Newsletter from MLA Morissette
By Contributor
More than 3,000 new student seats opening in B.C.
As families prepare to send kids back to school in September, new schools and additions are opening in several growing communities, with thousands more spaces under construction throughout British Columbia. In Trail, the new Glenmerry Elementary is a full replacement school built at expanded capacity, adding 165 new student seats and increasing total capacity from 270 to 435 seats. We’ve been working hard to build and deliver new schools to meet the needs of students now and in the future. Our historic investments in school infrastructure are already making a meaningful difference for B.C. students, and we look forward to welcoming young learners into even more brand-new classrooms this fall.
Deputy provincial health officer’s statement on back-to-school vaccinations
Particularly this year, as we are seeing significant increases in measles cases in the province and across Canada, August is the perfect time to check whether your children’s immunization records are up to date and to book an appointment for any outstanding vaccinations. Getting your children vaccinated is the best way to protect them from vaccine-preventable illnesses that can cause serious illness, long-term disability and even death. We encourage everyone to visit HealthLink BC for more information about recommended immunizations for children and young adults, and to receive any outstanding, routine vaccinations.
More child care spaces coming to schools throughout B.C.
Families in 12 communities including Castlegar are benefiting from new child care spaces on school grounds, expanding access to high-quality child care for young children, as well as before- and after-school care. Castlegar Primary After School Care have 12 spaces. As the new school year begins, hundreds of new licensed child care spaces on school grounds will make a real difference for families as they figure out their routines for the new school year. These spaces are the result of strong partnerships with school districts. Together, we’re supporting parents’ access to affordable, high-quality child care where and when they need it most – close to home, right at school and in familiar settings.
Resources available to support campus overdose prevention, response
As post-secondary students prepare to head back to class for the fall semester, students and staff are reminded of the resources available to prevent and respond to overdoses on campus. Every life lost to the toxic-drug crisis is a profound tragedy for our communities, and I expect all public post-secondary institutions to take steps to protect students. Overdose Prevention and Response Steering Committee is continuing its work to update these guidelines and build on the progress made to improve campus safety.
Grants offer more creativity opportunities for people
Community Gaming Grants are empowering organizations, artists and cultural workers by strengthening arts and culture programming and services to increase opportunities for people in British Columbia to participate in the arts and culture sector. Community Gaming Grants support programs and services throughout B.C. that contribute to quality of life, respond to local needs and help build vibrant, inclusive communities. By supporting the delivery of arts and cultural activities, we are increasing access to experiences that make a positive difference in people’s lives, while also fostering opportunities to build community connections. Congratulations to Castlegar SculptureWalk Society in receiving $18,000 and SQX DANZA receiving $104,000. Congratulations to Trail and District Community Arts Council $10,000 and The Greater Trail Creative Activities Centre Society for the Visual Arts $11,000.
Government supports six francophone initiatives in B.C.
Government is investing $250,000 to support six non-profit organizations including $22,000 to the Association francophone des Kootenays Ouest (AKFO). AKFO project to create an interactive digital directory of services, resources and information available in French in the West Kootenays, covering areas such as health, employment, legal, parenting and community life. in delivering initiatives that reflect the needs and priorities of British Columbia’s francophone communities. This year’s recipients highlight the strength and creativity of francophone organizations across British Columbia. These initiatives help ensure that francophones in these regions can continue to celebrate their culture and identity, and strengthen the fabric of vibrant, inclusive communities across the province.
Mental-health screening tool launched in Nelson
The Province and the Nelson Police Department have launched HealthIM, a digital public-safety tool designed to improve officer response to people in crisis. By improving how police and health-care teams share information, HealthIM ensures people in crisis are met with compassion and connected more quickly to the care they need. This is another step toward a more responsive, integrated system throughout B.C.
Proposed changes will make it easier for families to navigate legal system
The Province is intending to propose changes to the Family Law Act (FLA) to give more support to families and people experiencing family violence and to offer more parenting arrangements that put children’s needs first. This is the next step in our plan to update family law in B.C. and make the justice system more supportive and accessible. We look forward to continuing to improve our laws to meet the needs of families throughout the province.
Annual rent increase falls for second straight year capped at inflation
More people will be able to stay in an affordable home near their jobs, schools and loved ones as the Province ties the annual allowable rent increase to inflation at 2.3% in 2026, down from 3% in 2025. B.C. is an extraordinary place, but with economic uncertainty and rising costs, people are struggling to find a place to live that fits in their budget. We’re continuing to cap rent increases, linking them to inflation, to reduce housing costs for seniors, families and individuals, protecting them from unfair hikes.
Canada, B.C. help food, beverage producers reach new markets
Food and beverage producers and processors in British Columbia are getting help to increase sales and build export markets so the province has a more resilient and diverse economy in the future. By helping B.C. companies grow relationships in international markets, we’re opening the door to new, long-term export opportunities to help B.C. food and beverage businesses succeed globally. We’re working hard to diversify our trade, and through the B.C. Agriculture and Food Export Program, we will provide food and beverage processors across the province with more opportunities to grow and expand their business into new markets.
August 31st, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.
The theme for 2025 is “One big family, driven by hope”, highlighting the power of our community when we all stand together.
Over 17,000 people in British Columbia have died because of the toxic drug supply. They are our brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, uncles, aunts, moms and dads. Join me in honouring them today and every day. We’re going to keep doing the hard work to save lives and help people on their recovery journey. Together lets end stigma and build a better, more inclusive B.C. for everyone.
This afternoon I attended the Pride flag raising at City Hall in Castlegar. It was great to see so much of our community attending. This year, Pride celebrations feel especially important as we watch governments around the world – and even in other Canadian provinces – spread hatred towards queer and trans people. BC has a long, proud history of standing up for the rights of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, but even here, there are people who continue to use disinformation and fear to create division and distrust.
As a government, we’re continuing our work to support and protect 2SLGBTQIA+people here in BC. We have expanded options for people to get ID that matches their identity, we’ve ensured access to life-saving healthcare for trans British Columbians, and we worked with QMUNITY to help establish BC’s first pro-bono 2SLGBTQIA+ legal clinic. In Rossland Emily MacKinnon, Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public offers pro-bono ID changes to our Queer community. Pride is a time to acknowledge how far we’ve come, and remember that the fight is not over.
Hate has no place here in B.C., and it’s not up for negotiation.
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/
Comments