MLA Morissette Newsetter
By Province of British Columbia
We recognize the urgent need to build more homes for people struggling to find a reasonably priced place that meet their needs. More new rentals are being built than ever before, helping growing families, individuals, seniors, and people living with disabilities find homes they can afford.
Monday September 15th in City of Trail we broke ground on a 41-home development that will provide affordable rental homes for seniors with low to moderate incomes. This redevelopment project will replace 23 units that were at the end of their lifespan (built in 1958). This is exciting news!! We are building people the homes they need, in the communities they love. For more information on Trail & District Senior Citizens’ Villa Society: Affordable Housing – The Skills Centre
September is Disability Employment Month in BC
This month is a time to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce and the organizations that support inclusive employment.
To spotlight the work of Kootenay Society for Community Living (KSCL), we are proud to share the story of Eagle Estates in Castlegar. Opened on April 23, 2025, Eagle Estates provides 13 affordable rental homes for low-to-moderate income households and stands as a strong example of how housing, inclusion, and community support create opportunities for independence and belonging.
Eagle Estates shines thanks to the dedication of our caretaking crew, who keep the building welcoming, clean, and well cared for — ensuring a safe and comfortable home for all who live there.
Colton Raddis – Always sends you on your way with a warm farewell, wishing health and happiness, all while keeping the floors shining with a keen eye for detail.
Galina Hegan – Always ready to lend a hand, keeping the windows sparkling and the hallways meticulous.
On September 17th, KSCL teamed up with WorkBC to celebrate and show appreciation for our supportive employers and the vital role they play in the lives of our clients.
The CLBC employment support team
Sept 24- Reimaging Community Inclusion (RCI) for Employment- Annette Borrows will be sharing the RCI intended Work Plan and asking for your feedback on the suggested strategies to move employment forward in the province.
Oct 22- CLBC Employment Services-Jay Townsend will present an overview of employment services for people with disabilities.
Nov 19- L.I.F.E. Service- Christina Baird will present stories of successful L.I.F.E. adventures.
This week my staff and I met with Reasha Wolfe, our West Kootenay Regional Educator with the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society. She shared with us how they support families who have a loved one with a serious mental illness. Providing education, virtual and in person support groups and one on one support with appointments, or a chat over tea. Her passion for an inclusive BC is evident. Just as her shirt states, ‘Stronger than Stigma’!
My staff and I headed to Cherryville Days last weekend. There were so many things to do for the whole family, a market highlighting local wares, great music, and plenty of games like Horseshoes, Outhouse races and tug of war. The day starts off with a parade at noon.
Earlier this week I spent time in Osoyoos learning more about the Forest industry and their challenges at the 2025 conference of the Independent Lumber Manufacturers. I was fortunate to make some good connections with many people there.
As my friend Harwinder Sandhu, Vernon-Lumby MLA said
‘Forestry has long been a cornerstone of our province, supporting families, creating good jobs, and fueling our economy. At the same time, it is clear that the future of this industry depends on how we balance strong economic growth with sustainability and climate responsibility.’
Joined with my fellow southern interior colleagues Harwinder Sandhu, Vernon-Lumby MLA, and Brittny Anderson MLA Kootenay Central.
Minister’s statement on August Labour Force Survey Results
While Canada faces strong economic headwinds from the tariff threat in the United States, British Columbia is working to build an economy that can stand on its own two feet. Today’s Labour Force Survey numbers for August show an increase of 11,400 jobs in construction and 5,700 in manufacturing, which is in line with our ongoing commitment to investing in the key infrastructure people rely on.
Ongoing support, services benefit adults with mental-health issues
Adults living with mental-health challenges will continue to have access to low- or no-cost counselling services to help them get well. Government is investing $6.7 million to continue providing free or low-cost adult mental-health or addictions counselling services. Forty-four community-based organizations across all health authorities including Circle of Indigenous Nations Society, Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Nakusp and Grand Forks will receive funding to provide supports.
More youth will be supported with tools to prevent addiction, substance use
More young people will soon have better access to the tools they need to manage stress, build resilience, and prevent early substance use and mental-health challenges with the expansion of drug- and substance-use prevention supports. The PreVenture program helps students of 12-18 years develop skills to navigate common challenges, such as peer pressure, identity development, and interpersonal conflict, all of which are key factors in helping to prevent early drug and substance use and mental-health challenges. Since launching in 2023, the program has expanded to more than 80 schools in more than 20 school districts through partnerships with districts and regional health authorities. Any school districts or schools that are interested in implementing the PreVenture program are encouraged to connect with the Foundry team.
Survey on what youth services you want in your community! Use QR code below or click here: https://s.surveyplanet.com/kbmmwepw
Province adds training seats for nurse practitioners throughout B.C.
Everyone deserves access to reliable health care, and nurse practitioners are amazing parts of our health care teams. The Province has added 65 nurse practitioner (NP) training seats to three post-secondary institutions, making training accessible in five regions throughout the province and supporting the growth of B.C.’s health-care workforce. 30 seats will be at the University of British Columbia Surrey Campus (UBC); 20 seats at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC); and 15 seats at the University of Victoria (UVic). Government will provide $4.7 million in annual, ongoing funding for the 65 new seats. We’re expanding nurse practitioner training across B.C., so more people can get timely, personalized care right in their own communities.
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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