Newsletter from MLA Steve Morissette
By MLA Steve Morissette
Many of us are getting in the swing of the holiday season, It’s an exciting time, and one I’m so happy to be back in Fruitvale with my family, friends and loved ones to celebrate.
We should keep safe and celebrate with care and concern for others. Recently many of us have been reminded of treacherous weather we can see in winter with high levels of rain, wind, and cold temperatures in the forecast. It’s important to know the road and weather conditions before you set out on the a drive, or if you are going to be outdoors. Check road conditions on the DriveBC website and your local weather forecast, and not driving or venturing outside when you don’t have to in the face of extreme weather, especially if you don’t feel confident on the roads.
This season is also one where many celebrations involve drinks – while many of us enjoy a BC wine, beer, or delicious local spirit, and I encourage you to buy local food and drinks as you enjoy the season – driving after you’ve had drinks is never worth the risk.
As we enjoy the season, let’s all take some time to think ahead to how we can make it safer for everyone, so we all can enjoy a safe, healthy, and very happy holiday season here in Kootenay – Monashee!
Minister’s statement about December 2025 rental report
On Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, Rentals.ca released a report indicating that rental asking prices in British Columbia for purpose-built and condo units continue to lead the country in declines, down 8.5% in the past two years. Making housing more affordable for British Columbians has been a top priority for our government. We’ve taken bold steps to increase rental supply, strengthen protections for tenants and crack down on speculation in the housing market.
Minister’s statement on CMHC’s 2025 Rental Market Report, short-term rentals
On Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation released its 2025 Rental Market Report showing that vacancy rates throughout the province have increased substantially over the past year. Greater Vancouver’s vacancy rate more than doubled, from 1.6% to 3.7%, the highest in more than 30 years. Greater Victoria’s vacancy rate rose to 3.3%, which is the highest seen since 1999. This means that, finally, more people are finding homes to live in for less.
Minister’s statement on November Labour Force Survey results
Despite ongoing challenges, B.C.’s economy is holding steady, with 6,200 jobs added in the past month. Over the past 12 months, B.C. has added 40,400 new jobs. British Columbia continues to lead the country with the second-highest average hourly wage among provinces.
Making homes available for people with speculation and vacancy tax
The speculation and vacancy tax (SVT) continues to help make more long-term housing available, according to the Province’s annual report for mayors in communities where the tax is in effect. Making housing more affordable is a top priority for our government, and this report shows that our policies like the speculation and vacancy tax are making a difference. We can’t afford to let B.C.’s housing market open to speculation. The speculation tax is making more homes available for British Columbians.
Minister meets with private-sector forecasters
B.C.’s position as a trade gateway and diversified export market is expected to be a competitive advantage over other provinces, even as tariffs continue to affect the economy, according to private-sector forecasters. We’re taking bold action to build on our strengths, creating good jobs and economic growth that will help communities across the province. At their annual meeting with the finance minister, the 13 independent private-sector forecasters from across Canada that make up B.C.’s Economic Forecast Council noted that, while U.S. tariffs and lower immigration are expected to temper economic growth in the near-term, B.C. is well-positioned to expand its abundant natural-resource sector.
Last week was a fun week back in the constituency. Just a small snapshot of the week, we had productive meetings with housing advocates and environmental advocates. Met with people in the forest sector, and transportation sector. I enjoyed meeting Rossland Rotary and Jenn and her team at Loblaw Pharmacy in Waneta Plaza. Attended the Beaver Valley Seniors Christmas lunch and hosted our office Holiday Open House in Trail! We finished the week with another trip to Rossland to celebrate my Montana Burgess’ Medal of Good Citizenship.
Expanded neonatal unit improves care for infants in Kootenays
Families living in Cranbrook and surrounding communities are now benefiting from better care for infants with the renovation and expansion of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at East Kootenay Regional Hospital. The new NICU provides modern equipment and a supportive environment so newborns and families can receive specialized care close to home. The expanded unit strengthens maternity care in this region and ensures every child has the best possible start in life.
New guidance on Mental Health Act will help keep young people safe
The Province is taking action to improve care for young people who suffer from severe, overlapping mental-health and substance-use challenges by providing guidance about how involuntary care can be provided for people younger than 19, when they are unable or unwilling to seek care themselves. When a young person is in crisis with overlapping mental-health and substance-use challenges, they may be at their most vulnerable and unable to seek care for themselves. This new guidance will help protect some of our most vulnerable and our precious from permanent brain injury or death, while opening the door to rebuilding their lives.
Stay informed and safe this season:
Visit PreparedBC.ca/SevereWeather for tips and resources
Check road conditions before heading out at https://www.drivebc.ca/
For weather alerts, visit https://weather.gc.ca/
For emergency updates, visit https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
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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