MLA Linda Larson.
I am sure most of you had begun to wonder if we would ever get rain.
Thankfully we have finally had some – but not enough – and our smoky air has cleared a little.
However, the possibility of still more new fires remains and all of us must continue to be fire aware throughout the coming weeks.
In the South Okanagan-Boundary-Similkameen region, we have witnessed the devastating effects of fire this summer. Some communities, such as Oliver, were spared. Others were not.
Rock Creek had some terrifying moments and some losses, but it’s the community of Westbridge where fire took the heaviest toll on homes and businesses.
I drove through Westbridge several days ago and was saddened by the losses sustained by this community.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary continues to work with all the areas that have been impacted by this fire.
I know director Vicky Gee and RDKB chair Grace McGregor are working incredibly hard to help everyone in the affected areas with information and assistance.
A huge thank you to all of you who volunteered and continue to volunteer your time in helping those affected by fire.
To those in all related services who have been on the front line of firefighting, we are grateful for the dedication and professionalism you continue to demonstrate, and hope this season of fire will end soon.
While most news has concentrated on the fires, there have still been bits of good news and special events happening throughout our region.
Congratulations to Karoleena Homes in Okanagan Falls. This company built this year’s PNE Show Home. This is clear recognition of the high building standards and workmanship of this very small local business.
Burrowing Owl Winery was recognized with gold certification from the international body Green Tourism. They are the first Canadian winery to become gold certified by this organization.
Their efforts to compensate for the environmental damage done when the ecosystem is disrupted by the planting of grapes and building structures should be a model for all who developed in sensitive areas. I hope this will become the goal everyone in the wine industry in our valley works toward.
Congratulations to the entire team at Burrowing Owl.
On Sept. 1 we launched our new Single Parent Initiative, aimed at assisting single parents on income assistance achieve better employment opportunities.
It is the most innovative program in Canada and includes up to 12 months funded training for in demand jobs or a paid work experience; transportation costs to and from school; childcare costs during the training period; health supplement coverage for a full year after they leave income assistance, and the continuation of income assistance while attending training.
The program web page is at: http://www.sdsi.gov.bc.ca/programs/spei.html.
This is a program our government is proud of.
Please contact my office if you need assistance accessing this program.
September is Disability Employment Month in B.C. As you know, the B.C. government has set a goal of having the highest labour market participation rate for people with disabilities of any province in Canada by 2024.
Workplace BC will be holding open houses and job fairs throughout September to highlight the range of resources available to support disability employment. I urge all employers to build inclusive, diverse workforces.
As of Sept. 1, parents and families can go into almost any credit union in B.C. to kick start their children’s education savings through the $1,200 B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant.
To be eligible for the $1,200, children must have been born in 2007 or later.
Families have three years, or until the day before their child’s ninth birthday, to submit an application for the grant.
The province is working with other financial institutions so that over the coming months they will also be able to offer the grant.
There is no barrier to low-income families as no matching or additional contributions are required to access the $1,200.
I hope all of you who have children who are eligible will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
Please be careful around schools and playgrounds as our children head back to school.
This column was contributed by Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen.
