As March comes to a close, we’re quickly approaching my four-year anniversary as your MLA for the Shuswap.
Representing Shuswap residents is a distinct honour and privilege, and it’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
It’s important that, as a government, we continue to build our province and effectively serve our communities. And that’s why I’m so proud of initiatives that make a tangible, long-lasting impact in the lives of British Columbians.
Like the single parent employment initiative. Launched in September 2015, more than 4,600 British Columbians have signed up to receive training for in-demand jobs while receiving childcare, health care and transportation supports. Through this program, more than 930 individuals have found rewarding employment — helping to break the cycle of poverty and provide a proud example for our next generation.
Speaking of our next generation, it’s also important that we’re investing in the future of our young people by continuing to build our education system. With $2 million in funding for rural teacher recruitment across B.C., a nearly $400,000 investment in trades equipment for the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District and more than $1.6 million in funding for school upgrades, classroom supplies and school buses in the constituency, our government is continuing to ensure our young people are a priority. And we’re investing in post-secondary programs too, as seen with the recent announcement of nearly $750,000 in forestry training through Okanagan College.
We’re also helping British Columbians get into their first homes with the BC HOME Partnership, a down-payment assistance program that has seen more than 1,000 applications so far.
And at the other end of the spectrum, we’re continuing to care for the seniors who have built our province. A new Ministry of Health action plan will see $500 million invested over four years to improve seniors’ services – including increasing direct-care hours for seniors in public and private residential-care facilities.
The most rewarding part of MLA role is being able to make a difference in the lives of Shuswap residents. I know that these initiatives are helping to do just that.
Greg Kyllo is MLA for Shuswap.