Weekly newsletter from MLA/Minister Katrine Conroy
By Katrine Conroy
In communities across B.C., farmers’ markets offer an opportunity for people to get locally grown, healthy, fresh food from the farmers in their neighbourhood. Farmers’ markets also are a place for social connection, as well as a support for food security across B.C. But, we know that this food isn’t always accessible to everyone. That’s why our government is continuing to fund the Farmers’ Market Coupon Program, which makes food from farmers’ markets more affordable and accessible to seniors, low-income families, and people who are pregnant.
As we enter the third year of the Farmers’ Market Coupon program, tens of thousands of people have seen the benefits of the program and been able to get delicious and nutritious food because of it, including over 4,000 seniors and 10,000 families just last year. This program is available to people all across B.C., with 85 farmers’ markets participating in every region of B.C., including Nakusp Farmers’ Market, New Denver Friday Market, Rossland Community Farmers Market, and Trail’s IncrEDIBLE Farmers’ Market right here in Kootenay West! Find out more about the program and how to access these coupons at https://bcfarmersmarket.org/coupon-program/how-it-works/.
When people have access to plentiful and healthy, fresh food they can know that their food will help them and their families to feel their best, at all ages and stages. I’m pleased more people in our community will be able to visit farmers markets this summer season, and many will be able to feel supported to get the food they need to thrive.
This week the Castlegar Hospice welcomed a Wind Phone to Millennium Park. It is located near the gazebo. We look forward to Amy Salikin beautifying it soon.
Camping expanded at McDonald Creek Provincial Park
People now have more opportunities to enjoy a camping trip at McDonald Creek Provincial Park with the addition of 39 new campsites. Located south of Nakusp, McDonald Creek Provincial Park encompasses 468 hectares and is a popular holiday destination for people who enjoy swimming, boating and fishing. The park has several kilometres of sandy beach along the Upper Arrow Lake, an open grassy meadow and waterfront campsites.
Funding helps farms, processors, food hubs support food safety
Commercial food hub operators can now join farmers, fishers, processors and sector organizations in receiving traceability system funding to support food safety, streamlined operations and increased sales opportunities. Tracing product movement can be a useful tool for protecting public health, food safety and animal health, and reducing response times in the event of an emergency.
Renewable diesel refinery a first in Canada
British Columbia’s clean fuel goals and vision of a low-carbon future have come into sharper focus now that Canada’s first stand-alone renewable diesel refinery has completed construction and will soon begin production. “A low-carbon future means high-quality jobs and clean industry for British Columbians, as this investment by Tidewater in clean diesel refining shows,” said Premier David Eby. “By prioritizing reducing carbon pollution, we’re opening B.C. for business and investment, and building healthier communities, while fighting climate change.”
Forest bioeconomy conference cultivates jobs, opportunities
From June 19-21, 2023, the Forest Innovation and Bioeconomy Conference is bringing together leaders in forestry, government and academia to discuss how to grow the forest bioeconomy, create opportunities for people and communities, and reduce waste. “B.C. is boosting our globally competitive forest bioeconomy as another step toward a renewable, waste-free economy and strong forest sector,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests. “The Forest Innovation and Bioeconomy Conference brings together many key forestry partners to build on the knowledge and innovation that already exists in communities across the province.”
Province investing in growth of non-profit housing providers- BC Gov News
Premier Eby and our government are tackling housing affordability and building housing at a historic rate, but we can’t do it without non-profit housing providers. We’re investing $14.8 million so that non-profit housing societies can grow and deliver more housing and services to people in B.C.
B.C., viaSport take steps to make amateur sport safer- BC Gov News
Everyone deserves to have positive experiences in sport. We’re improving safety in sports through education about safe sport, and by taking steps toward an independent complaints process for B.C.’s amateur sport sector.
Five Kootenay students who have overcome adversity awarded Neil Muth Scholarship – Trail Times
Olivia Ady from Trail, Reid Ambrosio from Kimberley, Summer Bradford from Invermere, Grace Cline from Castlegar and Levi Sykut-McCulloch from Cranbrook will share the annual award of $10,000 to undertake their post-secondary studies and pursue their career ambitions.
My community office is open Monday to Thursday 10-3pm. Please call or email in advance to let Angelika and Sarah know when you are planning to come in so they can be ready in advance to assist you. If you have any questions or concerns about any provincial issue, or need assistance with a provincial body, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help. My office can be reached at 250-304-2783 or Katrine.Conroy.MLA@leg.bc.ca.
Helpful resources:
< >Find out about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters: gov.bc.ca/covid19vaccineFind mental health and substance-use supports: wellbeing.gov.bc.caFind climate disaster support and resources: ClimateReadyBC (gov.bc.ca)
