Newsletter from MLA Morissette
By Contributor
Spending this week in Kootenay Monashee I’ve seen people coming together to build a stronger B.C. In the face of trade tensions that threaten local jobs, our government is taking action. We know that in the years to come, B.C. will be the economic engine of the new Canada.
On Wednesday, we announced investment in rural and Indigenous communities all over the province, supporting economic diversification and infrastructure development. Congratulations to the following in receiving funds!
- Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club Society | Expansion of Trailhead Facilities at Black Jack Ski Club | $937,153 | Economic Diversification | For more information, please contact: Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club Society
- Community Futures Central Kootenay | Slocan Valley Economic Development and Diversification | $100,000 | Economic Capacity | For more information, please contact: Community Futures Central Kootenay
- Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre | Elevate the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre: Heritage Hub & Economic Catalyst | $1,000,000 | Economic Diversification | For more information, please contact: Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre
To support B.C.’s businesses, we’re diversifying our international trade relationships. Premier Eby will be traveling with a delegation to Japan, Malaysia and South Korea in early June to strengthen partnerships in Asia. The mission will promote what B.C. has to offer in clean energy, critical minerals, agriculture and more, opening new opportunities for investment here.
Our government is also working to break down trade barriers within Canada. Premier David Eby was in Yellowknife this week, meeting with Western Canada ’s Premiers to work together on defending jobs and building economic corridors. B.C. is acritical seat at this table.
All the while, we’re focused on building services people need around the province, from childcare centres to seniors housing. And we’re delivering infrastructure projects faster. The Infrastructure Projects Act would allow B.C. to fast-track approvals for major public-sector and ‘provincially significant’ private-sector projects. Builds such as our new elementary school in Glenmerry Elementary.
The CleanBC Plastics Action Fund is supporting good jobs for people while helping the environment. We are taking more steps to build a clean, sustainable future by investing in new and innovative ways to recycle and reduce plastic waste. Since 2020, we’ve invested more than $35 million through the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund to help businesses, organizations, and First Nations improve recycling, remanufacturing, and reuse and repair initiatives to prevent plastic waste.
63 projects have already received funding through this initiative, bringing the total to 97 projects funded. Including $250,000 to Tempus 3D in Trail. ”Tempus 3D is doing some incredibly impressive stuff right here in the Kootenays,” said Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee. “Our province is supporting innovative businesses by helping them make greener waste management decisions.” NDP MLA Morissette says new project will prevent plastic waste and promote recycling.
Thank you Jenni and Sara from HEU for meeting with me yesterday! The Hospital Employees’ Union represents over 20,000 workers in the long-term care sector. Jenni, who has worked at Castleview Care Centre for 2 decades updated us on how the struggles and progress she has experienced. https://www.heu.org/
On April 9, 2025, the Legislative Assembly appointed the Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform to:
- Examine and make recommendations related to democratic engagement and voter participation, and models for electing Members of the Legislative Assembly.
- Review the administration of the 43rd provincial general election and recommend improvements for future elections.
The Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform will be holding several in-person meetings throughout the province and intends to visit Cranbrook; virtual options are also available. British Columbians interested in presenting to theCommittee are asked to complete a presentation request form on the Parliamentary Committees Consultation Portal by Thursday, May 29 at 2:00p.m. (Pacific). In addition to the public meetings, the Committee will be providing opportunities to share written input starting in mid-June.
Further information is available on the Committee’s website.
Had a great visit with Melissa and Guislain, the owners of Woodland Hillside in Trail. It was great to learn about their business and see what they make using locally sourced wood that might otherwise go to waste. They can create a wide variety of keepsakes, signs and decorative items for gifts, events, your office and your home. Another great place to Buy Local!”
People facing barriers to employment will gain experience for in-demand jobs
The Province, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is providing $7.7 million over two years to create work opportunities for people facing significant barriers to employment.
Administered by United Way BC over two years, the Work Experience Opportunities Grant (WEOG) will offer grants to non-profit organizations to create time-limited paid work opportunities. The program will provide additional income without affecting income or disability-assistance benefits.
Suicide prevention framework will save lives
New clinical guidance will offer best practices for recognizing and supporting people at risk for suicide. It will apply to patients who are 18 and older and are accessing mental-health or substance use care in hospital emergency departments, acute psychiatry or medical inpatient units or outpatient mental-health services.
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.
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.
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