Dear Community Member, May 30, 2020
As we wrap up the second week of Phase 2, there have been a lot of positive signs that many things are returning to normal. While we know this recovery won’t happen overnight, and there are likely to be a few bumps along the road, we have a lot of progress to be proud of.
Topping the list is Premier John Horgan’s success in convincing the federal government to commit to implementing a national sick leave program, which will give all workers in Canada 10 days of paid sick leave per year. To avoid a resurgence in new cases, it will be critical that people stay home if they are at all sick. Paid sick leave ensures that workers won’t have to choose between not spreading illness and a paycheque.
More local businesses in our community are starting to open up with safety plans in place, and our government is making it easier for restaurants and pubs to expand their patios and service areas so we can practice physical distancing while enjoying meals and drinks. Supporting our local businesses safely will be a key part of restarting B.C.’s economy.
Parents who choose to do so will be able to send their kids back to school part-time starting next week, and child care centres are gradually re-opening and increasing their capacity. This transition is being done with the expert guidance of Dr. Bonnie Henry, and with the safety of children, families and staff as the top priority. This step will help a lot of parents get back to work and will give children more of that important learning and social time with their friends and teachers. This is especially important for children who need extra support, to help make sure they are not falling further behind.
We recently launched a provincewide survey, Your story, our future, to gather feedback from British Columbians on your experiences and actions you have taken so far in the COVID-19 pandemic in B.C.
So far, over 275,000 British Columbians have completed the survey, which is an outstanding response, and we would like to hear from even more: younger, older, in the north, south, east and west. It is only a few minutes of your time, but it will make a huge difference.
And, if you have already completed the survey, help someone else to do the same. If you know of a senior who may have difficulty completing the survey, reach out and provide some assistance. If English is not your first language, you can complete the survey by phone in 150 languages.
Surrey-Whalley Constituency Office
10574 King George Blvd., Surrey, B.C. V3T 2X3
P : (604) 586-2740 | F : (604) 586-2800
Email: bruce.ralston.mla@leg.bc.ca Website: www.bruceralstonmla.ca Facebook: /SWHMLAOffice
Your feedback and your story will help us understand how the pandemic has affected you so far and make decisions on our future here in British Columbia.
For the Your story, our future For the Your story, our future survey, visit: www.bccdc.ca/covid19survey For those who cannot complete the survey online, or need assistance in another language, call 1 833 707-1900 seven days a week between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Pacific time) to take the survey over the phone.
We have much more work to do, but we will get there together. If you have any questions or need assistance with COVID-19 financial supports or B.C.’s Restart Plan, I encourage you to reach out to my office. We remain open via phone, 604-586-2740, where you are welcome to leave a message which will be returned; and email to, bruce.ralston.mla@leg.bc.ca, to support you.
Bruce Ralston, MLA
Surrey – Whalley
Saturday, April 18, 2026
