People in Vernon and the North Okanagan will have improved access to expanded mental-health and substance-use services as the Province moves forward with a new, state-of-the-art in-patient psychiatric unit at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

The Province is reviewing a recent report by B.C.’s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, about the Prescribed Safer Supply program (prescribed alternatives), while making immediate updates to the program based on her recommendations to reduce unintended harms and help people living with addiction stay alive.

More renters with low to moderate incomes will be able to get financial support as the Province provides additional funding to BC Rent Bank to help people sustain their housing when faced with an unanticipated financial challenge.

More affordable housing options are on the way for people in B.C. as eligibility for the upcoming Secondary Suites Incentive Program (SSIP) is being expanded to 15 regional districts.

More supports are coming for people who are unhoused and sheltering in encampments.

People in Osoyoos will soon have access to 43 new affordable rental homes with construction starting on an on-reserve housing development.