I would like to begin this week’s report by congratulating the member from Vancouver Kingsway, Adrian Dix, who was recently elected as leader of the official opposition.
I have worked in the Legislature for a great number of years with Mr. Dix and I believe his work ethic and commitment will serve the house well.
I would also like to recognize the other members of the opposition caucus who worked tirelessly during the leadership election process.
Running for a leadership role requires a considerable amount of time away from your family due to the amount of travelling through various communities around British Columbia.
On a related theme, last week Premier Christy Clark called a by election in the riding of Vancouver Point Grey with a vote set for May 11. As many of you recall from previous reports, the HST referendum date has been moved up to June 24.
As this is a mail in ballot process the ballots will have a deadline of Friday, July 22 at 4:30 p.m. to be either received at Elections BC or any Service BC location.
The results will be released in August.
On a different topic I am pleased to announce that BC Housing has named the Christopher Housing Society to operate the second phase of affordable seniors housing in Naramata.
The first phase was created by the hard work of the Naramata Housing Society and their efforts ultimately will help lay the foundation for the second phase to get underway.
I can also confirm that we have groups of citizen’s in both Peachland and Summerland who are also currently exploring the potential for affordable senior’s housing in their respective communities as well.
Once again I must point out the valuable efforts of community volunteers in acting as the catalyst for these much needed projects going forward.
For those of you who enjoy science experiments I would like to invite you to visit the http://yearofsciencebc.ca/ website.
On this site you will find a very exciting collection of ideas and experiments from some of British Columbia’s brightest young minds.
Science is definitely alive and well in British Columbia.
Finally this week I would like to congratulate all of the participants in the recently held Kiwanis music festival.
It is very encouraging to see such a large group taking part in this event and I understand there were some very talented performances to be enjoyed.
Job well done by all.
Bill Barisoff is the MLA for Penticton.