Newsletter from MLA Steve Morissette
By MLA Steve Morissette
Construction begins on new MRI suite at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital
Construction began on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, on the new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) in Trail, marking a major milestone in strengthening medical imaging and diagnostic services for people across the Kootenay Boundary region. Investing in modern health-care infrastructure is essential to making sure communities across British Columbia have access to the services they rely on. The new MRI expansion at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital reflects our government’s commitment to building the facilities needed to support growing communities and to strengthen the delivery of critical services close to home.
February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the accomplishments and contributions of Black British Columbians. There are so many amazing Black British Columbians who made B.C. the place we love today, and it’s important to know their truths and our shared history.
Since the mid-1800s, free African American people arrived in B.C. from the U.S. to join and participate in our communities. We know this wasn’t always easy and many communities were not friendly, accepting, or safe for them. But, their accomplishments and community-building work continued even in the face of racism and injustice. William Jones, a Black man, became the first licenced dentist in all of B.C. in 1886. That same year, Mifflin Wistar Gibbs became the first Black person to hold political office in B.C., after his election to Victoria City Council. Barriers continued to be broken by people like lifeguard Seraphim Joe Fortes, Olympian Harry Jerome, musician Eleanor Collins, and numerous MLAs including Emery Barnes and Rosemary Brown.
Here in our community, Black trailblazers such as the Pierre family. Thomas Pierre was among the earliest Black settlers in British Columbia, contributing to the development of both Victoria and the Kootenay region. Arriving 1862 as part of the group of Black settlers invited by Governor James Douglas. Thomas ran a business on Yates Street with his son John. John Pierre joined his brother Samuel Pierre’s cleaning and dyeing business—the Nelson Cleaning and Dyeing Establishment—after moving to Nelson.
Preserving stories like these from our past helps us to create a future that is more equal. Our government is committed to advancing equity, preserving important history, and strengthening communities this month and year-round. We’re lucky to work with and be able to support Black-led community organizations who help do this work too.
I encourage you to take a moment to learn something new about Black history and especially in B.C. Consider visiting your local library for books and resources, or visit BC Black History Awareness Society – Our roots run deep.
Who do you know whose kindness and support make a real difference? Nominate them for a Medal of Good Citizenship by April 7, 2026.
Do you know an inspiring individual who has left a legacy in their field? Nominate them for the province’s highest honour, the Order of British Columbia by April 7, 2026.
We have many local heroes across Kootenay – Monashee! Let’s recognize their outstanding achievements by nominating them for the Order of B.C. or Medal of Good Citizenship. Nominate them by April 7, 2026 at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/…/celebrating…/honours-and-awards
Did you know Trail and Rossland are the host cities for the 2026 BC Winter Games? You can get involved!
We want you! Calling all community champions!
The BC Winter Games are looking for volunteers near and far to help bring the excitement to life! Join the fun and help support young athletes reach their dreams from February 25 – March 1.
Sign up, show up and 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 @pacificcoastalair 𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀! That’s right, all you have to do is volunteer your time to make the games soar! Sign up now https://bcgames.net/trailross2026wn/VolunteerModule/register.aspx
Free court services help available through online platform
Navigating the justice system can be challenging, especially for people who face barriers accessing in-person services. People need support that adapts to their circumstances and remote access through the new virtual counter transforms the way we help people. That’s why people can now receive free, convenient help and advice navigating the court system from anywhere in the province with the launch of the new virtual-counter service.
Premier’s, minister’s statements on combating extortion
These extortion attempts are creating real fear for families and businesses in BC and across Canada. This is deeply concerning and we are taking this very seriously. The Province is backing police with the tools, resources, and intelligence support needed to bring these criminals to justice – and we will keep doing so until this violence stops. This week, we also announced a new community advisory group on extortion to close any gap between community members and police to solve this crime.
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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