Wishing you a safe, happy and healthy New Year

The holiday season is not only a time to spend with family, friends and the ones we love, but it is also a time to be thankful.

The holiday season is not only a time to spend with family, friends and the ones we love, but it is also a time to be thankful for all the blessings in our lives and to rest, relax and prepare for the year ahead.

As the New Year unfolds, it is also a good time to reflect on the past year as the beginning of another year approaches.

Our community in the Cariboo has faced some challenges, especially in the past year, but we are a resilient community and we will move on, because every day we are given is a new beginning and opportunity to seize.

Moving forward into the New Year, it is a time for optimism and renewal. In 2015, it will also be a time for us to come together as a community and roll up our sleeves to strengthen the land that evokes the spirit of the Cariboo.

I am thankful for all the opportunities in B.C. and the thriving sectors including forestry, agrifoods, tourism, mining and technology — helping grow our diversified economy. And resource development helps grow other sectors of the economy, such as transportation, technology, retail trade, accommodation and food services, and manufactures. B.C. truly is such a beautiful place to bring in a new year and live in all year round.

However you choose to bring in the New Year, if you are going to be travelling on our roads, don’t forget to check the DriveBC.ca website ahead of time. There, you’ll find up-to-date road conditions so you can plan the best route.

May you not only stay safe, but I wish you good health, happiness and many blessings in the New Year.

Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.

Williams Lake Tribune