Member for Parkville Qualicum- thank you. Mr Speaker I rise today to speak to an issue that we all see and are all impacted by that of homelessness and precarious housing. To do this, I want to focus on a positive and practical way that we can make a difference. It's understandable that for many of us the problem can feel overwhelming. We may not know how, as an individual, we can impact the structural poverty. Mental health and substance use challenges that are often correlated with homelessness or the issues of family stability and Trauma.

That can lead to a life of vulnerability, but there is something we can all do. The coldest night of the year walk is a fun and easy way that individuals can step forward and contribute to making real change in our community proceeds raised in Nanaimo and Oceanside help fund the shelter and support programs of Island Crisis Care Society that focus on this vulnerable population.

Iccs clients often face significant barriers to connection stemming from adversity in their past and stigma. In their present, funds raised to go towards Innovative client-centered programming that can address the needs, including specialized life skills and employability, programming through project rise and client-centered Outreach supports for people experiencing homelessness and precarious housing and Oceanside through Oceanside Outreach. The record number of individuals, Community groups and businesses. Stepping forward this year to support is incredible, not only raising funds but, more importantly, raising awareness at the center of the coldest night of the year is the idea of community.

Let's work together to address the challenges faced by our vulnerable population and help them move forward to well-being, join us, Saturday, February 25th and let's make a difference. Thank you. Mr Speaker.