In the spirit of the new year, I hope that politicians of all stripes can put down their swords and focus on solving the key issues facing British Columbia.
While there are several major challenges here are four of the areas I hope to see progress made in 2024:
Better cancer care
The cancer care system in British Columbia is broken. Increasing wait times are forcing people to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket to access lifesaving treatment outside the country. Recent stories have come to light of people being directed toward medically assisted suicide as they may not be able to get the treatment they need in time.
B.C. used to be a world leader in cancer care. In 2024 we need to return to this standard; lives depend on it.
Cheaper fuel and heating
British Columbia has officially become the most unaffordable province in the country, over half of British Columbians are $200 or less away from not being able to pay their bills at the end of the month. Yet, David Eby is moving forward with plans to double the carbon tax.
Our BC United team has proposed a common sense plan to eliminate the provincial fuel tax and the carbon tax on home heating.
More support for seniors
B.C. has the highest senior poverty rate in the country, and devastatingly we have seen low-income seniors living in their cars because they cannot afford to put a roof over their heads. In the coming year, it is crucial to provide essential support to seniors through increased incomes and a reduction in the skyrocketing cost of living.
Improved response to wildfires
This past season was the deadliest wildfire season in the history of our province. The Cariboo and British Columbia cannot afford another season of outdated wildfire response. That’s why our BC United team has announced a bold strategy for reforming British Columba’s wildfire preparedness response, and recovery.
Most importantly, I hope for a safe and happy new year for all the residents of our beautiful home in Cariboo-Chilcotin
