Community Centre Back on the 2009-2011 Capital Plan - You Did It!
I would like to send my thanks and congratulations to residents of Trout Lake who won a very important victory for their community centre.
On September 16, 2008, Vancouver City Council voted unanimously in favor of a motion, presented by Councillor Raymond Louie, pushing us one step further to rebuilding our community centre. The motion put $23 million for the Trout Lake Community Centre (TLCC) project back in the City of Vancouver’s Capital Plan. I wish to acknowledge all members of Vancouver City Council who supported Councillor Louie’s motion.
Campbell's Broken Promise On Earthquake Safety in Schools
On September 03, Carole James and Adrian hold a press conference in front of the Vancouver's Sir Guy Carleton to remind Campbell's government of its broken promise more than three years ago.
“More than three years ago, at this very location, the Campbell government promised it would upgrade 80 of B.C.’s high risk schools by 2008 and make them earthquake safe. Sadly, 67 of the schools on that list – including this one - remain ignored as Gordon Campbell focuses instead on pushing through his mega projects and massive pay hikes for top government executives,” said James.
“Of all the broken promises by Gordon Campbell, the failure to follow through on seismic upgrades for schools is one of the most alarming examples of his out-of-touch priorities. It shows the Premier had the audacity to treat children’s safety as just another empty promise - and it’s a symbol of his government’s neglect and arrogance,’ James said.
In March 2005, B.C.’s then education minister Tom Christensen announced the government’s promise to make 700 schools earthquake safe and promised that 80 schools, including Vancouver’s Sir Guy Carleton Elementary, were to be fast tracked and completed by 2008. Today, only a fifth of the highest risk schools have been upgraded.
“Sadly, the Campbell government’s promise to protect children in my community was no more than a photo-op,” said Dix, the MLA for Vancouver – Kingsway, which is home to Sir Guy Carleton Elementary. “When the cameras turned off, the B.C. Liberals’ promise to parents and children melted into air. And three years later, kids’ safety continues to take the backseat as the Campbell government remains disconnected with the real priorities of everyday families.”
“Our children and families deserve much better from this government,” said Dix.
Adrian seeks input on Climate Change and The Environment
Climate Change is rapidly becoming one of the defining issues of our time, and Adrian needs your feedback on the government's strategy. Please tell us what you think by taking a brief survey: Climate Change Survey. Stay tuned for our next householder to see the results. We appreciate your feedback!
Budget Gives Millions to Big Oil Companies, Zero for Reducing Transit Fares
My colleagues and I have been continuing our campaign for affordable transit fares at various Metro Vancouver Skytrain Stations, gathering more signatures on a petition that calls on the Campbell government to roll back recent fare increases. The Campbell budget gave $327 million in subsidies to big oil and gas companies, but zero for reduced transit fares. People in Metro Vancouver pay the higest transit fares in the country. Our caucus has been calling on Campbell to be serious about reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, by expanding transit options and making fares more affordable. The combination of the new gas tax and excessive transit fares makes it very expensive for people to travel or to go to school. I have met with commuters at various skytrain stations in my riding and gathered signatures for our petition. The petition is also available online at the New Democrat Caucus Website at http://www.bcndpcaucus.ca/en/ferryfares
MLA Payraise Contributions in Community
In May 2007, under the leadership of Carole James, every member of the New Democrat Caucus had committed to give their increase in pay under the Campbell Liberal's MLA payraise increase legislation to charitable causes in our community. As MLA for Vancouver-Kingsway, I am happy to support a number of initiatives to help improve the lives of people in my community. Here are the contributions that I have made thus far.
*Renfrew-Collingwood Food Security Institute: To increase individual, family and community capacity to attain food security. The Institute develops community learning, leadership, and networking, around the issues of food sharing, organic growing, and nutrition in the Renfrew Collingwood community.
*Scholarship Bursaries 2007 to Students of Gladstone Highschool and Windermere Highschool: Recipients of these scholarships have gone to students who have shown exceptional academic and community involvement in their school and community.
*Multicultural Helping House Society: A non-profit community organization that is dedicated to assisting newcomers settle into Canada.
*Italian Cultural Centre: To the development of the Italian-Canadian Heritage Museum at the Italian Cultural Centre. The Museum will become a vibrant part of the Cultural Centre that will generate interest among all generations in our community.
*Bursary for the Vietnamese Women's Society of Greater Vancouver: The recipient of this bursary is a graduate student doing research in diabetes and obesity at UBC.
*Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society: To support the hiring of a mobile outreach worker to provide assistance to women affected by domestic violence in navigating through the court system.
*Renfrew Park Community Association Multicultural Outreach: To support the celebration of multicultural events for residents in teh community.
*Gladstone Secondary Students Robotics Team: To assist in helping the team attend the National World Championships in Robotics in Atlanta Georgia.
*Pacific Community Resources Society: To assist programs for youth at risk.
*AM 1320's Telethon for Earthquake Relief in China in May 2008
*Scholarship Bursaries 2008 to Students of Gladstone, Killarney, and Windermere Secondary School.
