Building a Healthy Community

MLA Report

By Carole James

The year 2011 is shaping up to be a very busy one. I've enjoyed getting reconnected with my constituents and the many different groups that do such important work to keep our community vibrant and healthy. I was reminded of how important this work is when I read the BC's Representative for Children and Youth's report, "Fragile Lives, Fragmented Systems: Strengthening Supports for Vulnerable Infants." The report served as a reminder once again of the critical services needed and the partnership that is crucial between families, communities, and all levels of government, not simply for children and families at risk, but for healthy communities for all.

As a school trustee for 11 years, I saw firsthand the role our public schools play in the lives of our children, families, and society. As a foster parent for over 20 years in our community of Victoria, I saw the difference community programs make in the lives of children and families with special needs. I had the opportunity to visit with several of these community groups over the past two months: Victoria Evening Optimists, the Legion, Cool Aid's new Rock Bay shelter, the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre, James Bay New Horizons, and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria are all examples of community organizations working hard to improve our quality of life here in Victoria.

Several of these groups told me about the struggles they face to provide quality services now that their gaming funding has been dramatically cut, or in some cases, eliminated entirely. For example, the Victoria Evening Optimists, who were one of the original groups to run bingo nights to raise funds for the community, have had their gaming funding cut by about 70 per cent, meaning they can no longer afford to fund programs such as the Greater Victoria Youth Choir, the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program, and Scouts Canada, among others. Groups like the Optimists are able to do so much good in our community with relatively small amounts of money. It's time our government began recognizing this contribution.

My community office has also been working hard to make a difference in Victoria-Beacon Hill. Every day, constituents call or drop in to receive assistance from my office staff with everything from MSP coverage, to income assistance, to affordable housing. As well, we have partnered with a local lawyer and are now holding a free legal clinic once a week for those who cannot afford legal advice. Appointments can be made in advance at my office at 1084 Fort Street. We are also working on a new website to be launched hopefully some time in March. The site, carolejamesmla.ca, will keep you informed of my activities around the community and will serve as an information hub on provincial government issues and programs.

On a last, personal note, on February 3 - the Lunar New Year - I welcomed my first grandchild into the world. Charlie Deane Dunsmoor-Farley James was born at home in the early hours of the morning to my son Evan and his partner Bronwyn.  A photo is up on my Facebook page.  I'm a proud grandma, and I haven't stopped smiling since! I hope the Year of the Rabbit brings your family as much joy as it already has to mine.