Connecting with the community

At the Thunderbird Arena to meet passionate young hockey players, and learn about KidSport Canada’s support for the community.

Happy February, Vancouver Quadra!

I hope February is treating you well, despite the cold, and that you had the chance to enjoy time with family and friends on Family Day. As you can see, I had a fun time with the Thunderbirds Hockey Club, dropping the puck at a kids’ hockey game! I also spent time with family members, enjoying a week’s holiday get-away together. This week I’m looking forward to visiting members of rural and remote fishing communities in Eastern Quebec, to hear about what’s important to them. 

Participating in Federal Pre-Budget Consultations 

Hearing constituents’ ideas and priorities for Budget 2023.

In early February I and my office team hosted a virtual pre-budget consultation to hear about priorities for #Budget2023, and report what we heard to the Finance Minister. Through ‘breakout groups’, everyone had a chance to share opinions and advice, and to hear others’ investment priorities. 

I posed the following four questions for discussion, with responses reported to the larger group after each question. 

Here’s a snapshot of what I heard:

Q: What are your top priorities for Budget 2023?

• More support to reduce homelessness, increase green initiatives; support for gig workers and infrastructure facility upgrades; and increasing Indigenous community involvement in decisions

Q: What investments do you think would best help grow Canada’s economy, create good jobs, and make Canada more competitive?

• Strategy to increase corporate climate initiatives; support for maternal mental health & seniors; outreach to youth; and increased investment in BCIT, tech and blue-collar jobs 

Q: What are the biggest challenges you see facing Canada’s economy this year? Next year? In five years?

• Inflation, lack of STEM opportunities, supply chain issues, and boosting international trade

Q: What is one idea you have for how the federal government can help you or your community?

• Provide more opportunities for citizens to communicate with government; Infrastructure investments for community centres, and flood protections; include First Nations communities, and address health care staff shortages

Improving Canadians’ access to Health Care 

Speaking to constituents about seniors issues

COVID-related long-term care tragedies in several provinces highlighted the significant challenges Provincial Health Ministries face, in serving their growing cohort of elders, and increasing the availability of health professionals. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with provincial Premiers to discuss their priorities. Subsequently, he committed to federal investments of $198.6 billion over 10 years for the provinces, to help them manage and fund quality care. This includes $48.7 billion in new money, adding to previously committed increases. New investments will focus on:

• Access to high-quality, timely family health services, including family doctors 
• A resilient and well-supported health workforce 
• Access to quality mental health, substance use, and addiction services to support individual and family wellbeing
• Improved health data systems and standards – and digital strategies– to increase collaboration and care quality, plus enable all Canadians to access their own electronic health information

This funding injection for the provinces will also help Canadians age with dignity by improving access to home care, or care in a safe long-term care facility closer to home. Building upon existing federal collaboration which added funding for the provinces, for more home care supports and long-term care facilities, another $1.7 billion over five years was announced, to increase wages for health and support professionals Canadian elders count on.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are Critical for Protecting Marine Biodiversity

At the 5th International Marine Protected Areas Conference (IMPAC5) in downtown Vancouver, Minister Steven Guilbeault and I passed a ceremonial paddle to IUCN Director-General Bruno Oberle and Senegal’s Mamadou Sidibé, incoming host for IMPAC6

The week of February 3rd through 9th was a rich and rewarding opportunity to host, meet, and hear from people concerned with protecting oceans and restoring marine biodiversity by creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).  My announcements on a number of Canada’s initiatives included:

• The MPA Network Action Plan for the Northern Shelf Bioregion (NSB), a zone extending from the top tip of Vancouver Island, north to the Alaska border
• The Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala (Lull/Hoeya) site, first marine refuge in the NSB MPA Network.
• New federal funding of $46.5 million to support cutting edge ocean science research
• Canada’s new MPA Protection Standard
• A progress milestone, announced alongside three First Nations partners, on the Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is MPA off the coast of British Columbia. This MPA will protect over 133,000 square kilometres, making it Canada’s largest to date! 
• Unveiling a map of the additional sites that ensure Canada attains our MPA target of protecting 25% of our oceans by 2025

Throughout the conference I was able to meet with political and aboriginal leaders, professionals, young people and activists – from around the world. The global momentum to protect the oceans was unmistakable!

In Case You Missed It

Discussing West Coast issues with B.C. caucus members.

• Earlier this month I released my difficult decision to not renew licences for 15 Atlantic salmon farms in the Discovery Islands region, an important wild Pacific salmon migration route.
• Tax season is around the corner, and students can claim a non-refundable tax credit of up to $5,000; your T2202 slip will outline the total tuition fees you can claim on your tax return.
• On February 16, Minister Karina Gould launched a call for nominations for Canada’s Volunteer Awards, open until April 26, 2023. Consider who in your network – individuals, non-profits, social enterprises or businesses – might be eligible for this recognition, plus up to $10,000! 
• January’s Statistics Canada CPI Report shows Canada’s inflation continues to decline. In other good economic news: Canada’s jobs recovery is better than the US, and our strong economic growth is predicted to continue.

The coming months offer another busy travel schedule, serving my responsibilities as Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. However, I always enjoy occasions to meet you and others at community events, or at events, meetings and consultations I and my Vancouver Quadra office team host. And, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help with any federal matter.

Warm Regards,

Joyce

The Hon. Joyce Murray, P.C., M.P.

Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra