British Columbia is leading the way with new investments in sports facilities, like the new Northern Sport Centre at UNBC in Prince George and the new Field House at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. We have led Canada in banning junk food in vending machines in schools and government buildings, and in banning the use of trans-fats in the preparation of food in schools and restaurants. We have expanded our anti-tobacco programs, and published the BC HealthGuide Handbook in multiple languages.

We have launched a new 24/7 HealthLinkBC 8-1-1 hotline and website so that all British Columbians can speak with a nurse about their symptoms in any one of over 130 languages. It allows them to consult with a pharmacist about their medication questions, or get healthy eating advice from a dietitian. www.healthlinkbc.ca

A BC Liberal Government will introduce new measures to help remote communities get new access to fresh fruit and vegetables. It will continue to create new Seniors Community Parks and expand cycling paths and pedestrian walkways to create greener, healthier communities. It will give all British Columbians new electronic access to their health records. And our plan increases investments in chronic disease and addiction prevention, mental health and AIDS prevention and treatment programs.

The new mental health and addictions facility in Burnaby provides an enormous new opportunity to care for those who need our help, as do projects such as The Crossing at Keremeos addiction treatment facility for youth. More will be done.