Nanaimo – New Democrat MLA Sheila Malcolmson says creating sustainable jobs, expanding childcare spaces, and providing affordable housing will help Nanaimo residents recover from the pandemic, stronger and healthier.

“The pandemic has taken a toll on the people of Nanaimo and our government knows how important it is for all people to have a safe place to land and access to high quality and affordable services,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “By investing in our health and livelihoods now, Budget 2021 prepares us for a strong pandemic recovery.”

Budget 2021 builds on the work the New Democrat government has already begun in Nanaimo. In addition to replacing the aging Nanaimo ICU with a modern facility and purchasing a new MRI machine, the Province opened an urgent primary care centre and a nurse practitioner primary clinic to help meet patient needs. The government has also taken steps to improve the quality of education for Nanaimo students by hiring more teachers, creating additional classrooms, and undertaking significant HVAC and seismic upgrades at multiple schools. Residents have benefited from hundreds of new childcare spaces since 2017, increased housing for vulnerable people, including those experiencing homelessness, and affordable builds for low and middle-income families.

Provincewide Budget 2021 commitments include doubling the number of $10 a day childcare spaces, providing free public transportation for children 12 and under, improving care in long-term care homes, and record investments in mental health and addictions services. Continuing to strengthen healthcare services is of top priority in this budget and the dedicated $4 billion in funding for healthcare includes $900 million for pandemic related supports. The New Democrat government is committed to protecting people’s health and livelihoods as we build strong economic recovery that leaves no one behind.

Learn More:

More information about BC Budget 2021 can be found here: https://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2021/downloads.htm