Newsletter from MLA Morisette
By Contributor
As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Canada Day, we’re reminded of the values that make our country and our province truly special: resilience, diversity, and pride. While we know there is a lot of work still to do on the many challenges facing people in B.C., there is also a lot that we have to be proud of in our province and our communities.
This year, in the face of tariffs and global uncertainty, we’re especially focused on strengthening what makes British Columbia thrive – our local businesses and local economies.
One of the best ways to support our province
this Canada Day is to Buy B.C.
Whether it’s picking up fresh B.C. cherries, local cheeses, sustainable seafood, or handcrafted goods from artisans across the Kootenays and Monashees, every dollar spent locally strengthens our communities.
The BuyBC program not only highlights homegrown excellence, but also helps reduce our reliance on global supply chains—making us more resilient in uncertain times.
While making plans for the Canada Day weekend, it’s also important to be prepared and stay safe as warm temperatures, dry conditions and wildfire risk continue across the province.
Remember to stay up to date on local fire bans and restrictions, and if your Canada Day includes a camping trip, please remember to plan ahead, carry safety gear, and follow all instructions from the local governments or First Nations in the area you are visiting.
Before you head out, check ahead for road closures, evacuation alerts, evacuation orders and any fire prohibitions in effect, which can be found at https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/dashboard. For road conditions and updates, please visit https://www.drivebc.ca/
Thank you for continuing to support your neighbours, local businesses, and Canadian values.
Happy Canada Day!
I had a great meeting with Damon Chouinard with the Central Kootenay Food Policy Council, and an amazing new platform called 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄 & 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿.
The platform connects food producers, retailers, and transporters, making it easier and more efficient to distribute food and food products throughout the Kootenays, Interior, and beyond.
This is a great way to promote yourself as a food producer or organization that supports local food production efforts.
For more info about and to register with 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄 & 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿 https://foodsupplychain.ca/
Thank you to the West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District Board for having myself, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities Brittny Anderson and Donegal Wilson, MLA Boundary-Similkameen join to answer questions, hear concerns and have a great discussion on Health services in the Kootenay Boundary region. We also got to meet and listen to IHA Directors Todd Mastel, Matt Wilkie, Lannon de Best and Chief Operating Officer Jaymi Chernoff share capital projects, measles update and Human Health Resources update to name a few.
So far it’s been a busy June with traveling across the province in budget consultations. It has been great to be home this last week in our community talking to locals and local government. My staff and I are planning to be in Trail, Rossland and Castlegar to celebrate Canada Day! On July 2 and 3 we will be travelling to the northern part of the constituency which includes Burton, Edgewood and Cherryville. We are looking forward to visiting with regional directors, community services, senior society, the library, volunteer firefighters and many others.
Photos are a group shot of the West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District Board. MLA Morissette, Anderson and Wilson with WKBRHDB Board Chairs Everett Baker and Suzan Hewat. MLA Morissette with Mayor of Castlegar, Maria McFaddin, councillors Bogle and Falstead, CBT Community Liaison Patrick Checknita and RDCK area J Director Henny Hanegraaf on June 21st at COINS event.
This morning we enjoyed meeting with Village of Slocan. We had great discussions about a variety of important issues. We met with Mayor Jessica Lunn, Trish Dehnel (acting CAO), councillor Ezra Buller, and Lachlan McGreal (Public Works Supervisor). We enjoyed lunch at Slocan Village Market.
Annual report updates collective efforts to advance reconciliation
The 2024-25 Declaration Act Annual Report showcases the collaborative effort being made by the Province and Indigenous Peoples to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) in B.C. and build a better future. The report, which covers the period between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, details work underway on 78 of 89 specific Declaration Act Action Plan actions, as well progress to align provincial laws with the UN Declaration. We’re working shoulder to shoulder with Indigenous governments and organizations on partnerships that support healthy communities, improve the education system, create economic opportunities, strengthen sustainable stewardship of the land, water and resources, and improve services and community safety.
Expanded borrowing powers will help municipalities deliver infrastructure quicker
Municipalities throughout B.C. will now have quicker access to financing to deliver capital projects, such as infrastructure or amenities, thanks to changes in provincial borrowing regulations. Municipalities told us that outdated borrowing thresholds were slowing down their ability to deliver the infrastructure people count on. We have responded by expanding the borrowing powers for municipalities so they can act faster, reduce costs and deliver the services that support growing communities.
Off-Road Vehicle Trail Fund supports projects throughout B.C.
Off-road vehicle enthusiasts can soon enjoy improved trails and recreation infrastructure in several communities throughout B.C. This year, $400,000 from the Province’s Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Fund will support 20 regional projects, such as building new trails, maintaining existing trails, or promoting safe and responsible use among riders. The ORV Trail Fund helps keep our trail networks safe and provides space for people to come together to enjoy the outdoors.
Public awareness campaign targets extortion threats
In response to a rise in extortion threats against members of the South Asian community, BC Crime Stoppers is launching a campaign to raise awareness and encourage reporting of extortion activity. The recent surge in extortion threats targeting members of the South Asian community is very concerning, and we are doing everything we can to support police efforts in investigating these crimes. Reporting is the most important step in stopping extortion. If you are a victim of extortion, or have any information, contact Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 or online at BC Crime Stoppers.
B.C. helps people keep full federal Canada Disability Benefit
People receiving provincial income assistance in British Columbia who are also eligible to receive the new federal Canada Disability Benefit will keep the entire benefit, thanks to a B.C. exemption. With the cost of living so high, it’s more important than ever to ensure people with disabilities have access to the supports they need. With this exemption, people receiving provincial assistance can keep the full support they receive from the federal Canada Disability Benefit.
- Explore publicly issued bulletins, updates on wildfire activity across B.C. and other wildfire information.
- Restrictions on fire use and other outdoor activities may be implemented to reduce human-caused wildfires.
Seeking input on democratic engagement, voter participation, and electoral reform! Visit bcleg.ca/consultations to share your views by 2pm (Pacific) on Friday, July 25.
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/
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