Newsletter from MLA Morissette: Strategic Investment Fund and more
By MLA Steve Morissette
I’m pleased to rise to speak about some valuable community assets in my riding and, indeed, every riding. (watch at (3) March 09 2026 Statements Steve Morissette – YouTube ).
I recently had the opportunity to visit four of our libraries in Kootenay-Monashee, as well as visit the Cherryville Library last summer. I was struck by just how vibrant, welcoming and well-used they are. These libraries do so much more than lending books. They’re inclusive community spaces where people of all ages can learn, connect and feel a true sense of belonging.
For our youngest residents, these libraries spark a lifelong love of reading through story times, early literacy programs and family activities that bring parents and children together. For students and teens, they provide quiet study spaces, homework support, digital resources and programming that encourages curiosity, creativity and confidence.
Adults and seniors also benefit enormously. From author talks and book clubs to technology training, online access to social programs, language learning and lifelong learning opportunities, these libraries help people stay engaged and connected in a rapidly changing world.
They are also trusted places where neighbours meet. Community information is shared there and people can simply enjoy a welcoming language learning and lifelong learning opportunities, these libraries help people stay engaged and connected in a rapidly changing world. They are also trusted places where neighbours meet. Community information is shared there, and people can simply enjoy a welcoming public space.
What truly stands out is the dedication of staff and volunteers who make these libraries such vibrant hubs. These libraries demonstrate the very best of what public libraries can be, inclusive, innovative and deeply rooted in their communities. They strengthen social connections, support learning at every stage of life, and enrich quality of life across Kootenay-Monashee. I thank everyone involved for the invaluable work they do every single day.
Thank you to Beaver Valley Public Library, Trail & District Public Library, Rossland Public Library, Castlegar & District Public Library and Cherryville Library!
People are at the forefront of everything we do to grow our economy. While we as a nation face economic uncertainty, instability, and ongoing issues of tariffs, our government is prioritizing our economic resilience and sustainable growth so we can weather threats for years to come.
Everyone who has shared concerns and struggles with me is on my mind when I’m in the Legislature, working with my colleagues to build a better province.
As we look to reduce our reliance on the United States for trade, we have introduced legislation that, if passed, will enable the province to directly invest in high-impact private-sector projects that drive money back into the British Columbian economy. The Strategic Investment Fund will boost economic activity in areas like forestry, defence, and shipbuilding with the goal of ensuring B.C. businesses are at the front of the line.
With new financial tools, and through our Look West Strategy, we can support high-impact private-sector projects that attract federal investment and encourage businesses to invest in our Province. This fund will work to secure $200 billion in new private-sector investments right here in our communities.
This brings us in line with other jurisdictions including Ontario and Quebec, and opens up new opportunities for our province and our people.
Growing tourism, unlocking opportunities for people in B.C
We’ve launched the Look West: Tourism Sector Action Plan that positions tourism as a key driver of economic diversification and growth. With its stunning landscapes, diverse cultures and vibrant communities, British Columbia is a world‑class destination. This plan taps into the full potential of B.C.’s tourism sector as one of our province’s most dynamic industries and a vital engine of economic growth. Many communities rely on a thriving visitor economy, and by bolstering this sector, we’re supporting strong, vibrant communities while building long‑term opportunity and stability for individuals and families in British Columbia.
Improving complaint process for employers, workers
Amendments to the Employment Standards Act and Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act will help clarify and improve the employment standards complaint and dispute-resolution process for employers and workers. The Employment Standards Branch (ESB) ensures that employees in B.C. receive minimum standards of compensation and conditions of employment, helping protect workers from exploitation. These proposed changes are steps toward improving the process, helping people get to resolution sooner.
Better crane safety protections coming for workers
We’re taking action to strengthen protections for workers and enhance crane safety with legislation enabling a new WorkSafeBC crane licensing and permitting program. Major nation-building projects are moving forward in B.C. and the people who build them must have the best level of safety we can provide. British Columbia will be a leader in crane safety – with the highest standards of training, certification, technology and oversight – to protect workers and the public on every project, every time.
Government plans measures to make schools safer, introduce similar protections for places of worship
Our government introduced new legislation to prohibit people from interfering with safe access to school grounds, while establishing similar protections for places of worship. Students, educators and people attending faith services will soon see stronger protections that help ensure public spaces remain safe and respectful, with proposed laws extending safe‑access zones at schools and establishing new ones at places of worship. Children should be able to get to school, and people should be able to visit their place of worship, without facing intimidation.
Our government supports the rights of all people, regardless of race, gender, ability, or sexual orientation. By bringing forward this motion, we are asking every MLA to clearly and publicly stand behind the legal protections that generations of people have fought for. Despite their past votes against first reading, nearly every B.C. Conservative MLA voted to advance the Human Rights Code Repeal Act at first reading.
Streamlining government’s response to organized crime
Government has introduced legislative amendments that will improve the fairness, clarity and efficiency of civil forfeiture in B.C. and support the pursuit of illegally acquired criminal assets to ensure that crime does not pay. Today, we’re introducing amendments to strengthen British Columbia’s civil forfeiture law — ensuring that those who profit from crime cannot keep their unlawful gains. These changes will give law enforcement stronger tools to target criminal proceeds, disrupt organized crime and reinvest recovered funds into initiatives that support victims and improve public safety in communities across British Columbia.
B.C. government takes additional actions on extortion
We are urging the federal government to act quickly in passing Bill C-12 to close gaps that are being exploited by organized crime groups involved in extortion. The passage of Bill C-12 would make it harder for criminals who are foreign nationals to seek refugee status to avoid being removed from Canada. These reforms are needed to disrupt organized crime networks more effectively and keep British Columbians safe.
Expanding cancer coverage for firefighters
Firefighters will have improved access to workers’ compensation benefits and support services, in recognition of their higher risk of developing work-related cancers. Whether battling house fires or wildfires, or responding to traumatic events, firefighters go above and beyond. We’re making sure they have support when they need it most.
Making more surgeries available closer to home
Residents of British Columbia, particularly those near the provincial border, can once again access scheduled surgeries in Alberta, reducing the distance they need to travel for care. This is great news, especially for people living close to the Alberta border, who will now be able to access surgical care closer to home. We are grateful to our neighbours in Alberta and look forward to working together to strengthen health care access in our province.
Enhancing drug coverage for people in British Columbia
Hundreds of thousands of people in B.C. now have access to diabetes medications and menopausal hormone therapy at no cost under the new BC PharmaCare National Pharmacare Plan (Plan NP). This is a game changer for people who will now be able to access vital medications without worrying about how much they cost. Coverage for menopausal therapy and diabetes medication will increase the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of British Columbians, and this builds on our government’s expansion of PharmaCare, including becoming the first jurisdiction in Canada to provide free prescription birth control.
More people in B.C. have greater access to equitable care as our government continues to invest in services such as IVF and the Complex Menopause Clinic at BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre. We are continuing to expand medication coverage in B.C., offering greater access to treatment for menopausal symptoms, contraception and cervix self-screening kits. For too long, women’s health needs have been under-represented in health‑care systems. In B.C., initiatives such as universal contraception, cervix self‑screening and free prescription menopausal hormone therapy are improving access to care and supporting better health outcomes for women and gender‑diverse people across our province.
Making freshwater fishing licences available online in new system
For the first time, freshwater fishing licences and hunting licences are available through the same online system, fulfilling requests of the angling community for a streamlined system. Having a single system also eliminates the need for anglers who also hunt to maintain multiple profiles and allows them to complete all licensing in one transaction. This will also improve data collection to better support resource management.
Supporting B.C. farmers, competitiveness with tech
B.C. farmers are getting support to enhance their businesses and boost local food security with new technology, which will help increase production, efficiency and competitiveness. This program is helping farmers in British Columbia adopt new technologies that directly address the unique challenges they are facing. By providing access to innovative and practical solutions, our governments are ensuring that farmers have the tools they need to stay efficient and competitive.
Budget 2026 supports wildfire-resilient forests, communities
More local governments, contractors and First Nations will take on wildfire-risk-mitigation roles in and around their communities thanks to a $30-million investment in training, equipment and FireSmart programs. Through powerful partnerships with local communities, we’re doing the work to get ahead of wildfire season. We’re investing in local governments, contractors and First Nations to mitigate the risks of wildfire, protecting people and community. This is how we create jobs, support workers and build more resilient forests, restoring confidence in our sector.
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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