This week the legislature resumed sitting. Our focus is getting people across our province the help they need right now to safely get through this difficult period of the pandemic.
The pandemic has impacted all of our lives. Each day I continue to be inspired by the kindness, care and respect we have all shown for each other during these difficult times. Most people are doing the right thing, despite how difficult this pandemic has been for all of us. Your actions protect everyone, and I thank you all for it.
Our holidays will look different this year, but there are many ways we can still celebrate while keeping everyone safe. This holiday season, let’s all celebrate safely.
Now is the time to say ‘no’ to gatherings and all non-essential travel. Stay local and plan holiday dinners for your household or core bubble only. Embrace the alternatives to gathering to mark the holidays with your loved ones. Hold virtual gift unwrappings and celebrations and join in virtual religious services. Go for a walk with your household to check out neighbourhood light displays.
Don’t hold staff holiday in-person get-togethers. Avoid all non-essential travel and any out-of-province travel.
If you are thinking about bending these rules, remember: COVID-19 is a serious, life-threatening illness. Let’s all do our part to keep our loved ones and our communities safe.
There is light at the end of this pandemic tunnel. Health Canada has approved the first vaccine and deliveries will begin with the first 4000 doses here in BC next week. But it will take time to deliver enough vaccine to protect our communities. Until then it is up to all of us to keep each other safe.
Right now, our government is taking steps to provide support to people with the new BC Recovery Benefit to help people get through the holidays and the pandemic’s next few months. And as vaccines begin to be delivered, we are working to build an economic recovery that works for everyone here in our province.
If we continue to focus on protecting each other, we’ll come through this stronger than ever before.
I’m honoured to have been re-elected as your MLA to represent our Port Moody, Coquitlam, Anmore and Belcarra communities. I’m also thrilled to be appointed to the legislature’s special committees engaged in the important work of reforming BC’s police act and the review of personal information protection act. There is much work still to do to make our communities and our province better for everyone.
As always, if you have questions or need any assistance, please reach out. My office is currently open via phone and email to support you. You can reach us at 604-936-8709 or rick.glumac.mla@leg.bc.ca.
Have a happy – and safe – holidays everyone.
Thanks, Rick