Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary Similkameen and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health. (Photo supplied)
My new portfolio as Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility allowed me last month to visit many service providers under the Community Living BC umbrella and recognize them during Community Living Month.
The work being done by these agencies focuses on adults with developmental disabilities and connects them to meaningful employment where possible in addition to enhancing their lives in many other ways.
I have been humbled by this experience and thankful to the many employers throughout this constituency and province who have opened their doors to employing adults with developmental disabilities.
In October, we also recognized the many small businesses who are the backbone of rural B.C.
Our wonderful communities would not exist were it not for the entrepreneurship and investment of individuals who chose to live and work in our area.
In B.C., small business is big business as more than one third of our provincial GDP and over half of all British Columbians work for small businesses.
It is important that we all support our local businesses and keep our communities alive and well.
We have just passed what is often referred to as “silly season”- local election time.
I want to thank all local politicians, regional directors and school board trustees who are stepping down for their service to their communities over the last three years.
You all perform a mostly thankless job. I can assure all of you that no one puts their name on a ballot looking for fame and fortune.
The people I have had the privilege of working with all had one thing in common – the desire to serve their communities and to make a positive difference in the future of their areas.
They have to develop a “thick skin” and try to separate their personal and professional lives.
Congratulations to all of you who have put your name on the ballot for what will be a four year term of service. I am looking forward to working with all of you in the coming years.
Thank you to all of those who work in the agricultural sector.
Your hard work has resulted in the rest of us, once again, being able to enjoy an amazing harvest time and celebrate it with many events throughout the region.
Let’s all take a moment to thank these hard working individuals and visit one of the many fruit stands and wineries in our area before the regular season ends.
November is a month of remembrance and reflection of the sacrifices of our veterans who fought for our freedoms.
Canadian Forces personnel continue doing incredible work around the world and here at home.
Given the tragic events last month in Ottawa, it was heartening to see so many people wearing a poppy showing their support for our local Legion associations and attending Remembrance Day ceremonies in our communities.
Our veterans appreciate it.
So thank you to all of our armed forces personnel past and present for their sacrifices making it possible so we all could live in peace and safety.
And finally as our weather starts to cool down – be safe and stay warm.
Thank you and I look forward to informing my constituents of what’s going on in our riding with my next column.
Linda Larson lives in Oliver and is the MLA for the provincial riding of Boundary-Similkameen.
