OP/ED: MLA Newsletter for August 8
By Contributor
I recently had the privilege of learning about the Columbia River Field School.
I was invited to attend their “Future of the River Symposium”, which was a gathering of the youth, facilitators, and local experts to debrief and share about their experience in the program.
The field school is a program hosted by Wildsight, which brings teens on a 15-day paddling adventure on the Columbia River from Canal Flats to Castlegar to learn outdoor skills, make connections, and learn about the history and importance of the Columbia Basin.
It was amazing to hear about what the students have learned and experienced!
If you or your teen would like to experience a field tour yourself, Wildsight hosts them for all ages.
Currently, there is still space for an upcoming learning tour of the Lower Columbia called Columbia River Conversations September 27-29th. Click here for more info and to register: Columbia River Conversations – Wildsight
Info about the Columbia River Field School (for youth ages 15-18 yrs) can be found here: Columbia River Field School – Wildsight
Thank you to the field school team and especially to the students for the opportunity to hear your thoughts and concerns about our water, environment and future!
As we continue to face the threats and impacts of tariffs – affecting our jobs, our finances, and our country’s prosperity -the Trump administration continues to pile on Canada, with new duties harming the forestry industry. This is an industry that many people in our province depend on for their livelihoods, and that touches many communities.
Our government has been working to modernize and improve our forestry industry, with hard work being done by our Forests Minister Ravi Parmar on this. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is working to hurt Canadian industry and people. And this harms Americans too -the U.S. needs our lumber, and without it, the costs to build and renovate housing can only rise.
Last weekend, Premier Eby met with the Prime Minister to share his deep concerns on this issue and discuss how our provincial and federal governments can work together to protect the hardworking people in this key industry.
In addition to announcing hundreds of million in investments and even more in loan guarantees, the Prime Minister and federal government have now pledged to use Canadian lumber for homebuilding. These policies provide short-term and long-term support for the forestry industry, following calls from our provincial leaders.
This shows the importance of our continued action to advocate to and work alongside the federal government to support B.C. industries, whatever is thrown our way. We will continue to put B.C. on the front burner and face Trump’s tariffs with measured, responsible reaction.
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for July 2025:
Province strengthened services, supports for people, while building B.C.
B.C. supported people through high costs and climate emergencies, and ended the fiscal year 2024-25 with a deficit lower than expected. We will continue to work on deficit reduction – focusing government spending on our most critical services while strengthening our economic independence. B.C. is a great place to live and we’re committed to keeping it that way with investments in economic growth to fund the services people rely on.
Adult literacy programs strengthen B.C.’s workforce, communities
More communities in B.C. will have access to free adult literacy programs to improve basic writing, reading, math and digital skills, which will unlock new opportunities for people and help build a stronger, more resilient workforce. The Province invests $3.4 million annually to support the Community Adult Literacy Program. This program plays an essential role in providing basic literacy to adults, families and Indigenous communities by helping people gain life skills, secure better jobs, access further education and participate more actively in their communities.
Province provides first report on community-based primary care services
As part of the Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord 2025, the Province and BC Green caucus have released the first of two reports outlining key findings from their assessment of B.C.’s primary care system. Since 2018, our goal has been to ensure that more people in B.C. are connected to the care they need, when and where they need it. This report is an important first step in our work to make the most of existing resources, identify ongoing challenges and better plan for the future.
Medals of Good Citizenship mark a decade of honouring selfless service
Eighteen individuals are being recognized for their exceptional contributions as the Medal of Good Citizenship marks 10 years of celebrating community service in British Columbia.
Congratulations to Montana Burgess in being a 2025 recipient. This is for her work and commitment in bridging communities and politics to build a sustainable more inclusive B.C. The Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes people who have made a tremendous difference in the lives of others and made B.C. a better place without seeking recognition. Thank you Montana, you are an inspiration to all British Columbians.
News release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/32638
I am excited to share that I am the Chair of The Special Committee to Review the Lobbyists Transparency Act. We are currently holding public consultation on the Lobbyists Transparency Act. This is part of a review of the law that regulates lobbying activities in British Columbia. We will be accepting written submissions until September 19 at 2:00 p.m. To participate and for details on the consultation, visit bcleg.ca/consultations or contact the Parliamentary Committees Office by email at LTA2025@leg.bc.ca or by phone at 250-356-2933 or 1-877-428- 8337 (toll-free in BC).\
The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia Special Committee to Review Provisions of the Human Rights Code invites British Columbians to share their input on sections 47.01 to 47.24 of the Code which pertain to the Human Rights Commissioner. Find out more and to submit your input by September 26: Home – Consultation Portal
Know before you go!
Travel safe by researching where you’ll get important updates while on the road. Visit:
DriveBC.ca and BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit for road info
EmergencyInfoBC.ca for emergency info
Weather.gc.ca for weather alerts
BC Wildfire Service for wildfire updates
PreparedBC.ca for preparedness tips
Learn more travel safety tips: https://blog.gov.bc.ca/emergen…/dont-sweat-the-unexpected/
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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