It was one year ago today that the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act passed in BC. It’s with great humility and excitement that on the first anniversary of this historic legislation, I’ve been sworn in as the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
Today the last long-term boil water advisory for a First Nations community in
#BC
has been lifted. After 15 years Semiahmoo First Nation finally has what many people in
#BC
take for granted – safe drinking water.
I extend my congratulations to Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond for her well-deserved appointment to the Order of Canada today. This honour rightly recognizes her commitment to improving the child welfare system & supports for Indigenous peoples in BC.
Pretty explosive allegations coming out of the money laundering inquiry. Clear evidence that the BC Liberal cabinet minister was not only warned about the extent of money laundering but then seems to have decided not to do anything about it.
8 years ago I ran as the NDP candidate for MP of Victoria. My Green, Liberal and Conservative opponents did not support this project. I did. Proud of this historic day: Victoria will no longer pump raw sewage into the ocean.
I loved Joe like a brother and I’m devastated by our enormous loss. Joe’s contributions to social justice in our country are so diverse and so staggering in their impact. How many can truly say that they changed the course of history? Joe can. Joe did.
The Arvay Finlay family is deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Joseph J. Arvay, OC QC has passed away. Details on how his remarkable life will be remembered will follow.
A moving sight in Victoria today - the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations honoured the stolen children discovered at Kamloops residential school through a canoe protocol and drum circle. We stand with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and all residential school survivors and their families.
Constituents have brought to my attention that literature is being disseminated in our community comparing vaccines, public health orders, and the scientific community to the atrocities of Nazi Germany.
Honoured to be sworn in as the MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head alongside 56 incredible New Democrats. We’re the largest
@bcndp
caucus in history with the highest number of IBPOC MLAs in a BC caucus and the first governing majority-women caucus in Canadian history. Historic day!
I am grateful you have entrusted me with the honour of being the NDP candidate for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. Thank you! There's a lot more work to be done. Join
#TeamRankin
:
Apparently, anti-vaccination protesters plan to demonstrate at the Legislature equating our public health measures to Nazi barbarism. Comparing the work of our hardworking scientists and public health officials to the genocide of Europe's Jews and ethnic minorities is atrocious.
I'm very disappointed to see John Rustad say one thing in the Legislature, and turn around and say another on social media 24 hours later. Yesterday he said "I support title... it's what has to happen in this province." He called it "an important step." 1/
The Eby NDP is undermining YOUR private property rights.
The Haida deal means First Nations title could end up being applied to ALL private property in BC…
This is a mess.
#bcpoli
For the first time in Canadian history, Aboriginal title is being recognized and it’s happening here in B.C.! Legislation to recognize the Haida Nation’s Aboriginal title throughout Haida Gwaii received royal assent today!
I am disgusted to hear about racist behaviour in response to the COVID outbreak in Cowichan Tribes. Now, more than ever, we need to support one another, and this reprehensible reaction cannot be tolerated.
@NorthCowichan
@Cowichan_Tribes
Andrew Weaver says that John Horgan is up to the challenge of leading us through the COVID recovery. I agree, and that’s why I’m running on John Horgan’s team to be your MLA in Oak Bay-Gordon Head.
Sat down to call some supporters and this guy was at the top of my list. Professor
@AJWVictoriaBC
, I'm so proud of the work we've done together — especially CleanBC. I'm going to miss you. But I've got your number for any climate advice or Rugby games.
#BCelxn2020
#bcpoli
We’ve released a draft action plan to implement UNDRIP, developed with Indigenous consultation. Once finalized, the plan will guide our work to advance reconciliation in BC. We invite feedback from First Nations & Indigenous peoples & organizations.
Campaigns are powered by people. Thank you for participating in our democracy and having your voices heard in our province's future. To my incredible campaign team - I'm so grateful for your efforts!
It’s been a historic day, signing the Gaayhllxid/Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement on Haida Gwaii with
@Dave_Eby
in partnership with the Council of the Haida Nation.
Today, I had my first meeting with the Minister’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Women. I’m looking forward to working with this exceptional group of women to improve the quality of life for
#Indigenous
women across
#BC
.
Yesterday was a memorable day. President of the Haida Nation, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, was part of a delegation of Haida Nation citizens present in the B.C. Legislature for the introduction of the historic Haida Nation Recognition Amendment Act.
So many people have told me what a relief it was when the BC NDP gov announced the new South Island Hip and Knee Program at Royal Jubilee. Under John Horgan, the wait for knee and hip surgeries has gone down by one month. Let's keep up the progress! Thx for the visit,
@jjhorgan
!
We've taken bold action to make sure people have better access to health care — like new cancer screening machines, more MRIs (running 24/7) and more surgeries. Proud of the progress we've made, but there's much more to do.
#BCelxn2020
#bcvotes
(📷
#VictoriaBC
at Royal Jubilee)
I lift my hands to
@SiSityaawks
, who was appointed Deputy Minister of the Declaration Act Secretariat last week. She is the first Indigenous person to serve as DM in
#BC
. 2/2
My sincere congratulations to Oak Bay constituent Dr. David Zussman for his appointment to the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to public service management & policymaking, as a scholar, public servant and sought-after advisor.
Putting cell service on the entire length of Highway 16 between
@CityofPR
&
@CityofPG
will vastly improve safety & honour the memory of survivors and
#MMIWG
who have experienced violence or gone missing along the Highway of Tears.
@lisabeare
@JenniferRice6
Everyone should read Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond’s report today on racism in the health system. I am happy to see
@adriandix
is taking swift action, and has expressed a strong sense of urgency for this work to Indigenous leaders.
Today I joined Dr. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond to share the findings & recommendations from her independent review into Indigenous-specific racism & discrimination in BC's health care system.
The summary and full report, In Plain Sight, is available at:
I’m looking forward to working hard for the people of Oak Bay-Gordon Head and working with the
@bcndp
on building a sustainable future that we can be proud of leaving behind for our children and grandchildren. Btw, this is my grandson, Mateo, born just a month ago. 🧡
I am honoured to continue serving in BC’s Cabinet as the Minister of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation. Advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is a priority for Premier
@Dave_Eby
& this Gov't. Congratulations to my Cabinet colleagues, new and old. Let's get to work!
An inspiration to many in his long career in fighting for social justice, I am honoured to have been able to pay tribute to my dear friend and former colleague, Joe Arvay in the BC Legislature
Many thanks to Elder Shirley Alphonse from T'Sou-ke Nation for the opening prayer of the
#ThroneSpeech
and to Eugene Sam from the Songhees Nation who provided a territorial acknowledgement. Hych’ka Siem for your beautiful words and welcome song
#bcpoli
@BCLegislature
On
#RedDressDay
, we honour the
#MMIWG
who have been lost to violence. Dismantling the systemic issues that lead to this violence is fundamental to our government’s work toward true and lasting reconciliation. Today and every day, we remember.
I am so excited to congratulate my friend
@Dave_Eby
on becoming Premier of British Columbia. Dave is a man of action and is ready to tackle the important challenges facing my constituents of Oak Bay-Gordon Head. Together, we will continue building a better future for all.
The 1998 memo included language I know is not appropriate and do not support today. I take responsibility and apologize for the hurt my words have caused Indigenous peoples. I'm grateful to
@UBCIC
for the opportunity to respond, and to partner on this journey.
A re-elected BC NDP government will stay the course and work to reduce automobile insurance rates for British Columbia drivers on an average of 20 per cent or $400 a year. That is something that we are not going to give up.
I am seeing lots of positive stories on the
#COVID19
vaccination clinics rolling out in rural, remote and at-risk First Nations in
#BC
. I am so grateful public health leaders are prioritizing vulnerable Indigenous elders & people are rolling up their sleeves to protect them.
I’m thinking about the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit+ people today on
#RedDressDay
in Canada. Wear red or display a red dress to continue the fight against gender-based violence.
#MMIWG2S
#WhyWeWearRed
#NoMoreStolenSisters
It's very good that this evidence is being heard in public. It not only shows who was responsible for ignoring the problem but it also gives provincial and federal governments, if they are serious about taking on this sort of crime, a path forward.
Grateful to be gathered with hundreds of others in
@Tkemlups
te Secwépemc territory today to honour Le Estcwicwéy̓ (The Missing). Today we honour the courage of residential school survivors to bring about truth and healing
#ttesmemorial2022
#everychildmatters
Premier Horgan has given me a clear mandate; I am keen to begin this crucial work. The work we do now will create a better future for Indigenous communities, the Province, and our country.
Today is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit and Gender-Diverse people.
We honour the matriarchs, mothers, sisters, daughters & friends that have been stolen from their families and communities.
My sincere condolences go out to the family, friends and community of Chief Earl Muldoe, Gitxsan Hereditary Chief Delgamuukw. While the weight of his loss is heavy, the impact of the life he led is immeasurable. May we honour his life and lead with passion and integrity.
Mavis was truly a giant in our community. I mourn the loss of a fighter and a friend whose entire life was devoted to others and to making our community better in countless ways. Thank you, Mavis, for all that you did.
On this day in 2000, the Nisga’a Treaty between
@NLGNisgaaNation
,
#BC
, and
@CrownIndigenous
came into effect and we began to forge a new path towards reconciliation, self-governance, and self-determination. I look forward to continuing our relationship.
@BCTreaty
Today I joined Chief Don Tom and
@adampolsen
at Woodwyn Farm, which has been returned to Tsartlip First Nation. The land has huge significance to the Nation and is an important step forward for reconciliation together.
Thanks to efforts by
@Dave_Eby
& our gov't, we've seen a significant shift in primary care delivery: 708 new family doctors - w/ the largest increase in Island Health - & 6,567 nurses welcomed in 2023 alone! We'll continue to strengthen healthcare in BC! 👇
Today I was joined by
@adriandix
and
@GraceALore
to discuss the BC NDP's $2.3 billion investment in healthcare. Both the BC Liberals and the BC Greens would invest less than half of that. We can’t afford such a huge shortchange of healthcare investments, especially right now.
The BC public sector will mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Sept. 30. Please support residential school survivors, listen and learn, and wear an orange shirt to honour them.
#OrangeShirtDay
#EveryChildMatters
Just met with Jewish students from UVic and Camosun who expressed concerns about their safety on campus. No student should feel unsafe due to their faith. Let's work together to ensure that all students feel secure and respected in our educational institutions.
Today on
#NationalIndigenousPeoplesDay
, we recognize that reconciliation is a journey, not a destination. It is a time to celebrate Indigenous peoples while also reflecting on the urgency of our work together to create a better future for everyone.
@shirleybond
@MurrayRankin
You bet I wrote it. I represent OBGH where we all care deeply about climate change, including my predecessor
@AJWVictoriaBC
who helped design
#CleanBC
, heralded as N.A.'s best. I was also the first to teach environmental law at
@uvic
. I'm so disappointed
#BCUP
would toss it out.
Congratulations to
@Laurel_BC
for the unanimous passing of her bill, criminalizing coercive control. We are all committed to fighting gender-based violence, and this will help countless survivors. Wishing for a speedy passage in the Senate.
This morning, I had the pleasure of taking a short flight on
@IskwewAir
, the first Indigenous woman owned airline, operating with an all women crew. “Iskwew” is a Cree word for woman, and was chosen as a reclamation of matriarchal leadership and language.
We stand with survivors, elders, and families affected by the results of shíshálh Nation's Ground Penetrating Radar investigation on the site of the former St. Augustine’s Indian Residential School.
This report confirms what British Columbians have always suspected. Under the BC Liberals, there was a serious, decade-long problem of laundering through our casinos. When we took over in 2017, our BC NDP decided to prioritize a more fair economy that works for all people.
The
@bcliberals
legacy in a nutshell. A true ‘failure of will’ to address volumes of dirty money in BC.
Quite the contrast to banning big money from
#bcpoli
, addressing speculation in real estate, and continued work on anti-money laundering measures based on previous reports.
I really appreciate the thoughtful analysis of our Haida Nation Recognition Amendment Act by former BC Liberal Attorney General Geoff Plant. I hope this helps to dispel some of the inaccuracies being circulated around this historic agreement.
The Province, Lyackson First Nation,
@cowichan_tribes
and
@MosaicForests
are working together to return culturally significant land in the Cowichan River Valley to the two Nations to foster community growth, housing development and economic diversification.
The allegations come from high-ranking former investigator (who knows what he’s talking about) who attempted to alert the BC Liberals about money laundering taking place under their watch. This is as credible as it gets.
On International Holocaust Remembrance Day,
#WeRemember
the deaths of over 6 million Jews killed at the hands of Nazis, in addition to millions of Romani, Slavs, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities. We must confront hatred and honour those who lost their lives
#NeverAgain
May 5 is National
#MMIWG2S
Awareness Day, also known as
#RedDressDay
, where we honour the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ people and their families. Together, let’s take a stand against gendered violence.
#WhyWeWearRed
#NoMoreStolenSisters
Best wishes to
@SenSincmurr
who announced he will be leaving the Senate. He tackled many important issues to advance Indigenous rights in his role, including federal legislation on
#UNDRIP
. I am deeply grateful for all that he has given to Canada & to me personally.
DYK
#friendshipcentres
provide essential services like child care, counselling, food and shelter to Indigenous peoples in urban areas? We’re increasing their financial support to help urban Indigenous peoples hit hard by the
#COVID19
pandemic.
@BCAAFC
Congratulations to ADM Jessica Wood, Si Sityaawks, for her well-deserved Premier's Award for Leadership. Your work to advance Reconciliation during the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act is truly inspiring.
Yesterday, I introduced a
@TsawawssenFN
Treaty amendment that will implement a BC and federal tax policy change, which allows treaty members to continue to keep their Indian Act tax exemption status in their treaties indefinitely, until a Treaty Nation determines to end it.
I joined Minister
@MarcMillerVM
in an important discussion with Secwépemc Chiefs on issues relating to the ongoing wildfires. Our province is committed to working with the Secwépemc Nation to meet the challenges their communities are facing in this difficult and trying time.
Yesterday I had the privilege to mark the first anniversary of the opening of the Chinese Canadian Museum in Fan Tan Alley. Charlene Thornton-Joe showed me around what has been a fabulous addition to our community.
#yyj
So pleased to join with Rabbi Meir Kaplan and MLA
@Teresa_Wat
today. Thanks to Rabbi Kaplan for making the Legislative Assembly of B.C. the first place on Vancouver Island to mark then beginning of Hanukkah.
I raise my hands to Chief Harley Chappell & all those who worked to make this happen:
@fnha
@Min_IndServ
@MetroVancouver
@CityofSurrey
. What an incredible difference will make for everyone who lives in the community.
While in
@OsoyoosBC
I was lucky to visit the
@NkmipDesert
, where guests discover the living culture of the Okanagan Nation and the one-of-a-kind desert ecosystem. Thankful to the Osoyoos Indian Band for sharing this extraordinary space.
We must protect our planet for the next generation. I am happy to report we’re expanding CleanBC with our Roadmap to 2030: a continent-leading plan that creates a made in B.C. approach to protect our environment and create jobs as we move towards our 2030 climate targets!
#CleanBC
Tomorrow is Election Day! Make sure you go vote if you haven’t already! Huge thanks to dozens of supporters that came out this morning to show their support. 🧡
#bcpoli
#BCelxn2020
#oakbaygordonhead
I was honoured to work alongside
@melaniejmark
, the 1st First Nations woman elected to the
@BCLeg
and to serve as a Cabinet Minister. Melanie always showed enormous dedication to her constituents and her work in Gov’t, all the while, continuing to be herself. We will miss you!
On
#HolocaustRemembranceDay
we remember more than six million Jews and the many Roma, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ people, black people, and more, who were systematically murdered during the Holocaust. 1/2
The Province is partnering with 27 Indigenous communities throughout B.C. to work towards a
#cleanenergy
future with funding from the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund.
#FNCEBF
#CleanBC
Congrats to Prof. John Borrows of
@UVicLaw
for his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada! A leader in
#Indigenous
law, his ideas helped shape the recommendations of the Truth + Reconciliation Commission, & the Supreme Court of Canada cited his important scholarship.
Today I met with intern Ali Lafond to learn about the Indigenous Youth Internship Program, a 12 month program that helps Indigenous youth ages 19-29 get a taste of working in gov. & Indigenous organizations. Took a pic with Ali and one of my staff who is IYIP alumni, Leslie.
I'm grateful to receive an endorsement from Victoria Firefighters Union Local 730. Thank you for all the fantastic work you do to keep our community safe. We have your back!
There’s a great deal of work ahead in order to move reconciliation forward. As a first step, we’ll be establishing a Secretariat, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples, in order to ensure that new legislation and policies are consistent with the UN Declaration.
I have long stood for advancement in treaty making as a lawyer for First Nations. In my work as a treaty negotiator over 20 years ago, I worked with Nuu-chah-nulth leaders including the late George Watts to appropriately acknowledge the horrific legacy of residential schools 1/4
Very encouraged by Andrew Weaver's endorsement of George Heyman and continued support for
#CleanBC
. We are making progress and we can't afford another 16 years of bad decisions by the BC Liberals. Onwards!
Thanks so much for your support, Teagan! Climate action and meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous people are incredibly important to me. I hope I can bring my experience and knowledge on these issues to the
@bcndp
caucus!
It's a close race in the Oak Bay - Gordon Head riding. I would usually vote Green but I'm voting for Murray Rankin this time as he's done an excellent job in his past roles as leader of the federal NDP. Climate and reconciliation are important to him.
#BCElection2020
#BCelxn2020
With colleagues
@RachnaSinghNDP
& Green Party leader
@SoniaFurstenau
I condemn racist behaviour & discrimination directed at Indigenous peoples in our province. Now is the time to come together & to support one another.
Health care has never been more important. Both the BC Liberals and the Green Party fail British Columbians when it comes to health care. The Green Party platform doesn't even mention hospitals, home care or Urgent and Primary Care Centres. Learn more:
#Reconciliation
through education. With today’s ground-breaking of the National Centre for Indigenous Laws, we are one step closer to this state-of-the-art facility becoming the new home of the world’s first joint degree program in Indigenous legal orders and common law.
@uvic
Celebrating the construction of the National Centre for Indigenous Laws with an $11 million donation from the Law Foundation of BC.
🗞️
@LawFoundationBC
#IndigenousLaw
Thank you
@OakBayNews
for the opportunity to share some highlights of my career - it was truly a pleasure to reflect on my legacy and what challenges I believe lie ahead for the next generation of change-makers! 👇
Ahead of Sept. 30, I co-hosted the Survivors’ flag raising with
@BCLegSpeaker
alongside Indigenous leaders, residential school survivors and community members to honour survivors, their families and those who never came home.
#EveryChildMatters
#TruthAndReconciliation