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South Okanagan Photos

Linda Larson – report from Victoria

larsonlinda-300x300MLA, Boundary-Similkameen

This is a busy time in Victoria with budget estimates being discussed and bills being introduced in the Legislature almost daily. I will touch on another two that have interest for the Boundary-Similkameen:

Bill 11, the Food and Agricultural Products Classification Act, replaces the Food Products Standards Act, the Agri-food Choice and Quality Act and the Agricultural Produce Grading Act eliminating a lot of red tape. It’s designed to create a framework to regulate the term “organic” and also allows for new classifications of wine like the appellation of origin.

The Certified Organic Associations of B.C. are supportive of new regulations that will give consumers confidence in the “certified organic” labelling. We have some wonderful organic growers in our region who have all been recognized for excellence by their peers provincially and federally.

Klippers Organics and Harker’s Organics, both in Cawston, and Covert Farms in Oliver are to be commended for their passion for growing organically and sustainably.

The first phase of regulations for the new Water Sustainability Act were brought into force on Feb. 29. The WSA updates and replaces the previous Water Act bringing in a number of changes for existing and new surface and groundwater users. Much of the Water Act has been brought into the WSA and existing surface water rights granted under the old Water Act will continue with no impact, except in extreme drought conditions. Domestic well owners who use water for their household, garden and domestic animals are exempt from licensing and paying provincial water fees and rentals. However we encourage domestic well users to register their well at FrontCounterBC so that their source can be protected. Aquatic Ecosystems are further protected with expanded prohibitions on dumping debris into streams and aquifers.

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Many community organizations throughout the riding receive gaming grants to help with their programs and services. Most recently, South Okanagan Integrated Community Services Society received $25,000 for five various programs; Scouts Canada – 1st Oliver, $4,000; and the Lower Similkameen Community Services in Keremeos, $20,500.

These and many other organizations do amazing work in their communities. In the past two years, supported by my office, just under $8 million has been received in this riding through a multitude of grant programs managed by the province, supporting all areas of our society.

And thanks to our government’s fiscal discipline and balanced budget, the Ministry of Education is providing 30 public school districts each with a $5,000 grant to help them develop opportunities to support students who want to pursue skills and trades training, and career development.

I’m happy to report that applications from both School District 51 (Boundary) and School District 53 (Okanagan Similkameen) have been approved.

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The Gold Rush Exhibit that was at the Royal B.C. Museum last year will be touring the province. If your community is interested in hosting the display, please let me know and I will try to get you on the list.

Almost all of the South Okanagan, Boundary and Similkameen were impacted by the gold rush in the late 1800s and the talk of “gold” still interests us all.

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Thank you to all who sent in ideas for the Red Tape Reduction consultation. An event was held in the legislature to recognize some of those who sent in ideas and to talk about some significant changes that have already happened.

The changes made to simplifying registration for organ donation have greatly increased the list of potential donors, and as a result, the number of transplants in B.C. has increased significantly.

The ability for retiring veterans to transfer their driving certification directly into our system has the Teamsters able to access much-needed transport drivers.

These are just two examples of red tape reduction that have a positive impact on British Columbians. The consultation was so successful it will continue, and you can input your suggestions at any time at: https://interceptum.com/s/en/RedTapeReduction