Today is Holocaust Memorial Day. In the legislature the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing rose to deliver a Ministerial Statement for which both the Member from Abbotsford West and I delivered a response. I reproduce the video and text of my remarks below. We also issued a media statement that is appended at the end.

Video of Statement

Text of Statement

A. Weaver: Today I rise to speak about Yom HaShoah. It’s a day dedicated to reflecting on the atrocities of the Holocaust and remembering those who suffered and lost their lives.

As time moves forward, each survivor that passes away emphasizes the importance of taking the time to remember. Their stories allow us to understand what happened. They allow us to reflect on our society. I’d like to thank and honour these survivors for sharing their story.

Sadly, anti-Semitism is rising in Canada. In British Columbia, we’ve seen a 127 percent increase in the number of incidents over the last year.

Greater volumes of hate are being spewed on line, often behind the masks of anonymity. Anti-hate groups are also reporting increased in-person incidents of hate.

Religious and ethnic intolerance is antithetical to the values we hold for society. The difficulty of accepting those who are different from ourselves has been a scourge on humankind throughout history. Our answer as a society must be a strong and resounding rejection of othering and hatred. We must consistently embrace our values of tolerance and liberty.

It was the deaths of people who wanted to live in an equal world that forged the society we live in today, and we cannot let their sacrifice slip away. We should use this day to remind ourselves we do not have a guarantee to our values of tolerance, freedom of religion. If we fail to defend them, we let slip the very humanity that generations have suffered to achieve.

Let us not forget the millions of Jewish people who were murdered. Let us not forget their stories. Let us not forget that there is still work to be done.

Media Statement

BC Green caucus statement on Yom HaShoah
For immediate release
May 2, 2019

VICTORIA, B.C. – Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party, issued the following statement in recognition of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.

“Today is dedicated to reflecting on the atrocities of the Holocaust and remembering those who suffered and lost their lives, as well as those who fought against it.”

“Religious and ethnic intolerance is antithetical to the values we hold for society. The difficulty of accepting those who are different than ourselves has been a scourge on humankind throughout history – our answer as a society must be a strong and resounding rejection of othering and hatred. We must consistently embrace values of tolerance and liberty.

“With the recent rise of antisemitism in Canada and in BC, it is even more important that we speak up against hate, and that we remember what can happen when we do not. Let us not forget the millions of people who were murdered; let us not forget their stories; let us not we forget that there is still work to be done.”

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Media contact
Macon McGinley, Press Secretary
+1 250-882-6187 |macon.mcginley@leg.bc.ca

Last night I had the privilege of attending the 12^th annual Oak Bay Young Exceptional Star (Y.E.S) awards ceremony at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel where 11 exceptionally talented youth in grades 6 to 10 were honoured for their achievements.

As noted by the YES Awards Committee, Chaired by Hazel Braithwaite, that administers the awards, “The goal of the awards is to emphasize the positive achievements of Oak Bay’s young people by recognizing those who have distinguished themselves in such areas as volunteerism, arts, citizenship, academics, athletics and/or who have overcome obstacles to achieve their goals.”

Congratulations to this year’s award winners: Griffin Arnatt, Michael Barber, Sola Dupain, Matthew Hinton, Luka Hurschler, Jessica Hutcheson, Ryan Killoran, MacKenzie Porter, Lauren Rust, Jessica Soule and Margot Wehrle.

I had the pleasure of presenting the award to Ryan Killoran from St. Michael’s University School who was nominated by his teacher Mr. Bell. Below is the text of my speech.

Text of Presentation Speech

A triple threat is not a term that can be given to many 14 year old’s,but Ryan Killoran is well deserving of that title! This year, Ryan was the captain and star of the grade 8 basketball team, the lead in the middle school musical and a model student in the classroom. Mr. Bell  – Humanities 8 Teacher and Basketball Coach says that this is his first year teaching and coaching Ryan at St. Michaels University School and he says that he is blown away by the poise and humbleness that Ryan comes into each day with.

On the basketball court, Ryan is a tremendous player who leads by example. He is a very cerebral individual, seeing plays that most cannot at the grade 8 level, which encourages his teammates to play in the same unselfish way. Ryan has shown that he is not only talented enough to play basketball at a high level but that he also possesses the desire to improve and the character needed to be a good teammate and competitor. He is a hard worker in both practice and games and is very coachable.

On stage, Ryan’s talent and confidence shines through. In this year’s middle school musical, Seussical, Ryan earned the lead role of Cat in the Hat and delivered his lines with humor and grace in front of a full crowd at the McPherson Playhouse. Ryan’s performing talents do not stop at his acting abilities however as he is a talented singer and flautist, with an impressive affinity for improvisation in the school’s Jazz Band.

In the classroom, Ryan is a confident and enthusiastic learner who excels in verbal debates and discussions in Humanities class. Ryan provides insight and shows excellent understanding in all aspects of the curriculum while also demonstrating respect to his peers and a willingness to help out around the classroom. Ryan’s report card confirms that his other teachers would tell you the same thing. In addition, he is a role model to younger students as he also participated in the school’s WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) program that welcomes the grade 6 students into the middle school to help with their transition from the Junior School. Ryan epitomizes SMUS’ four leadership pillars – Service, Honesty, Respect and Courage – and has so since he came to the Middle School.

Mr. Bell feels that Ryan is well deserving of the Y.E.S. Award as he excels in all aspects of his school and has the drive and character traits that make anything in his future possible.

Ladies and Gentlemen – please join me in congratulating Ryan Killoran on his achievements!

Today I was afforded the opportunity to address delegates at the 70^th annual convention of the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities held in Powell River. As noted on their website:

“The Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) is the longest established area association under the umbrella of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). The area association was established in 1950. It now has a membership of 53 municipalities and regional districts that stretches from the North Coast Regional District down to the tip of Vancouver Island and includes Powell River, the Sunshine Coast, the Central Coast and the North Coast. The Association deals with issues and concerns that affect large urban areas to small rural communities.“

Below I reproduce the text of my speech.

Text of Speech

I have had the distinct honour of standing before this group of leaders on a number of occasions – and each time I am grateful for the opportunity to address you.

By my count, the AVICC represents 53 distinct cities, towns, villages, districts or regional districts, stretching from the southern tip of Vancouver Island, all the way up to the Northern tip of the North Coast Regional District.

Each of you in this room has taken on an incredible responsibility to represent your friends and neighbours, helping chart a path forward for your community. For those of you who have been in office for a number of years, I think you will agree with me that the challenges that face us are getting harder to deal with and more complex, and that more than ever we need a vision that takes those challenges head on.

I will get to talking about the challenges – and even more important the opportunity that I believe we have in front of us. But before I do, I think it’s important to first acknowledge just how much we all have in common.

A couple of weeks ago, reporter Justin McElroy with CBC News published an article chronicling his four month, 12,000 kilometer trip across our beautiful province. By his count, he visited forty different communities, and had this to say about his experience:

“While our cities and towns are unique, the political dilemmas they face are pretty similar.

People need a place to live, whether it’s stable rental buildings or modular homes. They need to get around more easily, whatever form of transportation they take. They need jobs from evolving industries, and generally worry about losing those in traditional sectors. And they need to feel they’re making the world a better place for their children.

…No matter which B.C. communities we went to, that contrast existed. Every place is its own — but the conflicts and solutions to their political issues generally aren’t.”

I think this is a critical starting place. Whether it’s the challenges we face, or the opportunities we want to seize, we have more in common with each other then we have things that set us apart. And, I believe more than ever, we are all in this together.

So let’s talk about the largest challenge we face, especially on the coast – but also about the solutions that are readily available and right in front of us.

Over the last 150 years, Earth has made a transition from the past, when climate affected the evolution of human societies, to the present, in which humans are affecting the evolution of the climate.

Today we are at a pivotal moment in human history; our generation will be responsible for deciding what path the future climate will take.

You and I, as elected officials, will either be complicit in allowing climate change to despoil our world – or we can lead the way and choose a new future.

I don’t need to tell you that communities across BC – including the communities represented by the very people in this room – are on the frontier of climate change.

No level of government feels the impacts greater nor as directly as you do as municipalities.

I could spend every minute I have left one this stage with you enumerating the impacts that climate change is already having on our way of life.

You, as local leaders, see first hand the impacts on your communities. The evacuations. The water restrictions. The rivers that are drying up. The loss of species in our coastal ecosystems like the Orca or the Steelhead. The economic impacts to industries like fishing and tourism – industries every community in this room relies on is as risk.

More than anything, I think we are starting to see the impact that this instability and insecurity is having on the people who live in our communities. The insecurity – the uncertainty of where we are going – can sometimes feel overwhelming. The sense of powerlessness is the face of such a grand challenge can feel paralyzing.

To this, I say let’s look to the next generation for the drive and energy we need to overcome this feeling.

A couple of weeks ago our province witnessed tens of thousands of students walking out of class, joining the millions who marched worldwide, demanding climate action. They carried signs that read “We should be preparing for the future, not fighting for it!” and “The climate is changing, why aren’t we?”

The words of Greta Thunberg, whose actions have inspired so many – including the marches that took place – ring particularly loud for me.

“I am doing this because nobody else is doing anything. It is my moral responsibility to do what I can,” she says. “I want the politicians to prioritise the climate question, focus on the climate and treat it like a crisis.”

She is speaking to us. All of us in this room, asking us to rise to this challenge with real actions. We are the ones who can set our province on a path that shows the next generation that we will take responsibility for addressing the problems that they risk inheriting from us.

And here’s the thing – while it will absolutely take courage to see them through, the solutions are right in front of us, and will make our lives better.

So let’s talk about the path forward and how all of us collectively can build a path forward for our communities.

I’ve spoken a number of times about my vision for how BC can position itself as a leader in the 21st century economy. This may look different for every community, but there are certain things we all share in common

I believe BC has three strategic advantages over virtually every other region in the world.

1. The quality of life and natural environment allows us to attract and retain some of the best and brightest minds from around the globe — we are a destination of choice.
2. We have a highly skilled and educated workforce. Our high school students are consistently top ranked internationally. They are smart, well trained and they are ready to go to work.
3. We have access to renewable resources — energy, water, and wood — like no other jurisdiction. We have incredible potential to create a clean, renewable energy sector to sustain our growing economy.

To capitalize on these advantages, we need to start planning beyond the next election cycle. We need to focus on building a new economy that works for all of us — not just the privileged few. Policies must be based on principles and evidence, not political calculation and opportunism.

And governments must put people’s interests first – ahead of entrenched industry – because building healthy, safe, secure communities needs to be prioritized in a changing world.

I have been pushing government to prioritize the health and well-being of British Columbians since I was elected almost six years ago

By tackling climate change, with carefully designed policies, B.C.’s economy can grow in new ways. And as I said before – these solutions will actually improve our lives. That is because the only solutions to the climate challenge are ones that see us tackle inequality and focus on the health and well-being of British Columbians.

I want to give some examples of these solutions.

Earlier this spring the government released “Connecting Coastal Communities,” a report by special advisor Blair Redlin. This report outlined that over the next 9 years, 14 contracts will be needed for new vessels, and this doesn’t include retrofits of existing vessels.

However, right now BC seem fixated on giving these contracts to shipyards in other countries so that we can build vessels that use LNG.

Contrast this with Norway, who recently made headlines increasing reliance on electric ferries. And guess what? The battery technology they are using is made in Burnaby.

There is so much potential for made in BC ferries, using made in BC electrification technology which reduce GHG emissions and create local employment.

While we are accomplishing this, we can and should be rolling BC Ferries back into our provincial transportation network. I believe that ferries are a part of the highway system. They are relied on to get kids to school and for communities to access the healthcare system they pay for, That’s why it is essential that our ferry services don’t exist to maximize profits, but rather to serve the public interest. That’s why they’re there.

In forestry we must focus on the opportunities that arise when we prioritize the protection of out old growth forests.

Vancouver Island and our coastal communities have some of the most majestic forests left on the planet, drawing people from around the world.

The BC Green Caucus believes we need to protect what little old growth is left. These forests provide essential functions for our communities, protecting biodiversity, supporting watershed health and helping keep the very water we drink clean – not to mention the role they play in storing carbon.

By protecting our old growth forests, we can enhance the resilience of our communities – both the environment they rely upon, and our local economies.

There is a huge opportunity to support a retrofit program for our coastal mills to process second growth timber, and focus on developing a value added industry. This can go hand in hand with enhancing local ownership over these resources to ensure communities see the benefits, as well as have the responsibility to steward our public resources.

On another front, we have brought forward benefit company legislation, which would carve out a more deliberate space in our economy for businesses that want to pursue values beyond maximizing profits.   B.C. is already home to a number of incredibly innovative, socially responsible companies that want to play a bigger role in addressing the biggest challenges we face. And I think that it is critical that we harness this power of business to help us find solutions, and to create prosperity in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible way. This should not be a task for governments alone. This legislation is one step to help us do this.

And, alongside making these changes, we should also be changing how we determine what success means in our economy. We need to move beyond a sole focus on economic growth measured by GDP, where we don’t incorporate the effects of the economic production and consumption on our environment or the health and well-being of British Columbians. Instead, we should be using a genuine progress indicator to measure the success of our economy. An indicator that captures   I’m excited to say that we’re working with our partners in government to develop a GPI for BC.

Making the changes needed in our economy won’t be a straight path. But the challenges in front of us are political – not technical.

Two weeks ago that was on display in the BC Legislature as all 83 members of the BC NDP and BC Liberal caucuses voted to provide new tax credits to a large fossil fuel company which will see the creation of the largest point source of GHG emissions in British Columbia.

This is a disappointing and counterproductive step. Governments can no longer have it both ways. They cannot advance status quo, polluting industries and be committed to tackling climate change and pursuing an economic pathway ground in well-being.

It is wrong to spend so much energy to expand fossil fuel tax credits and the race to the bottom economics of the fossil fuel industry.

So what do we do in the face of these actions that move us backward? We must meet them head on, showing the courage to challenge “business as usual” and the leadership to show a better pathway.

We should be using our time and resources to build the opportunity we have in BC to leverage our strengths and build a sustainable and innovative economy, and the imperative we face in getting our communities ready for climate change. This should be the time when parties are competing to present the boldest plans to British Columbians to position us for success in this new reality.

On this note I want to recognize the leadership the Mayor Lisa Helps and the City of Victoria are showing.

Their motion shows the courage to directly challenge the pursuit of LNG in this province in the face of the climate crisis, and the leadership to provide a path forward. I want to read directly from part of the motion:

“THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM call on the Provincial government to end all subsidies

to fossil fuel companies and to invest the money instead in climate change mitigation and adaptation activities being undertaken by local governments in a predictable and regularized funding formula…”

This is what is needed. I applaud this courage. This leadership.

The specific ways in which climate change challenges our communities may differ, but we must be united in responding to it.

I would like to end this speech with an open invitation to each of you to work with my colleagues on I to advance this vision.

Taking meaningful action, making real change, requires partnership.

I would welcome your ideas, your concerns, and your stories of success so that together we can create the bold change needed to ensure our communities can thrive as we navigate the 21st century. I look forward to the discussions to come.

Today I had the distinct honour of opening the 2019 Masters Provincial Swim Championships at the Saanich Commonwealth Pool. Below I reproduce the text of my opening remarks.

Text of Opening Remarks

It is an honour for me to be here with you to open the 2019 Masters Provincial Swim Championships at the Saanich Commonwealth Pool.

I’m delighted that so many athletes are participating in this event and I’m particularly impressed with the diversity among participants, with almost an equal number of men and women (48% men and 52% women), and ages ranging from 19 years to 95 years.

12% of the 228 swimmers competing are over the age of 70.

I was so impressed to learn that a 95-year-old competitor is swimming in 7 events, from 50 meters to 800 meters. What a tremendous example of healthy longevity and what is possible in the sport of swimming!

I understand the 95-year-old competitor is aiming to break the world record in her 800 meter freestyle swim event and I wish her success in this goal and I know that everyone here will cheer her on to success!

In fact, I hear that many swimmers are planning to break BC, Canadian and World records at this meet. May each of the 228 participators have a successful meet and reach your goals, whatever they may be.

Swimming is truly a wonderful sport for all ages and all levels of ability. We know that swimming is one of the best forms of exercise, contributing to good physical and mental health and well-being.

Swimming promotes inner well-being and resilience, as well as improving fitness and stamina. The benefits go far beyond fitness, and include the fellowship and pleasure that arises from participating with others who have the same interest.

“Fun, Friendship and Fitness for Life” is the motto of the Masters Swimming Association of BC.

Through your love of swimming, you can experience the team camaraderie and social contact that often leads to lifelong friendships. Swimmers of all ages and abilities can improve their technique and build stamina – and have so much fun in the process.

An event like this is only successful because of the dedicated organizers and volunteers who support the athletes. To prepare for a big event like this requires huge effort and commitment. There are over 70 volunteers and over 30 officials coming together to make this meet a success. I would like to congratulate all of you and thank you for the countless hours you put in for the sport. Without dedicated volunteers, this simply could not take place.

There will be 30 different events in the meet, ranging from 50 meters through to 1500 meters. I understand that there are 6 competitors from the U.S.A., 2 of whom are from Kona, Hawaii.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend a special welcome to the international competitors.

In closing, may I once again congratulate all the participants and wish you a wonderful weekend of competitive fun and being with friends, new and old.

Would everyone now please rise for the singing of the U.S. and Canadian National Anthems.

The BC Civil Forfeiture Office provides grants through a program managed by the Community Safety and Crime Prevention (CSCP) branch. Money from civil forfeitures is distributed proportionally across the province, including grants to community agencies who use the funds toward crime prevention or remediation activities.

Grant applications are adjudicated on how well they fit the objectives of the program, how much impact the group has in the community and many other factors. The number of grants awarded and the maximum value of each grant depends on the amount of funding available at the time when the program is announced.

The intent of the program is for seizures of the proceeds of crimes to be used to make our communities safer.

Programs that mentor youth to resist joining gangs, support women escaping violence and help Indigenous families heal from intergenerational traumas will benefit from just over $6 million in grants supporting government crime prevention priorities.

In total, more than 170 local organizations and projects across the province – led by community not-for-profits, school districts, and more – will receive a one-time grant through the Crime Prevention and Remediation grant program.

Recipients of grants announced last week for programs that operate in the constituency of Oak Bay-Gordon Head are:

• Camosun College – $19,823 – under the indigenous healing and rebuilding funding stream, a program called Crafting Sisterhood will invite 10 indigenous single mothers to learn indigenous art skills, get guidance and mentorship from established indigenous women professionals.
• Victoria Restorative Justice Society – $19,096 – will enhance the capacity of Victoria Restorative Justice Society to provide supports through use of trained caseworkers to provide client services on complex files alongside volunteers.
• University of Victoria – $30,000 – to cultivate healthy relationships in boys and male youth, this initiative is a series of psycho-educational circles that focus on healthy relationships and consent issues.

We are grateful for the tremendous work done locally by the organizations above who are grant recipients and to all the grant recipients across BC. Thank you for the work you do every day for the benefit of our communities.