Pam has spent much of her life serving her community. She represented the riding of Abbotsford–Mission and served as British Columbia’s Minister of Agriculture and Food from 2022 to 2024.

Her journey in public service began in 2005 when she was elected as a School Trustee, a role she held until 2011. She later served as a Mission City Councillor from 2014 to 2018, before becoming Mayor from 2018 to 2020. During her time in local government, Pam worked closely with neighbouring communities—especially the City of Abbotsford—on important regional priorities like water, sewer, and transit. Through this work, she developed a strong understanding of the issues affecting Abbotsford, Mission, and the communities throughout the Fraser Valley.

Before entering politics, Pam was deeply involved in both the nonprofit and business communities. She served on numerous boards, including as Vice President of the Mission Chamber of Commerce, and was an active member of the Rotary Club of Mission Midday and the Sunshine Rotary Club. Her dedication to community service led to her serving as Club President and earning four Paul Harris Fellowships. She also served as Vice President of the BC Winter Games from 2012 to 2015.
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Pam holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria and earned her Professional Development Program (PDP) teaching certification in 1982, specializing in English and Theatre. Earlier in her career, she taught ESL in Japan and Texas before eventually settling in Mission in 1996, where she raised her two children.

With over 8 years of experience in government relations and 10 years serving as a City Councillor for Coquitlam, Dennis brings unparalleled expertise and dedication to every project. His passion for policy-making has led to impactful contributions in investment policy, tax policy, foreign credential recognition, and more.

Beyond Bluestone, Dennis has made a lasting impact on the community, serving in leadership roles with organizations like the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, BC Chamber of Commerce, and Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation.

Thank you, Dennis, for your commitment and hard work over the past five years. We’re grateful to have you on the team and look forward to many more years of success together! 🚀

Mark Jiles, President
Bluestone Government Relations

With over 30 years of experience in government, law, and the entertainment industry, Bob joins Bluestone Government Relations with a focus on interpreting government policy and navigating complex government issues and environment.

A former MLA for Maple Ridge - Mission (2017-2024), Bob’s leadership as Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film and Chair of the Finance and Government Services Committee, along with his roles on Treasury Board and the Legislative Review Committee, brings invaluable insight to our team.
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Bob’s unique blend of experience will further elevate Bluestone’s 360° approach to government relations, empowering us to deliver even more strategic, results-driven solutions that align with our clients’ visions and goals.

Get in touch with Bob please email: bob@bluestonegovernmentrelations.ca
or call mobile: 604-836-0420

It marks an important milestone for Mack Trucks, for waste management company Emterra Environmental, and the City of Courtenay and Town of Comox on Vancouver Island.
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For Mack, the delivery of LR Electric refuse trucks to Emterra represented its largest single order of electric trucks. Three of a total eight electric refuse trucks were displayed during a special ceremony at the Comox Valley Marina, where they were welcomed with a traditional ceremony by special guests and members of the K’omoks First Nations.

For Emterra, it was a special day because the company continued to expand its sustainability mandate in building a circular economy. And for residents and elected officials from the City of Courtenay and Town of Comox, it was an opportunity to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution for inhabitants.

Navigating the legal system without the guidance of a legal professional can be overwhelming and many people choose to try to solve their own legal problems because they can’t afford help. The proposed Legal Professions Act will bring legal professions under a new single regulatory body and, depending on the legal matter, offers people the choice of hiring a lawyer, a notary public or a new designation called a regulated paralegal to assist them.
“When you need legal assistance, you shouldn’t have to choose between straining your finances or navigating a complicated legal matter on your own,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “We’re giving more people more options and helping level the playing field for people trying to resolve their legal issues.”

Consistent with government’s obligations under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, key parts of the legislation have been developed collaboratively with Indigenous partners. There will be a minimum requirement for Indigenous membership on the regulator’s board, as well as the creation of an Indigenous council to work in collaboration with the board and staff to advance efforts toward reconciliation. The regulator will be empowered to resolve concerns based on restorative processes, influenced by Indigenous practices.

“The existing legal regulation has failed Indigenous people for far too long,” said Kory Wilson, chair, BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC). “From excluding First Nations people from becoming lawyers to failing to adequately investigate complaints from Indigenous clients of their lawyers. To adequately undertake its mandate of protecting the public, specifically Indigenous clients, the legal regulator must increase the number of Indigenous lawyers and address the gross overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice and child apprehension system. BCFNJC believes that the Indigenous inclusion contained within the new legislation is a positive step forward but there is still a long way to go for the Province.”

Previously, paralegals could only provide legal services under the supervision of a lawyer. A working group will provide recommendations about what legal services the new profession should provide. Lisa Trabucco, a research professor with a focus on legal paraprofessionals, has been appointed as chair of the working group.

“I am excited to be joining the working group at this pivotal point in the modernization of legal services delivery in British Columbia,” said Trabucco, assistant dean, Professional Programs and Community Services, Windsor Law. “Paralegals already perform a variety of legal work and my research reveals that regulated paralegals are capable providers of legal services. This new legislation will give regulated paralegals independence, so they can help more people with their legal problems and make justice more accessible.”

The scope of notaries public will also be expanded to cover more day-to-day legal matters, such as helping clients with the probate process or preparing wills that have a life estate component.
Under a single regulator, the three professions will maintain their independence from government. The regulator will have a mandate to govern the professions in public interest based on several guiding principles, including improving access to legal services. An independent tribunal will also be established to impartially hear disciplinary cases involving legal professionals.
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The Legal Professions Act builds on government’s work to expand opportunities for people who need help with legal problems in B.C. This year, government has also expanded legal aid for people experiencing family violence, launched a new service to help people whose intimate images have been shared without consent and opened five new Indigenous justice centres.

Learn More: 
For more information about B.C. legislation, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/legislation/ 

If you have any other questions or concerns please contact us!
604.697.0566 or email us ​mark@jiles.ca

BC Hydro has launched a call for power to ensure that people and businesses will have the clean, affordable electricity needed to power B.C.’s growing economy and create jobs throughout the province.
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“British Columbians are on the front lines of the fight against climate change and seeing the devastating impact it is having on our communities. The switch from fossil fuels to clean power has never felt more urgent,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “That’s why we are working in collaboration with BC Hydro, First Nations and the independent power industry to generate more of the electricity that B.C. needs to build a clean economy and power our future.”       

Following months of engagement with the independent power industry, First Nations and stakeholders, BC Hydro has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to acquire approximately 3,000 gigawatt hours per year (GWh/y) of electricity. This is BC Hydro’s first competitive call for power in 15 years and will add 5% to its current supply, providing enough clean electricity to power 270,000 homes or approximately one million electric vehicles per year.

The development and construction of new clean-energy projects in response to the call for power will generate an estimated $2.3 billion to $3.6 billion in private capital spending throughout the province and create approximately 800 to 1,500 jobs on average annually.

Electricity demand is expected to increase by 15% between now and 2030. This is due to population growth and housing construction, increased industrial development, including in the mining sector, and more homes and businesses switching from fossil fuels to clean electricity, among other factors. 

“We’re taking action to create thousands of construction jobs for skilled workers as major infrastructure projects like Site C reach completion,” Osborne said. “Together with BC Hydro’s 10-year capital plan, today’s call for power – the first in over 15 years – will drive sustainable growth for communities all over the province, and ensure households and businesses can power up with clean, reliable and affordable electricity.”

B.C. is well positioned to add intermittent renewables, such as wind and solar, to the electricity grid as its integrated, flexible system of hydroelectric dams act as batteries. The reservoirs store water and allow BC Hydro to ramp production up or down almost instantly, providing a reliable backup when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. The cost of wind and solar, and the time needed to construct new facilities has dropped in recent years.   

“I’m proud and excited to work alongside First Nations, independent power producers and stakeholders, and government to design and launch BC Hydro’s first call for power in 15 years,” said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “Our hydroelectric system of big dams and reservoirs provides a reliable and flexible power base over which we can layer new sources of renewable generation like wind and solar, expanding and diversifying our electricity system to meet growing demand while creating First Nations and business opportunities in the clean energy sector.” 

BC Hydro engaged extensively with First Nations on the design of the call, including close collaboration with the First Nations Energy and Mining Council. Similar to recent calls for power by other jurisdictions (including Alberta and Saskatchewan), projects must have a minimum percentage of equity ownership held by First Nations. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make loans available as an option for First Nations to help finance as much as 90% of their equity position in a project that is awarded an electricity purchase agreement under the call for power.

This will be the first in a series of calls for power, as BC Hydro requires more power to electrify B.C.’s growing economy and meet the Province’s climate targets. BC Hydro expects its next call to be issued in 2026, with successive calls to be issued approximately every two years. The volume and timing of future calls will be determined through BC Hydro’s long-term resource-planning process and subject to review by the BC Utilities Commission.

Separate from the call for power process, BC Hydro recently updated its 10-year capital plan (2024-25 to 2033-34). It provides for nearly $36 billion in investments by BC Hydro to maintain and strengthen B.C.’s electricity grid across the province. This represents an increase of 50% over BC Hydro’s previous capital plan and includes new and upgraded transmission lines, substations and other equipment. These new constructions projects are projected to support more than 10,500 jobs on average annually and will increase and maintain BC Hydro’s capital investments, as major projects like Site C are completed.

Quick Fact: 

• Currently, 98% of the power generated for B.C.’s integrated grid comes from clean or renewable resources, making B.C. the leader in North America when it comes to clean energy.

Learn More: 
For more information about BC Hydro’s call for power, including the RFP document and schedules, a specimen electricity purchase agreement and an engagement summary, visit:  https://www.bchydro.com/2024CallforPower
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To view BC Hydro’s updated 10-year capital plan, Power Pathway: Building BC’s energy future, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CS-4307-CapitalPlan_LTR.pdf

People living with diabetes will benefit from BC PharmaCare’s coverage of FreeStyle Libre 2, a flash glucose monitor (FGM) that allows users to read their blood-sugar levels by swiping a hand-held device or smartphone over the sensor.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 will be covered by BC PharmaCare as a limited-coverage benefit beginning Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023.

Glucose monitors enable patients or their caregivers to take action sooner, and help protect people by empowering patients, caregivers and clinicians to identify glucose trends and adjust medications, activity and food intake.

An FGM system uses an externally worn glucose sensor that is inserted under the skin of a person’s upper arm. When the sensor is “flashed” or scanned with a reader device or smartphone, it transmits the real-time glucose reading and information to the user. A sensor can be worn continuously for as many as 14 days.

Similar to the Dexcom G6, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) covered by PharmaCare since June 2021, the FreeStyle Libre 2 helps people living with diabetes better manage their blood-sugar levels without having to prick their finger multiple times a day to test manually. 
PharmaCare currently covers approximately 13,000 patients for the Dexcom G6. New patients may use a FreeStyle Libre 2 once it becomes a PharmaCare benefit.

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to regulate blood-glucose levels. The complications of poorly controlled diabetes range from acute (e.g., fatigue, ketoacidosis, seizures) to chronic (e.g., nerve and organ damage). In Canada, diabetes is the sixth-leading cause of death and the leading cause of blindness, end-stage kidney disease and non-traumatic amputation.
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PharmaCare continues to improve access to the medical devices and prescription drugs that people in B.C. need. In January 2019, B.C. made a $105-million investment over three years to reduce and/or eliminate Fair PharmaCare deductibles and co-payments for British Columbians with lower incomes. 

Learn More: For more information about diabetes, visit:
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/illnesses-conditions/diabetes/diabetes
To learn more about the Dexcom 6 CGM, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0113-001142
About PharmaCare coverage of diabetes supplies:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare-for-bc-residents/what-we-cover/medical-supplies-coverage/diabetes-supplies​

Increasing government’s share of the reimbursement cost – in some cases, even doubling it – will mean it will be more affordable for British Columbians to get these devices and enjoy their many health benefits.”  
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As of Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, BC PharmaCare is increasing the reimbursement amount for:

• prosthetics for arms and legs;
• orthotics for children and youth; and
• non-limb prosthetics, such as eyes, ears and noses.

The increased reimbursement amount will close the gap between BC PharmaCare’s maximum reimbursement amounts and a provider’s fees, making the devices more affordable. It will also benefit providers who may otherwise incur losses when patients are unable to afford the cost.

BC PharmaCare covers labour and material costs for manufacturing and dispensing custom prosthetics and orthotics, based on the recipient’s PharmaCare plan. Prosthetists and orthotists must be enrolled in PharmaCare as device providers to submit claims on behalf of their patients.

The new schedule, which is based on the Prosthetic and Orthotic Association of British Columbia’s fee guidelines, is expected to benefit more than 2,500 people in B.C. each year and cost BC PharmaCare $5 million over two years. This is the first change to the schedule since 2010.

​This reimbursement increase is one more way BC PharmaCare helps people in B.C. access the medical devices and prescription drugs they need. In January 2019, B.C. made a $105-million investment over three years to reduce or eliminate Fair PharmaCare deductibles and co-payments for lower-income British Columbians. Starting Jan. 1, 2020, government eliminated Medical Services Plan premiums, giving more money back to British Columbians.

Learn More:

​To learn more about BC PharmaCare, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/pharmacare

To learn more about prosthetics and orthotics, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/pharmacare/medicalsupplies