Judy Darcy

I awoke to a sky over the Salish Sea that literally appeared to be on fire, transforming in minutes into gentler versions of itself.

Finally, reluctantly, Gary and I took down our beautiful Christmas tree today. The brilliantly-coloured decorations, pine scent and bright lights have helped keep us cozy and happy on Mayne Island - in our tiny bubble of two. Looking forward to sharing the next holiday season with our family and dear friends.

This guy! Gary and I met on International Women’s Day in 1976 and yesterday was our 43rd anniversary. (Yes, we were teenagers when we got together!) I love him more now than ever - which is a good thing since we are each other’s Covid bubble! (Full disclosure: this photo is 5 1/2 years old).

Who knows what memorabilia you’ll find digging through cupboards and storage spaces to make room for all the stuff I’ve cleared out from my Victoria apartment, Minister’s Office and Constituency Office as I retire! What would you do with a personally autographed BIG Ed Broadbent and Judy Darcy sign from the 1988 federal election???

A glorious sunrise over the Salish Sea. Becoming a morning person!

Who knows what memorabilia you’ll find digging through cupboards and storage spaces to make room for all the stuff I’ve cleared out from my Victoria apartment, Minister’s Office and Constituency Office as I retire! What would you do with a personally autographed BIG Ed Broadbent and Judy Darcy sign from the 1988 federal election???

A gentle sunrise over the Southern Gulf Islands in the Salish Sea soothes the soul.

Had a great time today preparing for CTV Vancouver BC election night panel with Dianne Watts, Mario Canseco and anchors MiJung Lee and Scott Roberts. Several hours of rehearsals - physically distanced of course! Join us for the real thing on Saturday night!

I just voted! So excited to cast my ballot for the amazing Jennifer Whiteside, our BCNDP candidate here in New Westminster. Thought it might feel strange not to see my name on the ballot this time. But it felt good! Just right. I know Jennifer is going to do great things - for people in New Westminster and across BC. She already has!... Go Jennifer go! See more

Proud to support Jennifer Whiteside in the race to represent the NDP in New Westminster!

Today I made a huge personal announcement! I will not be running for re-election in the next BC Election. It has been the honour of a lifetime to serve as MLA for New Westminster and as BC's first (and Canada's only) Minister for Mental Health and Addiction. The trust that my constituents have placed in me has been truly humbling. And I have thrown my heart and my soul into making our community and our province a better and more just place.... My heart is full of emotion today. And full of gratitude for everyone who has supported me on this journey. I am especially grateful to those who give their all every single day on the front lines of mental health, addiction and the overdose crisis. I have been truly blessed to work with smart, skillful, and truly compassionate staff in my Constituency Office, Minister's Office and Ministry. I will truly miss working with Premier John Horgan and my dear friends and Caucus and Cabinet colleagues. I am intensely proud of all that we have accomplished together in such a short time. But I am looking forward to spending more time with my husband Gary, the love of my life who has stood with me and supported me for 44 years, and my six-year-old grandson who fills my heart with joy. You'll find me walking along the Fraser River, getting back into photography, hiking and paddling in the Gulf Islands... And yes, volunteering. And I will of course be working flat out to elect the next NDP MLA for New Westminster and a John Horgan Government. https://www.newwestrecord.ca//new-westminster-mla-judy-dar

Today our Province took a huge step forward towards expanding access to safe pharmaceutical alternatives to the extremely toxic drug supply. These measures will save the lives of our brothers, sisters, friends and family. I am so proud our government is the only one in Canada taking bold action on all pathways to #StopOverdose and #EndStigma! https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MMHA0051-001754

So excited to support Westminster House so it can provide holistic care to women and girls struggling with #addiction. This commitment ensures that when women reach out for help, Westminster House will be there to help them on their healing journey. #mentalhealth

New Westminster residents - the city is providing updates on the fire and smoke conditions here: https://www.newwestcity.ca//13/westminster-pier-park-fire. Here is the latest update as of 3:30: "Due to ongoing efforts to suppress the fire on the timber wharf at Westminster Pier Park, New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services is urging all local residents to stay away from the downtown area, remain inside if possible and close windows and doors.... Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions or acute infections such as COVID-19 should postpone or reduce outdoor physical activity until the advisory is lifted, especially if breathing feels uncomfortable. Exposure to smoke is particularly a concern for people with underlying conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and/or diabetes, individuals with respiratory infections such as COVID-19, pregnant women and infants, children, and older adults. Individuals who are socially marginalized may also be at elevated risk. Anyone experiencing symptoms of shortness of breath, severe cough, dizziness, chest pain or heart palpitations due to smoky conditions should seek medical attention or call 8-1-1."

Thank you, thank you, thank you to the brave fire crews from New West and neighbouring cities who worked through the night to contain this fire. Due to highly toxic smoke, individuals are advised to stay away from the area and residents in the downtown core should keep doors and windows closed. My office is reaching out to Fraser Health and will post updates as we receive them.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day a day to come together to raise awareness, reduce stigma and prevent these very preventable deaths. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, reach out for help. You are not alone. https://cmha.bc.ca/suicide-facts-and-figures/

To all of our friends and family in the labour movement - thank you for continuing the fight to protect workers' rights! And thank you the frontline and essential workers who have kept us safe and supported during this pandemic. Happy Labour Day!

Honoured to speak to the 1500 people participating virtually in the 4th annual #RecoveryCapitalConference : We can’t close any avenue towards healing. Recovery works. Harm reduction works. Safe supply of prescription medication work. We need all hands on deck to turn the tide on the #overdosecrisis. The brightest spot in these last few terribly difficult months has been the unity we’ve seen with people coming together in common cause to fight #COVID19. We need that same spir...it to respond to the fentanyl poisoning crisis all across BC. Heartfelt thanks to all the people on the front lines of addiction who are giving their all! #recoverycapitalconference

What a blast to host a virtual cooking show fundraiser for the New West NDP from my kitchen tonight! Enormous thanks to the stars of the show: Alejandro Diaz, owner of El Santo and Amaranthus restaurants in New West, amazing chef Sam, sous-chef Parker Diaz, and bartender Kate. Sam taught us to cook two incredible vegetarian dishes. I loved Kate’s blueberry-basil-lemon Mocktail to celebrate Recovery Week. And Parker charmed us all! A huge thank you to all our generous supporters and to the volunteers who made it happen. So much fun to cook for a Better BC!

New Child and Youth #mentalhealth teams are coming to 3 more school districts Richmond, Coast Mountains and Okanagan-Similkameen. Together, we’re working to make sure young people are able to not just survive, but thrive. news.gov.bc.ca/22978

Today is #InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay. Now more than ever, we must come together with compassion and commitment to prevent more lives from being lost to the overdose crisis. Learn how you can get involved. #StopOverdose #IOAD2020

Hope you can join me and the New West NDP Tuesday Sept. 2 as we learn to cook a delicious meal with Alejandro Diaz, owner of El Santo and Amaranthus restaurants in New Westminster! I can’t wait to find out what Alejandro has planned for a Minister Mocktail. You can purchase your tickets below!

Access to the right service at the right time is essential for people living with addiction to begin their healing journey. BCCSU is making it easier to locate bed based treatment and recovery supports by listing them in one single online location.

And it’s a wrap! Yesterday was the last day of the hybrid-virtual summer sitting of the BC Legislature. We’ve been working hard to keep people safe and lay the groundwork for an economic recovery that works for people. I am deeply honoured to serve in government with the people’s Premier John Horgan, our Finance Minister and my dear friend Carole James, and our entire wonderful BCNDP team. So proud to represent the good people of New Westminister. Now..... vacation here I come!

There has never been a greater investment in youth treatment beds, as we more than double the number in BC ensuring young people get the support they need and begin their pathway to healing. #mentalhealth #bcpoli

Great news! This new funding will help train 15 new mental health care workers in the Campbell River area. #bcpoli #mentalhealth

Traverse, a new treatment centre for youth ages 13-18 in Chilliwack, will soon be open. This new facility is going to change the lives of young people struggling with substance use challenges and add to our growing continuum of care for youth.

There have been devastating consequences for people who use substances during the #COVID19 and #Overdose public health emergencies. That's why our government is scaling up existing OPS and outreach teams to help people access the services they need and deserve.

Great article on the new 75 bed Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre in New Westminster. The centre will provide outpatient services, a mood disorder clinic, expanded adolescent mental health services, and urgent psychiatric referrals. #NewWest #mentalhealth @#bcpoli

I’m absolutely thrilled to announce the opening of the new Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre at Royal Columbian Hospital, which will help British Columbians, including youth and seniors, get the help they need and deserve faster. This is a wonderful healing space with 75 beds and several new and expanded outpatient clinics to support people on their healing journey.

Proudly wearing my New Westminster Salmonbellies mask today. Perhaps we can find one for John Horgan too! #GoBelliesgo #Bleedred #NewWest #Salmonbellies

Every year I look forward to celebrating Recovery Day in New Westminster. 25,000+ people take over the streets of Uptown to say recovery is possible. It's more important than ever we come together virtually this Recovery Day September 5th to say recovery works!

Large gatherings have consequences for everyone. Right now, over 1,000 British Columbians are self-isolating because one weekend of unsafe partying, in one comm...unity, exposed them to COVID-19. That’s people who can’t go to work, see their friends or enjoy the summer because they have to stay home to keep us safe. We can do better. Let’s keep our groups small, and only hang out with people we know. See more

Three years ago, our BC NDP government, supported by the BC Green Caucus, began our work to make life better for British Columbians. Since then, we have made a real impact in people’s lives, and we have faced challenges big and small - including some that no one could have predicted. I’m honoured to be be part of the John Horgan team and proud of what we have accomplished. I also know how much people are counting on us and that there is so much more to do!

Today, people in British Columbia learned that we lost another 175 people to overdose in June. I join all those who are grieving and sitting with a broken heart over this tragedy. Each person who died was loved, valued and will be missed. COVID-19 has resulted in a more toxic drug supply than ever before and it’s taking a devastating toll. People living with substance use challenges need compassion and support, not judgment or blame. Now is the time for courageous conversati...ons. Talk to loved ones who might be at risk and remember that substance use affects people from all walks of life. We help keep each other safe by staying open and connected. Our government is working at full speed to stem the tide of this crisis and build the comprehensive system of mental health and addictions care that British Columbians deserve. We thank everyone who is working on the frontlines to care for people in need. Each of us can play a part in helping stop overdose, learn how below. See more

We know that most people who #overdose had contact with health services in the months prior to their death. The new and expanded substance use teams announced today will ensure people with #addictions stay connected to health and treatment as they work towards wellness and recovery.

This investment will add 50 to 70 new beds to improve access to treatment and recovery services and connect more people to the help they need. This represents just one more step towards building the comprehensive system of #mentalhealth and addictions care everyone deserves. #StopOverdose

BC's Police Act is 45 years old. It's out of date and out of step with our values and approach to systemic racism, UNDRIP, addiction, mental health and addictions. More can and must be done. That’s why our government today announced a thorough review of the Police Act.

Tonight is the first of four regional public telephone town halls focused on BC’s recovery. Pre-registration is now closed for tonight's session for the Lower Mainland but you can still dial in at the beginning of the event using 1-877-229-8493 and enter the ID Code: 117216. We want to hear your ideas on BC’s recovery! Share your priorities and help us make the right decisions for BC’s future.

Healthcare workers, including those in the continuing care sector, have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic from the beginning. They’ve made immense sacrifices to keep British Columbians safe. Now it’s our turn to help them, and we’re doing exactly that with the launch of the Canadian Mental Health Association BC division’s Care to Speak program. I’m honoured that our government is able to support this great program! Reach out now and get the mental health supports you need and deserve.

Today is #PTSDAwarenessDay and it’s important to remember that not all wounds are visible. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with PTSD there is help available. Speaking to an experienced psychologist is just a phone call away.

Today I was honoured to bring forward proposed changes to the Mental Health Act that would provide youth under the age of 19 who are admitted to an emergency department with stabilization care immediately following an overdose. This short-term emergency care will help youth stabilize and leave the hospital with a clear plan to access voluntary services and supports in the community. I’m so proud of our government for bringing forward this emergency measure that will be vital to saving young lives.

Our BC Grads have overcome every challenge put in front of them. While we may be celebrating your accomplishments from a distance, that doesn’t diminish the hard work and resilience you’ve demonstrated. On behalf of John Horgan and our BC New Democrat caucus, congratulations to the class of 2020! We can’t wait to see what’s next for you.

Today, we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day to honour the significant contributions indigenous, First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, while acknowledging the historic, colonial injustices and ongoing discrimination that continue to affect the lives of Indigenous peoples. We will continue on this shared journey toward reconciliation. We can participate to many events being held online across the nation. https:tinyurl.com/y73mhzn6

Today we celebrate the National Day of Collaboration for Brain Injury Services and Supports. I’m pleased to announce funding for the CGB Centre for Traumatic Life Losses project that will gather input from people living with brain injuries and their families. #HeadsTogether2020. https://news.gov.bc.ca/22433

It’s the first anniversary of the South Asian Youth Mental Health Ambassadors and have they ever been making waves! These inspiring young people have been doing wonderful outreach in the community, combatting stigma - saying It’s OK to say I’m not OK learning about overdose prevention and much much more. So proud that our government could support them!

With the opening of eight new Foundry BC centres, I’m so excited that young people in rural and urban BC, will be able to get quick access to the #mentalhealth and substance use services they need and deserve.

Eight new Foundry BC Youth centres will be opening across BC soon! That means young people with #mentalhealth & substance use challenges now have a safe judgement-free place, where they can feel comfortable asking for help and accessing the services they need.

Last month, we lost 170 people in BC to overdose. Since Covid-19 hit, the drug supply has become more toxic than ever. If you use drugs, I’m appealing to you. Buddy up. Use the new Lifeguard app. Reach out for safe prescription alternatives. Look at recovery options. Visit an OPS or SCS they are still open. Carry Naloxone and know the signs of overdose so someone can call 911 to get help fast. And I'm appealing to everyone. Reach out with compassion - not condemnation - to people you love who are isolated and may be using drugs alone. Support them to get the help they need to stay safe.

Congrats to the graduating class of 2020! You've overcome so much to get here. 2020 will be a year to remember - especially for students who had to learn while adapting to changing classrooms and a world in turmoil. I am so inspired by your drive and your passion for Social and Environmental justice. So enjoy this accomplishment - and then get ready. We need your energy, ideas, and drive to build a better New Westminster, a better BC, and a better world!

I will listen and stand with you against racism. #BlackOutTuesday #EveryDay

Talk about inspiring stories! Nathan McTaggart and his father, Keven, have written a book called Mom and Her Super Heroes! to celebrate healthcare workers, grocery store workers and first responders during #COVID19. Download your copy here: nathanssuperheroes.com/mom-and-her-super-heroes/

Racism has no place in our society - but it will continue to exist unless we actively challenge it. Each of us has a responsibility to confront racism - in our communities, workplaces, schools and all of our institutions - and to reach out, to listen, and support our neighbours when they are targeted with hate. #DifferentTogether

Schizophrenia is still a much misunderstood mental illness. Today I’m busting the myth that people with schizophrenia can’t make meaningful contributions to the world. Please join me in the BC Schizophrenia Society’s #BustASchizophreniaMyth campaign to bust this myth and many others!

A powerful trip down memory lane! 50 years ago I was proud to be one of hundreds of women from across Canada who descended on Ottawa to demand that abortion be removed from the criminal code so that women have the right to control their own bodies and lives. Take a look at this video about that historic action featuring a very, very young yours truly!

"Workers without sick-pay won’t be financially penalized for following public health advice to stay home if they are feeling unwell." Thank you to the many community advocates and labour organizers who made this happen! Thank you John Horgan for pushing for this as a national program! And thank you to Jagmeet Singh and Canada’s NDP / Le NPD du Canada for making this a condition for their support in reconvening Parliament.

This week is #ParamedicServicesWeek! I want to extend an enormous heartfelt thank you to 4500 paramedics on the front lines in every corner of BC. Thank you on behalf of a grateful province! #bcpoli

*LAST CHANCE* Submit your messages of thanks for Frontline workers to [email protected] or leave a short reply in the comments for a chance to have it printed in the New West Record. #NewWestSaysThanks

Would you like to show your support for front line workers in next week’s #NewWestRecord? Send in your submission to [email protected] by Tuesday at 10:00 for a chance to have your photo or message appear! Late submissions may also be shared next week on Social Media or share your own using the hashtag #NewWestSaysThanks ... https://bit.ly/2T9outf

Premier John Horgan, Minister of Education Rob Fleming, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister of State for Child Care provide an update to the media on next steps for student access to in-class instruction. For more information on provincial support related to COVID-19 visit http://gov.bc.ca/covid19

3pm COVID-19 Update for May 12, 2020

COVID-19 Update May 11, 2020

Happy Mother’s Day! Sending this collage/bouquet of spectacular tulips to mothers and grandmothers everywhere. Wishing you a day full of love and connection even as we physically distance. Special wishes to those moms working on the front lines keeping us healthy and safe.

Out for a walk and won’t make it home for 7 pm tonight. But I’m sending these Dogwood flowers as a tribute to ALL health care workers - no matter your occupation or where you work. The Dogwood is BC’s official flower - and you are BC’s heroes! Thank you today and every day for keeping us healthy and safe! #FloralPhotoTribute #Covid19

A new series of virtual townhalls will kick off on Friday, May 8 at 2:30PM PDT with Premier John Horgan and Finance Minister Carole James. Watch live here on Facebook, and on YouTube, and submit your questions about BC's Restart Plan in advance at https://feedback.engage.gov.bc.ca/679317?lang=en

Today is #ChildandYouthMentalHealthDay - a day for parents, educators, caretakers and the community to come together to connect with young people about their mental health. The theme for this year is "caring" and the message is simple: "I care about you."

The next step in BC's Restart Plan, starting mid-May, means some businesses can restart and small social gatherings with physical distancing will be possible again. As Dr. Henry says, we can double our bubble! By moving carefully, we will ensure all of our combined efforts and sacrifices are not squandered. Full details of the plan can be found here: https://gov.bc.ca/restartBC

Take a minute to listen to my incredible MLA colleagues - the talented Bowinn Ma, Katrina Chen and Bob D’Eith - performing Keep Holding On - a very moving song by Avril Lavigne. Music that touches the soul!

"It's ok to say I'm not ok, so many of us are struggling," says Minister of Mental Health and Addictions & New Westminster MLA Judy Darcy in her #GratitudeWeek ...& #MentalHealthWeek message to UFCW 1518 members. The BC Goverment has put in place many new mental health supports to help workers go through the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more at gov.bc.ca/covid19 and look under "Health Care & Mental Health." Thank you so much for taking care of British Columbians!

May 4th to 10th marks #MentalHealth Week in Canada a week to celebrate, protect and promote mental health. The theme this year is social connection and it could not be more timely. This year Canadians are being asked to #GetReal about mental health to tell others how they are really feeling and to reach out for help and connection when they need it. If we take the time to hear what people are really saying when they reply with a simple fine or OK, we will connect in ways that make a real difference to the well-being of someone who is struggling.

Restarting BC's economy is going to take time so that we can ensure everyone stays safe. Next week, we'll announce a phased-in approach to lift restrictions and protect the progress we've made in fighting COVID-19. Watch for more info:

Premier John Horgan provides an update on BC's State of Emergency related to COVID-19. For more information on supports related to COVID-19 visit http://gov.bc.ca/covid19

On this National Day of Mourning, we remember those who were killed, injured, or made ill as a result of workplace incidents. We must all make sure workers have the supports they need to do their jobs safely, and do everything we can to prevent workplace incidents. Every worker deserves to come home to their family at the end of the day. Learn more: https://www.dayofmourning.bc.ca/... This evening at 7pm, you can participate in the New Westminster & District Labour Council virtual Day of Mourning. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/226317995082222/