MLAs, minister tour Vernon, identify priorities for area

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She also stated that more support is being rolled out to prevent fires from starting or spreading in the first place.

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“We have $90-million for communities like Vernon to do the fire safe work that needs to be done around communities to build those breaks so that you can prevent the fire coming into your community,” said Conroy.

She added the funds for that work will be distributed through the Union of B.C. Municipalities, adding that people can also do FireSmart work around their properties to reduce the risk of fires.

Anderson said she is working on developing policies and programs that best serve the next generation of British Columbian leaders, noting that part of that work involves the creation of the Stronger B.C. Young Leaders Council.

“We have 18 incredibly diverse young people from across the province that are part of that council,” said Anderson, adding that the program had over 250 applicants from across B.C.

She added that climate change is a big concern for younger British Columbians including in Vernon.

“Being here in Vernon, we met some incredible young people in the Grade 11 class at the [Vernon Secondary School], and they were working on climate change action projects, and it was incredible to see the diversity of the projects they were creating,” said Anderson, adding that seeing young people putting the effort in and coming up with “brilliant ideas” to fight climate change is remarkable.

She also noted that Budget 2022 includes $1.2-billion for the Roadmap to CleanBC program that will support the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure, retrofitting buildings to make them more efficient, to ensuring businesses become low emission.

Russell told the media that community economic development is a priority, pointing specifically to Community Futures North Okanagan and saying the organization does a lot to bring together business, skills development and workplaces, and social supports locally. He added that the work of the organization is also helping address the economy and the staffing shortage in the Vernon area, which he says has been a concern for many people.

He also said the province’s economic plan includes recognizing environmental, social and governance goals as part of it’s metrics of success, which will be especially important for rural communities.

“So if we’re doing a good job in economic development, what does that mean? It means more than just dollars, it means we have the economic vibrancy as well as environmental health as well as social cohesion and inclusivity,” Russell remarked.

He also noted that the province is committed to providing rural communities with high speed internet.

Sandhu said housing is another key priority that the government continues to invest in locally.

She said the province has already supported the building of 660 housing units locally, and that they are also focusing on housing seniors, people with disabilities, families, and Indigenous people, adding that the MLAs would be going to visit the Okanagan Indian Band chief and council to discuss the potential for government housing projects on Indigenous lands.

Sandhu stated she remains committed to serving her constituents as much as possible through online and in-person connections.

Sandhu said she will continue with her social media posts to keep people informed of the work she is doing to represent Vernon-Monashee, and is also open to meeting with residents to discuss their concerns and ensure she does her best to represent her constituents.