North Island – Powell River MP Blaney Outlines Riding Priorities Going Forward

North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney has laid out what she’d like to see for her riding in next week’s federal budget.

In a letter sent to the Minister of Finance, Blaney urged the government to take immediate action to tackle housing and food insecurity, as well as the opioid crisis in her riding, while demanding support for local small businesses.

Blaney says housing has become unaffordable across Canada, and this holds true in North Island-Powell River, with families being stretched to the limit.

Also, food bank usage across the country is at its highest level since 1989, and Blaney says local food banks are telling her they are at risk of closing without more government support.

In terms of the opioid crisis, Blaney says toxic drug overdoses have devastated countless communities with Campbell River witnessing the worst year on record for toxic drug-related deaths, the fifth highest in the province.

She’s calling for a health-based plan for harm reduction and treatment.

Blaney is also calling on the Liberals to address Old Age Security and some Veterans benefits.

The federal budget will be delivered on Tuesday.