Stockwell Day's Weekly Commentary

April 14, 2008

Words utterly fail to describe how we feel when we hear about horrific and tragic events impacting children. The Merritt knife slayings of those three beautiful kids right here in our constituency left each of us stunned and for awhile, speechless and sickened in our hearts.

I have received numerous calls, media and otherwise, for my thoughts on the incident, the killer and the aftermath. Like you, I could go on at length and with passion on my feelings towards anyone who could perpetrate such a deed. I could also comment on media reports since then.

At this point, I have to reserve any comment while the investigation continues. I do not want to say anything which could possibly be used during the apprehension or prosecution process which might in any way help the perpetrator avert the full force of the law. For now, like you, my thoughts and prayers are mainly for the family and loved ones of those three precious young people and that justice will have its way.

Moving to some of the other items that I was involved with this week, I am pleased to let you know the future focused people at Okanagan College (OC) have come forward with some innovative initiatives that will have benefits here at home as well as in other countries. Recognizing the pressing need for workers in a variety of trades and occupations, OC is reaching out - of the country that is.

Looking to Caribbean countries with high unemployment problems and young people in need of training is leading to possible solutions. Last year I met with OC and a visiting Minister of Labour to hear about plans to bring students here to take our programs, get work experience in our industries, then return to strengthen their own economies. This week I heard of yet another example of this creative OC thinking that will expand benefits at home while having positive effects abroad. This time it will involve a visiting Prime Minister from that region coming to our area to look at the possibilities.

On another front, homelessness is an issue in varying degrees around the province and in a number of Canadian cities. Studies abound on the reasons for it. The consensus is that a mix of ‘sub-groups’ make up the overall population of those we label 'homeless'. A certain percentage are those with obvious mental challenges. Along with that are those that are dealing with significant substance abuse issues. Then there are those who admit to choosing a way of life which has them relying on (and risking) the vagaries of life on the street. Still another sub group are those who have had a series of bad breaks or bad decisions that have left them destitute.

Our position federally is not to swoop down on municipalities imposing 'made in Ottawa ' programs on them. It is our view that it is more effective to identify the local agencies and groups that have effective programs and then to flow the dollars to them and audit their progress. To that end, I have just announced resources to the tune of $20 million for 117 such projects here in BC. This will go towards addressing the issue right here at home, along with Vancouver's downtown Eastside and at points of need right across the province.

Along with the announcement of a National Mental Health approach funded with over $100 million we believe we can see local projects having far reaching impacts on the lives of the needy in our communities.

On a final note, good news for the smart hockey fans who realize the world did not end with the Canucks final game. Our very own Penticton Vees dusted off that pesky Nanaimo team in four games straight (!) to win the Province and now have their determined steely eyes fixed on knocking off Alberta. I for one am convinced they can do it. Catch one or more of the games and you'll probably agree. See you at the rink!