Good Citizens

Good Citizenship is not talked about much anymore. It requires us to

• ask only for what we need;
• give back all that we are able to give;
• and help those around us that need help;
• not expecting everything to come to us from the government. 

To be sure, it is the government’s job to take care of the at risk segments of our population. But the government will never be able to meet every need of every person. We must step up and do our part.

This is something that I love about the Shuswap. This region of our province is full of great citizens. Look how we came in 3rd in Canada for total giving on the 'Coldest Night of the Year' in support of the homeless. Taken as per capita giving we were so far out in front of the rest that no one could touch us. We also had almost 1500 people involved. What is phenomenal for most, is just business as usual in the Shuswap. Look at the Rotarians and the CT scanner; the annual holiday train; the list goes on and on.

This is exactly the kind of support that a government needs in order to bring together public and private efforts. This is how, in the end, we will be able to meet everyone's needs.

As an MLA, I would work with local organizations to coordinate government assistance with community support. I am proud to be a resident of Salmon Arm and the Shuswap and I believe that we can stand tall as an example to the entire province of how a community works together.

Thank you