This spring, our BC NDP team was hard at work in the legislature, standing up for British Columbians. I’m honoured that people here re-elected me to represent them as their MLA for Kootenay Central, and that I was appointed to take on the new challenge of Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities.
We've been working hard on issues that matter most to people like addressing the cost of living, recruiting and retaining more health-care workers, and supporting housing and infrastructure projects in our communities.
One thing that we heard about constantly, and took to heart, was making sure that our province and country could stand up to the threat of Trump’s tariffs. People in the Kootenays and across the province were extremely passionate about the fact that Canada will never be America’s 51st state.
In response, we’ve been focused on strengthening trade relationships within Canada and with other global partners, and creating good paying jobs at home so that Canada’s economy can thrive.
A highlight locally was an announcement of $7.5 million in funding to support a new facility at Spearhead Timberworks, which will create 60 new, good paying jobs in the area. Additionally, I was so happy to be able to attend the opening of the Kalesnikoff Mass Timber facility. Our provincial government contributed $6.7 million towards this operation, helping to create nearly 100 jobs.
We also faced our share of challenges in the Kootenays, including a long labour dispute for the ferries and barriers in local health care. I am in regular contact with my colleagues in cabinet, advocating for solutions and services needed for our region of the Kootenays.
In addition to my duties at the legislature, it has been a privilege to meet with rural leaders across the province and learn more about the unique and pressing challenges that remote and rural communities face.
Now that summer is here, I’m excited to spend more time connecting with people in my riding, and breathing in the mountain air. There really is no place like home.
We have a busy summer and early fall planned.
Firstly, it's been so amazing to see all the grads in the past few weeks across the riding. The young minds and hearts in the Kootenays are as sharp as ever, and our future looks so bright.
I'm looking forward to the remainder of summer and for the opportunity to attend farmers markets, local events, connect with hardworking people, and spending time with my family and friends.
I'll be meeting with even more local governments to continue my ministerial duties, taking a tour of Boundary and the South Okanagan regions, and continuing to advocate for rural needs at the annual Pacific North West Economic Region summit and the annual Union of BC Municipalities meeting into the fall.
I am so looking forward to seeing some familiar and new faces out in the community in the coming months and to return to the legislature later this fall to continue to advocate for the unique needs of our communities in Kootenay-Central, and the needs that come with rural living.
Thank you, as always, for trusting me with this role.
Brittny Anderson is MLA for Kootenay Central and the Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities.
