Newsletter from MLA Steve Morissette
By MLA Steve Morissette
Last week, our government wrapped up what was a busy, full, and productive fall legislative session. I’m heading home today for the holidays, I’m looking forward to connecting with constituents to talk about the work that we are doing, hear from you about your thoughts and ideas, and of course attend the many amazing holiday events spreading cheer in our region!
This fall, we passed legislation including making it easier for childcare centres to be established on school grounds, ensuring people who are sick can take protected leave from their job, and creating a new energy transmission line here in B.C., which will create jobs for thousands of British Columbians. We also took action to support and grow our economy as we face continuing economic uncertainty and attacks from the U.S., like with our Look West strategy, which is doubling investments in trades training, and goes hand in hand with continuing to support the four projects in B.C. that have been named in the Prime Minister’s list of nation-building projects which will be prioritized and supported federally.
Through passing job-protected medical leave legislation, we’re making sure workers are protected and feel supported when going through some of life’s hardest moments. This legislation passing means workers when sick can take the time they need to heal without worrying about losing their livelihoods.
This fall, we continued work on the SFU Medical School, and were excited to see SFU open applications for their first medical cohort! We also began work on new major infrastructure projects, like new schools and bridges, so people can continue to rely on the public infrastructure they use every day. Our legislation to build childcare on school grounds will tie into this, with opportunities for new childcare centres to be built and established as we build and upgrade schools across B.C.
We know that people in B.C. may not always feel safe in their communities, school, workplaces, or online. Our action this fall worked to address this and improve safety across the board. We passed legislation to protect people and punish perpetrators of intimate images being shared or posted without consent. We’re continuing to pass and amend legislation to make our involuntary care system the best it can be for care providers, patients, and their loved ones, including adding protections for people caring for those in crisis. Our government has also been leading the way cracking down on extortion in B.C., and we successfully advocated to the federal government for bail reforms to help keep repeat violent offenders off our streets.
That’s just some highlights of the work we’ve been doing here in the Legislature this fall. We passed an incredible 19 government bills and 1 private member’s bill, and are excited to hit the ground running when we return in February. Until then, I look forward to seeing many of you over the holidays, and doing work in my community this winter.
Big news for the Columbia Basin!
More than 2,650 households in Valemount, Nakusp, New Denver, Rosebery, Salmo, Silverton and Slocan will soon have access to high-speed internet.
The Province is investing up to $17 million to make sure people in rural B.C. can access health care, education, and grow local businesses, all while staying connected to the communities they love.
This is about more than faster internet—it’s about opportunity. It’s about ensuring people in British Columbia can fully participate in today’s digital economy.
This expansion builds on the Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation’s $82 million “Connect the Basin” initiative, supported by up to $58 million in funding from Canada and B.C. to bring improved internet access to over 5,400 households throughout the Columbia Basin and Kootenays. The Northern Development Initiative Trust is the funding administrator.
The Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform is seeking input on the administration of the 2024 provincial election, opportunities to improve future elections, and the Chief Electoral Officer’s recommendations for legislative change. Participants must submit their input via the Parliamentary Committees Consultation Portal by 2:00 p.m. (Pacific) on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Fall session delivers action to support growth, services, safety
In the face of U.S. tariffs and economic challenges, our government continues to move our province forward – building an economy powered by clean B.C. energy and positioning B.C. workers to benefit as we get big things done. We know British Columbians expect us to focus on what matters most to them. That’s why we’re planting the seeds of long-term prosperity, with major projects on the horizon that mean good jobs, strong communities and the revenue to keep services strong.
Disrupting organized crime in B.C.
The B.C. Civil Forfeiture Office has filed a claim in B.C. Supreme Court seeking the forfeiture of three Hells Angels clubhouses in an effort to target and undercut organized crime. Organized crime has no place in B.C., and our government has been working with focus and resolve to go after gangs and remove the profits of criminal activities. As criminals attempt to hide their illegal activities and shield their members from law enforcement, we are finding ways to permanently take away their assets while protecting British Columbians.
Preventing money laundering through stronger gambling regulation
The new gaming control act will be coming into effect on April 13, 2026, establishing an updated regulatory framework and new regulations for the gambling industry to prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering and fraud. Money laundering is a serious issue in our province and across the country, and strong oversight is needed to prevent it. The new act creates a strong regulatory framework so that the Independent Gambling Control Office, our new independent regulator, can more effectively address criminal activity and protect people in B.C.
Honouring anti-racism, diversity champions
Four people and one organization are receiving the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards for their exceptional efforts to fight racism and promote inclusion in British Columbia. These award recipients exemplify the values of inclusion and respect that strengthen our province. Their leadership and creativity are inspiring. I am proud to honour their exceptional efforts to break down barriers, foster inclusion and build stronger, more equitable communities across British Columbia.
Helping B.C. businesses showcase tech potential
B.C. businesses developing new technologies that align with key sectors in the Look West economic plan can now apply for new funding to help them demonstrate innovative solutions to real-world challenges, so they can grow and create good jobs for people in B.C. This new funding helps B.C.‘s small and medium-sized companies validate their technologies in real-world settings and move closer to commercial adoption. It’s part of our Look West economic plan to drive growth and deliver innovative solutions at home and around the world.
Climate Change Accountability Report shows lower emissions, more work to do
The Province has released the 2025 Climate Change Accountability Report, reaffirming its commitment to climate action and affordability while highlighting progress in cutting emissions and advancing clean energy throughout B.C. From electrifying our province to leading in zero-emission vehicles and heat pump adoption, we are taking action to build a clean economy for everyone in B.C. There’s still work ahead, but we will continue to support solutions that reduce emissions, save people money and grow a clean, resilient economy.
Everyone is welcome to attend our MLA Holiday Open House Wednesday December 17
10am – 2pm at
Trail Memorial Centre,
Drop by for some great treats, holiday crafts, music and mingling.
Don’t forget to bring an item for the food bank if you are able.
Province takes action to reduce administration, prioritize front-line health care
People in every corner of B.C. deserve a health-care system that keeps pace with their growing and complex needs. That’s why we’ve launched this review last March, to hear directly from the people doing the work and to identify how we can make our system more efficient. While that review is being completed, we’re already taking steps to reduce administrative duplication in health authorities so they can focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality care for patients across the province.
B.C. builds on efforts to support care-home workers, strengthen seniors’ care
The Province is taking significant steps to ensure seniors and people with complex health needs in publicly funded care homes, and the workers who care for them, continue to have the support they need, regardless of where they live or work. Every senior in British Columbia deserves dependable, compassionate care. By reinforcing consistent standards across the sector, we’re supporting a fair and sustainable workforce, reducing turnover and ensuring that the dedicated workers who care for seniors every day can continue to provide familiar, consistent care for seniors and their families.
Helping people understand their rights under Mental Health Act
People experiencing a mental-health crisis now have a legal right to meet with an independent rights adviser to better understand their rights and the supports available to them, with amendments to the Mental Health Act coming into force. Everyone deserves to be able to understand and access their basic rights, no matter the situation they are in. This free, independent service strengthens access to justice, ensuring that people admitted into involuntary care have the ability to understand what is happening and are treated with dignity and fairness.
Province strengthens safeguards for prescribed alternatives
Prescribed alternatives save lives by separating people at highest risk of overdose from toxic street drugs and predatory drug dealers, and give people a chance to get into treatment. To ensure these medications are used as intended, we are moving to witnessed dosing for all patients, and we are supporting pharmacists and prescribers as they implement this change. We will continue to closely monitor the situation to make sure people struggling with addiction can access the care and treatment they need, while also ensuring that medications are being taken by the people they are prescribed for.
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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