Tuesday, March 2, 2021

MLA Jennifer Rice's first comments of new session show enthusiasm for governments progress on a range of themes; as well as an update on recent funding grants for communities of the North Coast

MLA Jennifer Rice speaking remotely as part of Mondya's
BC Legislature session


North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice had an opening day speaking allotment for the first day of the new Spring Session of the British Columbia Legislature, with the MLA opening her 2021 commentary by keeping faithful to the NDP government's script with some praise for the government's approach towards the Pandemic.

In her Monday morning review, the MLA covered a range to talking points, whether it be through its Benefits package of the early days of the COVID situation, ongoing funding for individuals and communities, as well to the recent announcements towards delivery of vaccines heading into March and beyond.

With the return to the Legislature also came a few partisan snaps at the Liberal opposition with Ms. Rice returning to a familiar path of recounting some of the past work of the BC Liberal party back from its governing days 

"We will continue to bolster the front lines, and we will continue to support families and businesses through this next wave of the pandemic while we await for more vaccines to arrive. 

Recall that the previous government focused on helping their wealthy donors and well connected friends, cut services for regular British Columbians. 

The B.C. recovery benefit will give people some financial help during this difficult time, and the money in peoples' pockets also benefits the local economies. 

As of last week, over 2 million people have received the benefit. Individuals can apply to receive up to $500, and families can apply to receive up to $1,000."

Ms. Rice also took the members of the Legislature on a tour of some of the funding announcements that she has been part of over the last few months included on the list were:

Central Coast

A $400,000 grant for Bella Bella and the Koonsut Wellness Society to help with construction costs of new infrastructure at their health centre. 

Restoration of the House of Numst heritage building in Bella Coola with a $995,000 grant. 

A $990,000 grant for the Hagensborg Centennial Pool  to build a new pool and family-friendly change rooms. 

On Haida Gwaii

For Skidegate, the Haida Gwaii Museum Society is receiving a $399,000 grant through the First Peoples Cultural Council. While the heritage society is receiving a $472,000 grant for heritage centre upgrades. The saving things house is receiving a grant for museum upgrades and repairs. 

Misty Isles Economic Development Society is receiving a grant for an e-commerce project, $313,000 to promote online sales of artisanal products from Haida Gwaii. 

On the North Coast and the Hartley Bay First Nation, the Gitga'at development corporation is receiving a grant for building energy efficiency and accessibility upgrades into their Prince Rupert storefront.  

There were also announcements for the City of Prince Rupert and for Port Edward.

The Prince Rupert waterfront airport ferry landing is receiving $1 million dollar grant to develop a new multifaceted waterfront development including a new marine terminal, and Tourism Prince Rupert is receiving a $239,000 grant for a welcome and way-finding signage improvement project. 

As well as funding for the Port Edward Historical Society — that through a $273,000 grant to preserve the national historic site of North Pacific Cannery.

The North Coast MLA also spoke to ongoing plans towards health care, tourism and assistance towards small businesses to names a few areas that she made note of in her morning commentary.

The full review of her comments can be found just before the 11:30 AM mark from the Hansard record of Monday.

The North Coast MLA also provided her video presentation from the Legislature as part of her Social Media Stream.

For more notes on the Legislature see our archive page here.

You can also access a wider overview of themes from the BC Legislature through our political portal D'Arcy McGee.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

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