Let’s connect, apart, for a #BetterBC
  ICBC has reported fewer collisions and lower claim costs during the pandemic. It allowed the corporation to save more money than expected – and those savings are now being passed onto drivers!
“Our work to make life more affordable for British Columbians includes fulfilling our commitment to take earnings at ICBC that are related to the pandemic and give that money back to people,” says Premier John Horgan. Most customers who had insurance between April 1 and September 30, 2020 will be eligible for a rebate, and cheques are being mailed out starting mid-March. This rebate is separate from the Enhanced Care refunds customers will start getting in May.  Our province has been shaped by the experiences and contributions of Black Canadians like Mifflin Wistar Gibbs (pictured), BC’s first Black elected official – in 1866, he was elected as a Victoria city councillor.
Then there’s Leonard Lane, who fought workplace, education, and housing discrimination. And Barbara Howard, the first Black woman athlete to represent Canada in an international competition, and the first person of colour ever hired as a teacher by the Vancouver School Board. We’ll be sharing stories like these on our social media accounts in the coming weeks. But we must also do better, together, to address systemic and institutional racism in our province. That’s why Resilience BC, a new anti-racism network was launched, and why our government is developing BC’s first anti-racism act together with impacted communities. Read a statement on Black History Month from the Premier and Rachna Singh, MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers.  We’re once again heading into a time of year filled with celebrations: Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, and Family Day are coming up fast. But as Dr. Bonnie Henry reminds us, “This year we do need to celebrate safely.”
Even though new COVID-19 cases in BC have dropped in recent days thanks to everyone’s hard work, we can’t stop protecting our family, friends, and communities. Celebrate with your immediate household only, and look forward to the future when once again we can gather in larger groups. If sports are more your thing, Premier John Horgan has a reminder too: “The guidance is that you shouldn’t be having Super Bowl celebrations this weekend,” he said, during a press conference. “The public health orders are pretty clear on that.” Read more about activities you can do with your household, and ways to celebrate safely  Connecting with British Columbians at any time is important to John, but especially while we’re all apart during this pandemic. So, he appreciated hearing from the more than 1,200 people who sent him questions late last year.
There were so many thoughtful, important questions: questions about COVID-19, vaccines, economic recovery, childcare, healthcare, and more. Questions about issues that matter came in from every corner of the province. Now, you can read John’s answers to the most asked questions he received!  Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. See you again soon!
New Democratic Party of British Columbia |
