I am working hard to maintain Francophone language and culture. As a father to two daughters, Katherine and Sarah, who attended French school growing up, and a long-time resident of Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam, home to Maillardville, I understand the importance of supporting our French communities. That’s why our government has provided:
- $3.5 million to École des Pionniers to build a state-of-the-art French school in our community
- $62,000 to the Société Francophone de Maillardville for their Festival du Bois in 2017 and 2018
- $2,200 to Coquitlam Place Des Arts Society for their Brighten Up! Event
Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam has always attracted people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, and getting to know new neighbours in our community is one of the best parts of my job. I work hard to make our immigrants and refugees feel welcome and to assist their transition to our community by:
- Meeting with newcomers in our communities to discuss their experiences and concerns.
- Working with organizations, such as the Tri-Cities Friends of Refugees Task Group, to assist newcomers with their transition.
- Attending multi-cultural events such as Nowruz, Easter service, Iftar, and Chinese New Year at Henderson Place.
- My office has assisted thousands of Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam residents with immigration issues – everything from reuniting families to ensuring that special someone is able to attend a milestone family event. I am so proud of the work we do to help our community!
I was proud to support Masjid Alhidayah and Islamic Cultural Centre’s application to the Security Infrastructure Program. This fund provided them with $53,000 so they could install a modern security system and increase safety in our community.
Did you know? Since I was elected I take French lessons every week! And, in the summer of 2018, I spent two-weeks in Quebec at French School.