Debra Toporowski

Wear red today to support Team Canada!

Canada takes on Qatar today at BC Place in Vancouver at 3:00 p.m., and it’s an exciting moment for soccer fans across British Columbia.

Sports have a powerful way of bringing people and communities together. Whether you’re watching from the stands, gathering with friends and family, or cheering from home, let’s celebrate the pride, energy and community spirit this match brings.

Hosting this international soccer tournament is also a major opportunity for B.C., with more than one million new visitors expected, over $1 billion in revenue, and 18,000 jobs supported by 2031.

Let’s wear red and cheer loud for Canada!

Families across Cowichan Valley are feeling the impact of rising costs.

That’s why we’re investing in school food programs—helping ease pressure on parents while making sure students have access to nutritious meals at school. Through Feeding Futures and the National School Food Program, local districts can tailor support to meet community needs and reach students who need it most.

I’m proud to share that 20 organizations in Cowichan Valley are receiving a total of $835,700 through the Community Gaming Grants Program for Human and Social Services.

This funding will support important local services that people count on every day, including mental health supports, child care, seniors’ services, education, and programs for people with disabilities.

Non-profit Across B.C., more than $56 million in funding is being provided to 1,225 organizations this year, helping build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Thank you to every organization in Cowichan Valley for the care, support, and connection you bring to our communities every day.

Learn more here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/documents-forms/information-forms-resources

Canadian Mental Health Association: Cowichan Valley Branch

Last week, I had the opportunity to tour the new Quw’utsun Valley Hospital / Quw’utsun Hulitun ew’t hw, and it was incredibly moving to see the progress being made on this historic project for the Cowichan Valley.

Construction is now 90 percent complete, with the hospital expected to open to patients in mid 2027. This new 204 bed hospital will be more than three times larger than the current Cowichan District Hospital and will bring expanded emergency care, more operating rooms, increased diagnostic capacity, dedicated mental health and substance use supports, culturally safe spaces, and free parking for patients and families.

This is more than a hospital. It is an investment in health, healing, and care close to home for generations to come.

I am grateful to the workers, health care teams, Island Health, the Cowichan District Hospital Nuts’a’maat Alliance, Indigenous partners, the Cowichan Valley Regional District, the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation, and everyone helping bring this vision to life.