At the Valley Women’s Network (Tri-Cities Chapter) Halloween Luncheon with Gail (left) and Shelly (centre) where I did a “spotlight” and helped to inform everyone at the lunch how the MLA and their staff can assist them with government services.

In the Community                                
55+ BC Games                                                

The Coquitlam 55+ BC Games were a tremendous success.  My heartfelt congratulations to the organizers, the City of Coquitlam Council and staff and to all the athletes, judges, referees and volunteers.  With over 3000 athletes in attendance from across British Columbia there were, without a doubt, wonderful memories made here in Coquitlam.  It was an honour to represent the residents of Coquitlam-Maillardville at the games.                                                   

At the 55+ BC Games with members of the Brentwood Bay Badminton team. A bronze medal win for the Men and Women 75 – 79 Mixed Doubles – Competitive – congratulations!

Celebrating Kiyo Breiting’s silver medal win in Women’s 70-74 Doubles Tennis at the 55+ BC Games in Coquitlam.

Housing Affordability Forum
Earlier this month I co-hosted a Housing Affordability Forum with Jodie Wickens, MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain.  Our special guests were David Eby, MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey and Opposition Spokesperson for Housing, Coquitlam Councillor Chris Wilson and Sandy Burpee, Co-Chair of the Tri-Cities Homelessness and Housing Task Group.  Concerned residents came out to hear what the members of the panel had to say.  It was an informative evening and we heard stories from an array of Coquitlam residents expressing grave concerns about the lack of affordable housing in our community both for rent and for purchase.

The Q&A portion of the Housing Forum brought many great questions and comments from the floor. Coquitlam homeowners, and renters are very concerned about housing affordability and availability.

Fireside Chat for Seniors

I hosted a Seniors Fireside Chat at Dogwood Pavilion and heard stories about the lack of support resources for senior caregivers when they care for an aging spouse.  I heard concerns about the increasing costs of living when subsisting on a fixed income.  I also heard about the significant role that seniors’ centres play in the lives of the older adults in our community.

In addition to the local Fireside Chat for Seniors, I have travelled to several different communities around the province and co-hosted seniors forums with some of my Opposition colleagues. Here I am in Sidney, BC with Saanich North and the Islands MLA, Gary Holman and New Westminster MLA & Opposition Spokesperson for Health, Judy Darcy.

Education    
                                                                   
This month I was invited to speak to a grade 10 Social Studies class at Dr. Charles Best Secondary as part of an orientation to their unit on government.   The students asked the most amazing questions.  They were curious about the role government plays in their everyday lives and they wanted to know what it was like to be their Coquitlam-Maillardville representative in Victoria.

Small Business

I also had the opportunity to join hundreds of others in attending the Tri-Cities Chamber 2016 Business Showcase celebrating and promoting the many amazing businesses in our community.  Congratulations to the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce for an outstanding event that brought the local business community together to promote their products and services.

At the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase with Carol Lange who was promoting her business, Nurse Next Door.

At the Business Showcase with Sandra Horton, owner of and Leadership Coach at Horton Collaborations.

In the Legislature

This time of year your MLAs are usually busy in Victoria with the Fall session of the legislature.  Unfortunately, although this is a critical part of our job as MLAs and legislators, the Premier cancelled the Fall sitting.

My work, however, continues and I will be spending this time in my office and out in my community meeting with constituents, businesses, students and other stakeholders.

I look forward to seeing you at one of the many community events around town or please come by my office to say hello.

John Horgan, Leader of the Official Opposition, joined me and MLA Jodie Wickens at the BC Coalition of Motorcyclists’ Annual Christmas Toy Run at Coquitlam Centre Mall where hundreds of motorcyclists headed for Vancouver to deliver Christmas toys to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau.

Christmas in October…I know! But it’s all for a good cause. All of the toys collected will be distributed around the Lower Mainland. Many thanks to the BC Coalition of Motorcyclists.

Upcoming

Brunette Overpass Project: Open House                             
If you’re a commuter I suspect you have some thoughts on the challenges with the Brunette Overpass so here’s your chance to share your thoughts directly with the Ministry of Transportation.  I have certainly heard concerns from residents and I will be in attendance – I hope to see you there.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Maillard Middle School 1300 Rochester Ave, Coquitlam

Remembrance Day Ceremonies
Be sure to join the Royal Canadian Legion at the Remembrance Day Ceremonies this year.  I believe it’s important that we continue to honour the sacrifices that our veterans and enlisted personnel have made and continue to make on behalf of all Canadians.

 Royal Canadian Legion Branch 263 (Coquitlam)

Until next time,

Selina

Community Events:

Selina’s Christmas  Open House

Golden Snowlotus Awards CEA International Film Festival

No-Tech Healthcare Hackathon
A Community Dialogue

Wednesday, November 2, 2016