Newsletter from MLA Steve Morissette
By Contributor
Black History Month is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate and lift up the diverse contributions of Black people to our province. I would like to highlight this collage that was compiled by Beth Cruise for BC Black History Awareness. It is part of an exhibit that reveals how about 800 Black immigrants helped stabilize British colonial communities and keep this area of Western Canada from American hands.
Learn more about these pioneers here: British Columbia’s Black Pioneers
“Representation is powerful, and I want young people to see themselves reflected in leadership and know that they, too, can achieve great things.”
Abbotsford—Mission MLA Reann Gasper on her becoming one of the first two Black MLAs to take a seat in the Legislative Assembly since 1996.
Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper and Nanaimo-Lantzville MLA George Anderson are continuing the legacy of Black leadership in BC. They were both elected in 2024 and are the first Black Members of the Legislative Assembly since Emery Barnes left politics in 1996.
We have a lot to celebrate this weekend. Valentine’s Day, Family Day, and Flag Day!! This Saturday, February 15 is a perfect opportunity for British Columbians to come together and celebrate our shared values and the sovereignty of our country. We’ll never stop standing up for B.C. and we will never be the 51st state.
Family Day was introduced in BC in 2013. It is a day that is all about celebrating the important role families play in our lives and communities. It’s a chance to reflect on family bonds, spend quality time together, and enjoy various activities. Many communities offer family-friendly events that bring people together to create memories, which makes it a wonderful long weekend to cherish family life.
- Check out the Rossland Museum this Sunday for a day full of treats and activities the entire family will enjoy!
- In Castlegar enjoy the FREE Swim and Skate at Castlegar & District Community Complex!
- In Trail enjoy Family Day Live performances, art, games, and more!
- Have Sunday Brunch from 10am-noon at the Community Hall located 125 Burton Main Rd, Burton BC!
Next week, my staff, colleagues and I will head to the Legislature to begin a new legislative session. This is the time when we get to speak to bills, engage in discussions, hear from experts, and vote on issues that matter to British Columbians. It’s an important part of our role as MLAs and I am looking forward to getting the opportunity to represent my Kootenay – Monashee constituents in the House.
We will begin Tuesday with the Speech from the Throne, which lays out the Government’s plans and priorities for the session ahead – this means the work we’re doing for you, to continue to make life more affordable, build and encourage more housing, fix our healthcare, and make sure B.C. is a safe, welcoming place where people can live good lives.
In the House, I will also have the chance to share more about our communities and the diverse people in our region, highlighting rural perspectives and concerns. I will also be back in our community, continuing to meet with, hear from, and support people across our region.
Media Release – Feb 4th, 2025 | KB Access Clinic
We are happy to share the media release here https://kbaccess.ca/media-feb-2025/ which announces the launch of KB Access Clinic – a new medical clinic offering primary care, as needed and by appointment for Kootenay Boundary residents who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
Did you know? When you buy from local farmers, producers and processors, you’re supporting a sustainable, thriving B.C. economy. Visit https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/ to find out how you can support B.C.’s food and beverage sector today! We work best when we work together, and times like these show how great we are at coming together to support each other.
Columbia Basin Trust continues to value the voices of Columbia Basin residents in shaping its work. To further this commitment, the Trust is introducing four new task forces and inviting Basin residents to apply.
The task forces will focus on four key areas:
Clean Energy: Exploring energy solutions, including generation, transmission and energy demand.
Local Food: Increasing access to affordable, healthy and locally grown food while supporting the climate resilience of food production.
Water: Supporting efforts to manage water quantity and quality.
Housing: Partnering to develop and maintain housing for low- and moderate-income households.
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 Task Forces – Columbia Basin Trust
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 things like 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 United Way BC 211 Racist Incident Helpline is available by dialing (toll-free) 1 833 457-5463 (1 833 HLP-LINE). Learn more at https://racistincidenthelpline.ca/
- The Service BC Contact Centre can help you find what you need. Representatives are available by phone or email.
Comments