This afternoon, I had the opportunity to visit downtown Vancouver and meet with Alex Chan, the Manager of Communication & Stakeholder Relations in the office of the Premier’s executive branch. I genuinely appreciate Alex—and his boss (whose name escapes me for the moment)—for their willingness to connect with me directly and give space for my views. In an era where government can often feel distant, this kind of dialogue felt refreshingly personal and sincere.

During our conversation, I spoke candidly about some of the concerns that weigh heavily on many in our community. Issues surrounding homelessness, substance use, overdose, and mental health continue to demand urgent, compassionate, and innovative responses. I expressed my discomfort with the current approaches the provincial government is taking in these areas. While it’s clear that efforts are being made, too often they seem misaligned with the realities faced by those most affected.

I walked away from the meeting feeling heard—not just in the polite sense, but in a way that suggests there’s a genuine interest in shaping public policy with input from the communities it affects. That said, I’m cautious about the possibility of it being a political gesture—good intentions alone don’t change lives. Listening must lead to doing. Execution matters most. The voices of community members aren’t just there to beheard; they’re there to guide meaningful, impactful change.

I also appreciate that the office is planning to gather community leaders to hear their voices and perspectives—an important step in building bridges, sharing accurate information, and countering the confusion caused by widespread misinformation. I told them I was honored to be part of any effort to foster connection, spark dialogue, and work toward positive change for the sake of the community and society.

If today’s conversation doesn’t spark follow-through, then its value was only symbolic. But I believe in holding space for optimism—even measured and skeptical—and I’ll be watching closely to see what unfolds next. The road ahead on these issues is steep, but with open minds and empathetic ears, there’s room to forge a better path forward.