MLA Linda Larson.
The Legislature in Victoria closed the spring session on May 19. All MLAs have returned to their ridings and now we catch up on all the local meeting requests and events.
More than two dozen pieces of legislation were passed as well as the operating budget for this fiscal year – more than $38 billion; almost $18 billion going to health and $7 billion to education.
A success story has been the BC Skills for Jobs Blueprint. The Blueprint is a cross- government, multi-ministry initiative that was launched two years ago to help British Columbians get the skills they need to be first in line for the almost one million job openings that are projected by 2024.
More than 58,000 youth and 20,000 adults have interacted with Find Your Fit in the last year. Since 2014, we have invested more than $14.5 million for critical-trades seats and $20 million for trades training equipment.
In addition, another 754 seats are being added to 10 public post-secondary institutions throughout the province to boost capacity and ensure students can access training of in-demand occupations in sectors that support the provincial economy.
Most high schools also now participate in programs that introduce students to early participation in the trades.
Locally there have been several community events of note. The Oliver Volunteer Fire Department again hosted a successful spring training event.
Seventy-six departments from around B.C. sent 355 firefighters who enjoyed the hospitality of the people of Oliver and the expert training provided by the local fire department and friends.
Thank you to Chief Dan Skaros and all our local volunteer fire department members.
B.C. search and rescue organizations are receiving $10 million in extra funding over the next two years. This funding is in addition to the current budget and is targeted for extra training, administrative support and renewal of equipment.
Oliver-Osoyoos Search and Rescue will receive $31,000.
The Keremeos Elks Rodeo was again a success and while the skies were cloudy, the rain held off. For 78 years the Elks members and volunteers have been organizing this three-day event which includes a parade, the Firemen’s Breakfast and a barbecue rib supper.
This was also a busy time for the Oliver Elks Club as members celebrated the club’s 80th anniversary with a weekend of events focusing on the “early years” of the club.
The B.C. Cattlemen’s Association is holding its 88th AGM in Penticton this year hosted by the Kettle River Stockmen’s Association.
Every year we are fortunate to celebrate B.C. Beef Day at the Legislature in Victoria and recognize the excellence of the industry and its importance to the economy of B.C.
We are fortunate to have a ranching industry that sets the highest standards for its members with regard to food safety and quality of product.
The association is working hard to demonstrate the sustainability of ranching and to encourage and support the next generation of young ranching families. As we move into the summer months, our craft beer industry will be gearing up to take care of thirsty customers.
The Firehall Brewery in Oliver is one of the newer craft brewers who will benefit from an increase of 25 per cent in their bottom line with the latest changes in pricing announced by the B.C government.
It takes a lot of hard work and faith to start up a new business, putting everything into it and often waiting many years to see success. Congratulations to Sid Ruhland and his family for sticking with it. I know you have a great future in the craft brew industry.
Tourism in B.C. is up more than 16 per cent in the first quarter of this year and I’m sure the Okanagan, Similkameen and Boundary are benefiting from the increase in visitors.
LINDA LARSON, MLA, BOUNDARY-SIMILKAMEEN
Special to the Times
