The legislative session begins on Feb. 9. During the legislative session, our government will continue to work to grow our strong and diverse economy.
Budget 2016 will be unveiled Feb. 16. As part of Budget 2016, our government is considering a number of options that would help B.C. families, seniors and individuals with the cost of living.
This includes potential changes to help reduce the cost of health care premiums, particularly among lower income individuals. Starting Jan. 1, 2017, Medical Services Plan premiums will no longer be charged for children. This change will have a significant effect on the cost of living for single-parent families. Each family’s monthly rate will be based on the number of adults in the household. For example, a single parent with two children will be charged the single adult rate, rather than the three-person rate as they are today. While at the legislature I will continue to advocate on your behalf.
My constituency office, located at #401 410 Kinchant St. in Quesnel, is open Monday by appointment and Tuesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed between 12 and 1 p.m. If you have any questions or concerns, please stop by. My constituency assistants Kiley Sales and Sheila Mitchell will be happy to help. You can also contact my constituency office at 250-991-0296 or, toll free 1-866-991-0296. You can also e-mail coralee.oakes.mla@leg.bc.ca.
This Monday, Feb. 8, offers families the chance to spend some extra time together with B.C.’s fourth annual Family Day. Families are at the heart of who we are here in B.C. Family Day recognizes and celebrates the important role that families play in building successful citizens, vibrant communities and a strong B.C.
Our government is helping to support special events and activities across the province, including here in Williams Lake. If you’re looking for some fun activities for the whole family to enjoy on Monday, Feb. 8, I encourage you to go to the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. Skate from 12 to 1:30 p.m. and swim from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. free of charge. I wish you all a safe and happy Family Day with your family, friends and loved ones.
Coralee Oakes is the MLA for Cariboo North and Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction.
