Newsletter from MLA Morissette
By MLA Steve Morissette
I am pleased to rise in this House today in strong support of Budget 2026. Contrary to what we have heard some of today, the sky is not falling. This is a budget designed for the realities of our time, a budget built on thoughtful choices and a budget that safeguards the services British Columbians depend upon while securing our province’s future.
This budget comes at a moment of ongoing and heightened global economic uncertainty. That’s a fact. Around the world, jurisdictions are grappling with instability, cost pressures and shifting economic conditions. This is not a situation unique to British Columbia or Canada. In such times, governments face a fundamental test: whether to retreat or whether to protect what matters most while preparing responsibly for the future. Budget 2026 answers that test with clarity and resolve.
Let me state plainly that this is not an austerity budget. This budget does not cut the foundations of our social and economic strength. It does not withdraw from health care, education, housing or the social supports that provide stability and dignity for so many people.
Instead, Budget 2026 safeguards critical services for the long term while taking disciplined, measured steps to strengthen our fiscal outlook. It reflects balance, protecting people today people.
Instead, Budget 2026 safeguards critical services for the long term while taking disciplined, measured steps to strengthen our fiscal outlook. It reflects balance, protecting people today while planning responsibly for tomorrow. This approach will achieve our goal of reducing the deficit while continuing to support the housing, health care, education and social services British Columbians need.
The central commitment of Budget 2026 is to protect the services that British Columbians rely upon every single day. In turbulent times, stability is not accidental. It is a deliberate policy choice. This budget makes that choice through $5.1 billion in funding to strengthen health care, K-to-12 education and essential supports for people who require care and assistance.
These are not abstract numbers. They represent real impacts in communities across British Columbia.
In health care, Budget 2026 provides critical funding to recruit and train more professionals — doctors, nurses and long-term-care workers — ensuring that people can access the care they need, when they need it. Demand for health services continues to grow, and this budget recognizes that protecting care capacity is both a social necessity and an economic imperative.
In education, the budget delivers $634 million in new funding for K to 12 over three years. This includes a $167 million investment in the classroom enhancement fund, supporting more teachers, more special education professionals and additional counsellors and psychologists. These investments directly shape the learning environments of students across the province.
Education is not merely a line item. It is an investment in opportunity, productivity and the future workforce of British Columbia.
The budget also recognizes the growing importance of mental health and addiction services, and $131 million in new investments will support intensive and specialized treatment for people facing complex mental health and substance use challenges, including the establishment of new involuntary treatment beds in communities such as Prince George, Maple Ridge and Surrey. These are compassionate and practical measures designed to address real and urgent needs.
Families too see meaningful support. A $330 million lift to ChildCareBC protects affordable child care services, maintaining lower fees and supporting operators and educators. An additional $25 million will expand child care options on school grounds, a practical solution that helps working families and strengthens communities.
For children and youth with disabilities, $475 million in new funding will improve access to services and provide direct support to families, ensuring greater flexibility and better outcomes.
These measures illustrate the defining principle of Budget 2026: safeguarding what matters most in uncertain times.
While protecting essential services, Budget 2026 also looks forward, because resilience requires preparation. The fiscal plan boosts skills training and economic development initiatives designed to strengthen British Columbia’s economic security.
The budget opens doors for people seeking good-paying careers in the skilled trades through $283 million in new funding over three years. This funding expands training spaces, increases per-seat support for training centres and enhances the B.C. employer training grant, with the goal of doubling apprenticeship seats by over three years. This funding expands training spaces, increases per-seat support for training centres and enhances the B.C. employer training grant, with the goal of doubling apprenticeship seats by ’28-29.
These investments are about more than labour markets. They are about enabling people to build stable, rewarding careers, they are about addressing workforce shortages, and they are about strengthening the province’s long-term economic capacity.
Complementing this effort is the creation of a $400 million British Columbia strategic investment fund, allowing the province to respond quickly to collaborative opportunities and major projects. In a world of shifting economic and geopolitical conditions, agility and readiness are critical strengths.
Budget 2026 also supports businesses directly. A temporary manufacturing and processing investment tax credit encourages investment in buildings, machinery and equipment, strengthening competitiveness and productivity. The shipbuilding and ship repair industry tax credit is extended, supporting British Columbia’s maritime sector, the largest in Canada.
These targeted measures help businesses leverage new opportunities, drive growth and sustain employment across the province. Economic strength and social strength are mutually reinforcing. If we build the economy, the income generated will support social programs. Budget 2026 recognizes that connection.
While this budget protects services and invests in growth, it also confronts fiscal realities with honesty and discipline. Budget 2026 forecasts declining deficits beginning in the 2026-27 fiscal year. This is a difficult transition in a time of escalating prices that require additional budget just to meet current needs. This is a critical signal of responsible financial management.
Deficits are projected to decline from $13.3 billion in ’26-27 to $11.4 billion by ’28-29, with the deficit-to-GDP ratio falling steadily over the fiscal plan. British Columbia’s debt-to-GDP ratio remains among the most favourable in Canada and continues to be affordable relative to provincial peers.
This is not about dramatic and destabilizing measures. It is about a steady, credible path forward. Government continues expenditure management efforts, building upon operational and program savings achieved previously. Hiring restrictions, efficiency reviews and streamlined service delivery all contribute to improved sustainability. This is not austerity. This is prudent stewardship, reducing pressures while protecting front-line services that people need.
Budget 2026 also makes realistic choices to improve the fiscal outlook and protect critical services. To raise revenue responsibly, the budget includes a modest adjustment to the first income tax bracket, less than 0.6 percentage points. Importantly, this change is paired with an increase to the B.C. tax reduction credit, ensuring that lower-income British Columbians are protected from higher taxes. In fact, when combined with the credit enhancement, more than 40 percent of B.C. taxpayers will see savings.
British Columbians with middle incomes will continue to enjoy among the lowest taxes in the country while benefiting from programs that reduce everyday costs, including the B.C. family benefit, more affordable child care and lower British Columbians with middle incomes will continue to enjoy among the lowest taxes in the country, while benefiting from programs that reduce everyday costs, including the B.C. family benefit, more affordable child care, and lower car insurance rates.
Additional measures focus on fairness and equity, including increased speculation taxes for foreign owners and untaxed worldwide earners, and adjustments to luxury home taxation. These choices reflect a balanced approach, protecting services without placing undue burden on working and middle-class families.
Infrastructure remains essential to economic growth and quality of life. Budget 2026 continues nearly $38 billion in taxpayer-supported investments over three years, supporting major hospitals, school expansions and transportation improvements.
At the same time, the province is adjusting the pace of the capital plan to ensure long-term sustainability. Repacing is not retreat. It is responsible planning. It aligns investments with construction capacity, cost pressures and fiscal stability. This ensures that projects are delivered efficiently and that operating budgets, the budgets funding everyday services, remain protected.
Budget 2026 reflects the realities of our time and the values of our province. I repeat: the sky is not falling. It safeguards critical services for people. It strengthens economic security through skills training and investment. It sets a responsible path of declining deficits. It raises revenue fairly and thoughtfully, and it ensures that British Columbia remains resilient, compassionate and forward-looking in uncertain times.
This budget rejects false choices between fiscal responsibility and social investment. It recognizes that strong public services, skilled workers and stable communities are the very foundation of long-term prosperity. For these reasons, I am proud to support Budget 2026.
The Special Committee to Review the Lobbyists Transparency Act met on February 10th to deliberate on a review of the act. Chair Steve Morissette said the committee has until May 4 to complete its review. Consultation Details – Consultation Portal
Not-for-profit organizations provide valuable services that make life better for British Columbians. Grants are empowering local organizations by supporting Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) activities, youth and amateur sport programs, as well as environmental and public safety programming that benefits people of all ages throughout the province.
Congratulations to the PACs at Brent Kennedy Elementary School, Cherryville Elementary, Friends of St. Michaels, Fruitvale Elementary School, JL Crowe School, J. L. Webster School, Kinnaird Elementary School, LEcole des Sept-Sommets, Mount Sentinel Secondary School, Rossland Summit, Stanley Humphries Secondary School, Twin Rivers and Castlegar Primary. A total of over $83,280 going directly back to the kids at the schools across Kootenay-Monashee to help purchase; extracurricular clubs and student activities, school community events that bring families together, learning resources that improve the student experience and more!!
Not-for-profit organizations provide valuable services that make life better for British Columbians. Congratulations to the following Community Gaming Grants recipients; Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department Society, Castlegar Society for Search & Rescue, Castlegar Nordic Ski Club, and South Columbia Search and Rescue Society. A total of $188,700 brought into the Kootenay Monashee region to go towards Public Safety. Thank you for your continued service to our communities with ensuring we have proper safety equipment and training.
Community Gaming Grants ensure British Columbians from all regions of the province have access to programs and services that improve their quality of life, support local needs and build inclusive, vibrant communities.
Congratulations to the following recipients; Beaver Valley Figure Skating Club, Beaver Valley Nitehawks Hockey Club Society, Castlegar Hockey Society, B.C. Seniors Games Society – Zone 6, Castlegar Aquanauts Swim Club, Castlegar Girls Softball Association, Castlegar and District Curling Club, Castlegar Skating Club, Selkirk Challengers Gymnastics Club, Trail Gymnastics Society, Trail Youth Baseball, The Greater Trail Minor Hockey Association, Greater Trail Swim Racing Society, Rossland Figure Skating Club, West Kootenay Timberwolves Lacrosse Society, Rossland Curling Society, and Red Mountain Racers Society. Combined they brought in $285,778.00 to the Kootenay Monashee region through the sport stream! By investing in programs that encourage sports participation, we are supporting the well-being of British Columbians.
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
New legislation will allow people to renew, replace driver’s licence online
Proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act will enable ICBC to renew or replace driver’s licences, BC Identification (BCID), and photo BC Service Cards online, saving people time. By allowing these straightforward transactions online, we’re making life more convenient for people, especially those in rural and remote communities. This is part of our work to modernize government services so they’re easier, faster and more accessible for everyone in British Columbia.
Fast-tracking homes across B.C. with federal support
British Columbia is strengthening its work to build more homes for people through a new partnership with the federal government, through Build Canada Homes. This new funding marks a meaningful collaboration with Canada that shows confidence in the work we’re doing here in B.C. to deliver homes for people. With many B.C. projects already prepared to move into construction, this additional support means we can break ground faster and deliver more homes sooner for the people who need them most.
Saving lives by expanding access to nasal naloxone
People in more communities throughout the province will have access to nasal naloxone, as the Province takes action to reverse toxic-drug poisonings and save lives. The poisoned supply means anyone – whether they’re using for the first time or have used regularly – faces the risk of a toxic-drug poisoning. Expanding access to nasal naloxone is a vital part of preventing these tragedies, saving lives and building a strong and comprehensive system of mental-health and substance-use care.
Getting a quantum computing advantage
As part of Look West’s goal to strengthen B.C.’s economy by growing key sectors, the Province is investing in research infrastructure to advance quantum computing. Building a resilient B.C. economy means investing in next-generation technologies, like quantum computing. Through the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund, we’re equipping UVic researchers and students with the infrastructure to advance quantum technologies, partner with industry, and build rewarding careers right here at home.
Reinforcing B.C.’s leadership in interprovincial trade
Government is introducing new legislation that, if passed, will make B.C.’s current, time-bound interprovincial recognition framework, the Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act, Part 1, permanent. This legislation would strengthen B.C.’s leadership in reducing barriers and creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes. By moving to make mutual recognition permanent, we’re helping businesses save time and money, while increasing choice and affordability for people throughout the province. It’s a key part of our Look West strategy to diversify trade, be less reliant on the U.S. market and position B.C. to lead Canada’s economic future.
Supporting emissions reduction in social, non-profit housing
The Province is offering renewed supports to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in social and non-profit housing buildings. We are expanding support for social and non-profit housing providers to help them reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in their facilities. The Social Housing Energy Savings Program offers increased incentives and makes it quicker and easier for housing operators to apply for cleaner and more energy-efficient upgrades.
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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