David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, and Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, have issued the following statement on the passing of Katherine McParland, B.C. Housing board commissioner:

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Katherine McParland.

“We know Katherine was a compassionate fighter, never shying away from the tough issues that impacted her community. She was a deeply committed advocate for youth in Kamloops and her voice resonated across British Columbia. Her passion was an inspiration and she improved the lives of everyone she met.

“She drew on her own lived experiences, as a child who grew up in the foster care system and experienced homelessness, in serving as a commissioner on B.C. Housing’s board. Her knowledge was invaluable in supporting our work to address homelessness while supporting people.

“Her expertise and leadership on youth homelessness, including in her role co-founding the B.C. Coalition to End Youth Homelessness, has already transformed the lives of many young people and will have a lasting impact in our communities.

“On behalf of the Government of British Columbia, we offer our condolences to her family, friends and everyone who was touched by Katherine’s work. She will be dearly missed.”