Thriving Family

Imagine a British Columbia where Families are valued as the cornerstone of society, where Parental Responsibility is embraced, parents or guardians are empowered to help their children make decisions and adult children are able to secure quality care for their aging parents. Where we honor the whole; not separating person and body, regardless of age or attribute.  Where our communities are diverse and inclusive, disagreeing and debating, healthy and thriving. 

Vision for Families:

Defend the Institution of Family: Families are the cornerstone of society and should precede the state.  At it’s best the institution of the family can include economic interdependence, social responsibility, raising children, education, recreation, worship, and charity to outsiders.  We need a Province that respects the responsibility of parents in raising their children. 

Build Generational Infrastructure:  Unbearable commutes and uncompetitive ICBC policies are putting stress on our families and the environment.  We need to privatize ICBC.  We need to encourage the continuation of Work from Home, Part Time and Local Work.  We also need high speed transit from Chilliwack to Vancouver, a bridge replacing the George Massey tunnel, SkyTrain to Langley and a Highway One expansion East of 216th.  Infrastructure projects stimulate economic prosperity by creating jobs, getting goods to market faster and cheaper, and by providing access to employment, employees and education.  

Provide Options in Education:  We need to get schools built in Willoughby so children can attend school in their own neighborhood. We need to support Independent Schools and Independent Distance Learning as they take pressure off of the Public System and provide choices for parents not comfortable sending their children to school during a pandemic.  A one size fits all approach to Education and Curriculum does not work.  School policies must reflect the communities they serve.

Increase Health Care Availability:  Pro-physician policy will increase options and decrease wait times.  We need to support Private Clinics, Palliative Care, Community Care doctors, the Division of Family Medicine and Telehealth.  To decrease ER wait times we need to; fund medical beds in hospitals to increase flow, incent doctors to pursue careers in family and internal medicine which will increase appointment availability, increase triage, and provide shelter for homeless.  As our population ages we must ensure we place value on our Seniors; COVID brought to light the risks inherent with a low-cost part time model for care workers.  To manage costs we need to eliminate Fraud, Birth Tourism, and increase wellness days for hospital staff. 

Enable Home Ownership:  Young families are being forced out of the Valley into the Interior and Cariboo away from their support systems.  We need to reinstate the BC Home Program to help with down payments in return for equity and appreciation.  And we need to address government related fees and cycle times which in Vancouver Cambie contribute to 26% of the cost of a new home.

Ensure Affordability:  We must address the skyrocketing cost of Strata Insurance affecting 40% of Langley residents, demand Townhouses and Condos are treated differently and fix the root cause so owners do not to pay three times over in ongoing fees.  We need to provide more protection for landlords in the Residential Tenancies Act to increase rental availability and we need to reinstate Rental Assistance so families can integrate into communities.  Finally, to increase affordability and reduce poverty we need competitive car insurance, reliable public transit and walkable communities.  

Encourage Debate and Disagreement:  British Columbia needs a balanced approach where all points of view are valid.  Tension is the essence of democracy. It’s analogous to putting up a tarp; everyone NEEDS to create tension to protect their interests. We know that if someone gives up or is not allowed to pull on their side, then constituents do not receive maximum protection under cover. (Credit Dr Liane Davey – The Good Fight) In B.C. everyone is pulling on the tarp; engaged in the discussion, debate and ideation.