that more new Canadians to settle on our shores in 2021 than any other year to date.
3. Creating the framework for a Canada-wide Childcare System so that we are on a path to having universal accessible and affordable childcare in West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country and right across Canada.

With case numbers at record highs in Canada, there is no question that we are still living with COVID-19, but as one of the most vaccinated countries in the world, we now have the tools to keep ourselves safe. Budget 2021 created the foundation for a strong economic recovery, including by funding PacifiCAN. PacifiCAN, BC’s new regional development agency, was launched in August of this year with nine offices throughout BC to help BC enterprises across our province to continue to lead the country.

Travel restrictions, office closures, and backlogs created major challenges for immigration in our country. Despite this, Canada welcomed more new permanent residents in 2021 than any previous year, surpassing our target of 401,000 more than a week ago. While new immigration programs made this possible, the Temporary Foreign Workers Program remains a major priority for reform for 2022.

BC became the first province in Canada (Ontario remains the last holdout province) to agree with the federal government to bring in universal, affordable, and accessible childcare. As part of this deal, childcare costs will be cut in half next year on the way to $10/day within five years, alongside the creation of 40,000 new spaces.

In addition to completing items 1 and 2, the top three items I hope to reflect on having accomplished next year are:

1. Completed the rebuilding efforts from BC’s 2021 floods, working with Indigenous Peoples to mitigate wildfire risk in Canada, and completing Canada’s first ever National Adaptation Strategy to help us be prepared for a more rapidly changing climate with more frequent and severe weather events.
2. Implementing a suite of new measures to tamp down on speculation in the housing market in Canada, the creation of new programs to speed up the building of new housing supply, and the commitment and/or completion of over 100 new federally-funded affordable or supportive homes in West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country.
3. Modernize and strengthen the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, including creating a right to a healthy environment, while finalizing regulations to ban single-use plastic items, and bringing forth the cap of greenhouse gas emissions in the oil and gas sector.

What is your list of top three accomplishments of 2021, and top priorities for 2022?

Most importantly, we wish you a very happy New Year, and we look forward to seeing you in 2022!

Sincerely,
Patrick