Newsletter from MLA Steve Morissette
British Columbia is home to so many diverse and amazing producers of food, drinks, and everyday goods. Our range of creative and innovative makers, artisans, and entrepreneurs is one of our many strengths as a province. It’s something we have been recognized for around the world.
As threats like tariffs and global costs of living are challenges our local producers may face, it’s important for us to pull together and support B.C. and Canadian businesses.
This week, Premier Eby met with the Prime Minister and fellow Canadian premiers to continue discussions of our ongoing response to threats like these, and emphasized the importance of breaking down trade barriers between provinces and territories, to support each other and grow our provincial economies. Even though governments in different provinces may not always agree, we all must support each other now collectively.
One recent example is the agreement we negotiated with Alberta to allow B.C. wineries to sell directly to Alberta buyers – this is good for business in both provinces, from agriculture to restaurants, and exciting news for wine connoisseurs across the country looking for B.C.’s world-famous wines.
While we work at the provincial and federal levels to support industry here and across Canada, I encourage you all to buy British Columbian, or other Canadian products whenever you can. Look for the BuyBC logo on your food and drinks, and chat with your local business owners to find new and exciting Canadian-made products. We have year-round farms offering meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, and other products right here in Kootenay-Monashee. Let’s all actively pull together to support and help grow the industry here in our region and across Canada when we need it most
For all the events at Trail & District Public Library follow on Facebook, or check out their website with events posted here
Minister’s statement on opioid litigation certification
The B.C. Supreme Court’s decided to certify British Columbia’s class-action lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors. This is a significant milestone in our fight against opioid manufacturers and distributors. B.C. can now proceed, on behalf of federal, provincial and territorial governments, to recover the costs of treating opioid-related diseases that were allegedly caused by the industry’s wrongful conduct. This decision reaffirms our commitment to holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the opioid crisis, which was declared as a public health emergency in 2016 and has devastated many lives and families. This is one of the many actions our government is taking to address the ongoing opioid crisis and to build a better system of care and support for those affected.
B.C. First Nations’ leaders gather to build relationships, advance reconciliation
First Nations’ leaders and provincial officials came together for the ninth B.C. cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering. First Nations’ communities are acutely and disproportionately face the challenges of affordability, housing, and the toxic drug crisis. We know the path to health, wellness and prosperity for all is through partnership with First Nations.
Imagine living in a remote community & having an ultrasound done by a technician in Vancouver? The Rogers-UBC Teleoperation Remote Ultrasound research project is testing that out with help from patients at the Skidegate Health Centre on Haida Gwaii.
I was excited to learn more about this project and its potential from the research team at UBC yesterday. More testing is being carried out over the next year. If successful, the technology can be applied to other areas with high-speed internet access.
The project is possible with funding from NSERC, Rogers and acts on commitments under the B.C.-Coastal First Nations regional accord.
The Trust is looking for enthusiastic, dedicated individuals with relevant experience to apply to join these task forces. It encourages diverse perspectives, including those from First Nation and Métis Peoples in the Basin. Submit your Expression of Interest by February 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. MT. Learn more at ourtrust.org/taskforces.
If you have any questions or concerns about a provincial issue or need assistance with a provincial body, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help. My office can be reached online at Steve.Morissette.MLA@leg.bc.ca or at (250) 304-2783.
Helpful resources:
- Visit the BC Benefits Connector at gov.bc.ca/BCBenefitsConnector to find benefits and savings for energy bills, transportation, education and training, and health care.
- Stay up to date with weather conditions and forecasts: Weather.gc.ca
- Find mental health and substance-use supports: Helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca
- The Service BC Contact Centre can help you find what you need. Representatives are available by phone or email.
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