Celebrating safely for a #BetterBC
  As the holidays approach, COVID-19 is still with us. British Columbians have made extraordinary sacrifices during the pandemic – and to protect our loved ones and communities, we will have to keep doing everything we can to help stop the spread through December and into the New Year.
That means we’ll have to find new ways to celebrate the holidays. As Dr. Bonnie Henry said this week: “If you’re used to having multiple family members come over for Christmas and getting together and having those large dinners together – now you need to do it remotely.” When making your plans, please remember that Dr. Henry’s restrictions on events and social gatherings have been extended until January 8. If we take the rules seriously and plan our holidays around them, we can all hope to have a much happier New Year.  People across the province are feeling extraordinary pressure as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the holiday season approaches.
That’s why your BC NDP government is coming forward with additional support for people and families. The tax-free BC Recovery Benefit will help 3.7 million British Columbians. Do you support this initiative to provide direct relief for British Columbians who need it the most? Then add your name today.  Mass vaccination will be essential to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. And it’s vital that the first vaccine doses go to those most at risk – including seniors and healthcare workers.
On Tuesday, Premier John Horgan announced that BC is planning to immunize 4,000 at-risk people by the end of next week. Initially, there will not be enough doses available to have any impact on community transmission – so please continue to follow the latest health orders and advice.  Sundown on Thursday marked the beginning of Chanukah. Like every year, Jewish families across BC and the world are celebrating the miracle at the heart of Chanukah – a single pot of oil that fed the flame in the Holy Temple for eight full days.
Of course, celebrations will look different this year, as people do what they can to keep their families safe. In case you’re looking for a safe way to celebrate, the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver is throwing a virtual Chanukah party at 6:00pm tonight.  Human rights represent the foundation of a free and fair society. This past Thursday, December 10, marked Human Rights Day – which commemorates the UN’s adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Your BC NDP government is dedicated to defending the fundamental rights enshrined in this declaration, including freedom of expression and the right to an adequate standard of living. That’s why, two years ago, we established the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner. BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner works to uphold human rights and ensure we fulfil our responsibilities to one another. It addresses the root causes of inequality, discrimination, and injustice in our province – through education, research, and advocacy.  As we head towards the end of 2020, John Horgan’s government is already busy keeping up the fight against COVID-19 and building a recovery that works for all the people of BC. And at the BC NDP, we are dedicated to supporting our government’s work – and building on the progress we’ve made. If you want to support our work over the next 12 months, the quickest and easiest way is to help us hit our end-of-year fundraising targets. Donate now and you’ll get up to 75% back at tax time.  See you again soon!
New Democratic Party of British Columbia |
