MLA Morissette's weekly newsletter
By Contributor
I’ve been hearing about the challenges many people in Kootenay – Monashee are facing when it comes to the cost of living. We’ve also heard concerns from all around B.C. about the consumer carbon tax, and this week we took action and eliminated this tax.
The carbon tax has been an important tool in our toolbox of climate action, but people should not feel like they need to choose between supporting climate action and affordability. Eliminating the consumer carbon tax in B.C. aligns with the elimination of the federal carbon tax and fulfills a promise we made last year that helps take pressure off of everyday British Columbians.
We’re reaching out to fuel sellers directly to ensure they are passing on this change to consumers, and people are starting to see savings at the pump. You’ll also soon see lower natural gas home heating bills, and we expect that families will save up to about $410 in carbon tax payments in the next year.
Protecting B.C.’s environment and fighting climate change is still a top priority. We’re focused on holding big polluters accountable through output-based carbon pricing. This system sets emission limits for big industry, incentivizing them to stay below the limit to avoid the tax. Clean manufacturers also receive credits they can sell – pushing companies to innovate with lower-carbon technology. We’ll also continue to invest in clean energy infrastructure and jobs.
In these uncertain times, we’re focused on keeping life affordable and protecting B.C.’s incredible environment.
It was great to join my colleagues meeting Concrete B.C. for lunch today. Big strides being made toward reducing carbon from concrete as we work together to build new infrastructure.
‘The concrete industry in British Columbia, Canada, and around the world, is taking action to actively and openly address our industry’s global-warming challenges with goals of net-zero carbon by 2050 with important milestones in 2030.’
We were fortunate to have the opportunity this evening to watch the Oscar nominated documentary about residential schools “Sugarcane” with Chief Willie Sellars and several of the Williams Lake First Nation members.
I had watched it previously but it was so powerful to watch it with them and to feel their emotion as they shared their perspective with us.
5 Adorable Small Towns In BC To Explore At Least Once.
Rossland was highlighted as a place to explore in B.C. ‘Tucked away high in the Monashee Mountains, this spot is right in the West Kootenay region.’ For more travel B.C. ideas visit Super, Natural BC | British Columbia Travel Information
KBLiveWell.ca Project Highlights the Power of Palliative Care
‘Palliative care isn’t just about the end of life–it’s about living well at every stage. The tools and resources below are designed to help patients, their families and Kootenay Boundary practitioners navigate care with clarity, confidence and compassion….’
Dix vows to defend Canada in Columbia River Treaty
Dix was joined by Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central, and Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay Monashee. In addition, more than 600 members of the public tuned in. Dix said a lot has changed, citing a new U.S. government and its attack on Canada’s sovereignty. “It has made people think a lot about the treaty and its implications on our relationships.”
Investments will boost child care for families
As we face economic threats and British Columbians struggle with rising costs, we are continuing to make critical investments in child care. More than $62 million is being invested to create more than 750 new licensed child care spaces throughout B.C. Additionally, between March 1 and April 1, 2025, families will benefit from 770 new $10-a-day spaces at 22 child care centres throughout B.C. including 25 spaces at Kootenay Family Place, Castlegar Castlegar & District Kids’ Club and 26 spaces at The Trail District Day Care Society, Sunshine Children’s Centre.
The governments of Canada and British Columbia have finalized an agreement to pave the way for the construction of more homes for people, as well as support essential infrastructure investments. Planned changes will provide homebuilders with greater certainty and lower project costs, making life more affordable and help build more homes, faster.
Investment in adult education paves pathways to high-priority careers
Adults looking to upgrade their academic skills to access high-priority post-secondary career programs will continue to benefit from tuition-free Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Language Learning (ELL) pathway programs across B.C. Pathway programs provide opportunities for domestic students to upgrade English, math, and science skills to meet prerequisites for entry into high-priority post-secondary career programs. Each ABE and ELL program offers unique approaches that reflect their region, student population and programming. Selkirk College will be receiving $598,440 in Pathway funds in 2025-26.
Grants for cycling, walking paths support sustainability
Cyclists and walkers will enjoy more multi-use pathways, protected bike lanes, pedestrian bridges, and safety improvements as the Province helps local governments expand their active transportation infrastructure. The grants will improve connections to employment, school, transit and recreational centres throughout the province. Across B.C., 62 projects and network plans are moving forward as part of the $24 million in cost-shared provincial funding. Including Safety and accessibility improvements on the Centennial Trail multi-use pathway that serves as an inter-community link from Red Mountain Resort, through Rossland and Warfield, to Trail.
Enhanced rental assistance programs support families, seniors
More people will now benefit from enhancements to the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program, helping low-income families and seniors afford their rent. With the rising cost of living, we’re enhancing supports through the RAP and SAFER programs to ensure more families and seniors can access essential financial help. These changes will help people stay in their homes in the communities they love and allow us to support more people as they manage the challenges of rent and living expenses.
Health authority review launches to ensure support for front-line services
The province is launching its health authority review to ensure resource allocations are supporting critical patient services and minimize unnecessary administrative spending. Our government is committed to ensuring health authorities are functioning as effectively and efficiently as possible. That’s why we’re reviewing each health authority to confirm patients, their families and health-care providers are benefiting from the most possible and the best use of resources directed to front-line patient care.
Province continues to ensure people are protected from COVID-19, measles
Starting Tuesday, April 8, 2025, free additional COVID-19 vaccines will be available to people in B.C., with a focus on those who are at higher risk of severe illness. With an increasing number of measles cases reported in B.C. and the resurgence of measles cases worldwide, public health officials are also encouraging people in B.C. to check their immunization records to ensure they are up to date with their measles immunization. You can check your immunization records by going on Health Gateway or connecting with their health-care provider, and if needed, to book an appointment to get a free measles vaccine.
Tariff resource websites
For Business: https://www.britishcolumbia.ca/for-bc-businesses/us-tariffs-bc/
For Citizens: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/tariffs
Federal Page: https://international.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/campaigns/canada-us-engagemen
Did you know? When you buy from local farmers, producers and processors, you’re supporting a sustainable, thriving B.C. economy. Visit https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/ to find out how you can support B.C.’s food and beverage sector today! We work best when we work together, and times like these show how great we are at coming together to support each other.
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/
- The Service BC Contact Centre can help you find what you need. Representatives are available by phone or email.
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