Newsletter from MLA Morissette
By MLA Steve Morissette
We’re in the heart of spring celebration season across British Columbia. Communities large and small are gathering together to celebrate the places they call home.
In Kootenay-Monashee, I’ve recently had the pleasure of attending Silver City Days in City of Trail and Beaver Valley May Days in Village of Fruitvale and I’m looking forward to soon attending upcoming events like Sunfest in City of Castlegar, Village of Montrose Family Day and Cherryville Days in beautiful little Cherryville, B.C.,
These celebrations are deeply loved traditions in their communities. They bring people together through parades, food, friendly sports competitions, car shows, local vendors, live entertainment and rides for families and children. But more than any one event or activity, they create something even more important: a sense of belonging. They remind us to celebrate where we live, the people around us and the simple joy of coming together as neighbours and friends.
What many people may not see is the incredible amount of work behind the scenes. In so many communities, it is often a small group of dedicated volunteers carrying the load, planning, organizing, fundraising, setting up, hosting events and cleaning up long after everyone has gone home.
To every volunteer, organizer, service club member, sponsor and community champion helping make these celebrations possible, thank you. Your hard work strengthens community spirit and creates memories that families carry with them for years. These celebrations truly showcase the very best of British Columbia.
Across every part of B.C. there are amazing organizations and individuals doing work to make their community, region, or province safer, to support people when they need a hand, to address hate, to help people escape cycles of violence, and to help people lead healthier, happier lives. These organizations make real differences in peoples lives at all ages and stages – you probably have at least one in mind that has supported you or a loved one, I know I do.
We know how important this work is. This past week we announced thousands of grant funding recipient organizations, using funds seized from criminal activity, and money collected from gaming, like in casinos and through the lottery, we’re supporting organizations to complete projects that will make a difference for people, and make B.C. a better place.
More than 200 grants went to projects through the Civil Forfeiture Grants fund, which helps projects in community that address gender-based violence, fight hate and respond to hate crimes, promote restorative justice, support Indigenous healing, and address root causes of crime.
Through Community Gaming Grants, over 1,000 community organizations received funding to support work in human and social services. This grant stream supports a range of projects, focussed on mental health, child care and children’s health, education, seniors care and activities, and services for people with disabilities. Locally, this included over $365k to the following recipients:
- Appledale Day Care Centre
- Blueberry Creek Community School Council
- Castlegar Community Services Society
- Cherryville Community Food & Resource Society
- Columbia Basin Sport Society
- Family Action Network of the Lower Columbia
- Greater Trail Community Skills Centre
- Kootenay Family Place
- Rossland Childcare Society
- Royal Canadian Legion Slocan Valley Branch #276
- Scouts Canada – 2nd Rossland
- W.E. Graham Community Service Society
By utilizing revenues collected from gambling and funds seized from criminal groups and individuals, we’re able to support local organizations without extra cost to the taxpayer. These organizations can then continue the work they do, and some are able to take on more work, allowing them to serve more people year after year. I’m so grateful to live in a region where organizations like these exist, and where people do this work, often as volunteers.
I encourage you to check out these organizations to find out about the great work they do and share their resources with someone who may benefit!
Since the Civil Forfeiture Office’s inception, more than $100 million in civil forfeiture recoveries has been disbursed as grants supporting community organizations throughout B.C. This year Trail Family and Individual Resource Centre Society and W.E. Graham Community Service Society will be receiving funds to support Coping & Connection after Trauma group series and Strengthening RJ in Our Communities, community-based restorative justice across seven rural West Kootenay communities project. Thank you to both of these groups for the work you do in our communities! It changes lives.
Learn More:
- To see the full list of 2025/26 grant recipients, visit:Civil Forfeiture Grant – Province of British Columbia
- For information about victim services, visit:Victim services – Criminal justice system – Province of British Columbia
- For information about the Civil Forfeiture Office, visit:Civil Forfeiture Office – Province of British Columbia
- For information about how B.C. is keeping communities safe, visit:Keeping people safe and communities strong – Province of British Columbia
BC NDP MLA Steve Morissette’s motion to support independent movie theatres passes
BC New Democrat MLA Steve Morissette’s motion to support independent movie theatres was passed in the Legislative Assembly today. The motion calls on the provincial government to allow small, independent movie theatres to serve liquor during mixed-age showings. At its core, this motion is about supporting rural economic initiatives, small businesses and preserving the charm, memories and culture that small, independent theatres bring to communities across the province.
Selkirk College is launching a new Medical Laboratory Assistant program, supported by more than $400,000 in funding from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. Based at the Trail Campus, the program is designed to address a significant shortage of medical laboratory assistants within Interior Health (IH) and across the province.
“The development of the Medical Laboratory Assistant Program is an excellent example of what can happen when a community identifies a challenge and works collaboratively toward a solution,” says City of Trail Mayor Colleen Jones. “When concerns arose regarding laboratory staffing shortages and the future of outpatient lab services in Trail, it became clear that we needed to look beyond the immediate issue and focus on long-term solutions. One of the ideas I brought forward was the creation of a local training program through Selkirk College to help build a sustainable workforce for our region.”
“Our government is committed to training and expanding our health care workforce so that everyone in BC can access the care they need, when and where they need it,” says Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “When government, post-secondary institutions and health authorities work together, it means people can get faster, closer and more reliable access to care. Selkirk College’s new Medical Laboratory Assistant training will help reduce wait times for testing, speed up diagnoses and ensure patients across the Kootenay and Boundary regions and throughout BC can count on timely, high-quality care close to home.”
Keeping people safe with new mental-health screening tool for police in Interior
Police agencies, health-care providers and people in crisis in the Interior will benefit from the launch of a digital public safety tool to support officer response to people in crisis. Supporting people in our community suffering from mental-health challenges is extremely important to me. HealthIM is a key resource that supports police when they respond to people experiencing a mental-health crisis. The implementation across Interior RCMP detachments reflects our government’s commitment to ensuring people in crisis receive timely, compassionate and appropriate care, as we continue to work to strengthen mental-health services so people can access these supports close to their home. HealthIM launched at RCMP detachments throughout the Interior on April 29, 2026, including: Castlegar, Grand Forks, Kaslo, Midway, Nakusp, Salmo, Slocan Lake and Trail.
Rental prices down, rental housing construction up in B.C.
Renters in B.C. are seeing significant cost-of-living improvements as British Columbia leads Canada in bringing rent costs down with the largest year-over-year declines in asking rents of any province. In the face of a national out-of-control housing crisis, here in B.C. we are taking on wealthy speculators, protecting renters from eviction and turning vacant units back into homes for people. There’s more to do, but we’re keeping up the momentum.
In celebration of Trail’s 125th anniversary The Trail Museum & Archives and City of Trail is hosting an event from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Gyro Park.
Event will be the official launch of A Trail to Remember Vol. 2, the second collaboration with John D’Arcangelo of published stories, memories, and recollections of past and present Trail residents. This year is particularly special, as the release falls on Trail’s 125th anniversary as an incorporated municipality. The event will mark that special occasion with this unique project and help us generate some pride and reflection about this storied West Kootenay city. Come to enjoy the nostalgic sounds of Brian Plamondon, and enjoy some birthday cake in honour of the anniversary. The museum will also be interviewing attendees as part of our 125th campaign in an initiative called Trail Tales. This collection of brief videos and sentiments will be artfully compiled next year to create a legacy project.
Planting 125 million more trees in B.C.
The Province is investing $155 million toward reforestation programs to plant more than 125 million trees throughout British Columbia. Since 2017, we’ve invested in planting 400 million trees in B.C. Now, we’re adding 125 million more. As we head into the Council of Canadian Forest Ministers Conference, hosted right here at home, we’re showing how B.C. continues to lead not only in forestry, but in reforestation and restoration. We’re securing the future of our forests and forestry jobs for generations to come.
Supporting wood-waste innovation in the Kootenays
A Kootenay-based project is receiving provincial funding to convert forestry waste into a soil supplement, benefiting agriculture and forestry sectors, while supporting training and good-paying jobs in the region. People in rural communities are finding innovative ways to create new opportunities for their families and neighbours while caring for the environment. By turning wood waste into valuable new products, this project is creating jobs, supporting local businesses and helping build a stronger future for the community. Through our Look West strategy, we are investing in the people, ideas and industries that keep rural British Columbia thriving.
Child care in BC has come a long way, but we want to know: how could it work better? Are you a family with young children, an early childhood educator or child care operator? We want to hear from you. Your input will help shape how we strengthen and expand the system – so it works better for everyone. Take the survey at gov.bc.ca/ChildCareSurvey
It’s that time of year again: the #BCLeg Finance Committee’s consultation on Budget 2027 is now open! Share your ideas in writing for the next provincial budget by June 19: Home – Consultation Portal
Special Committee to Review Provisions of the Insurance (Vehicle) Act is seeking input from the public, to inform review of Parts 10 and 11 of the Insurance (Vehicle) Act and Bill M 237, Insurance (Vehicle) Amendment Act, 2026. Parts 10 and 11 of the Act regulate no-fault or enhanced care coverage auto insurance in BC. Bill M 237 proposes changes related to catastrophic injuries under no-fault insurance. Feedback can be submitted until June 25th at 2pm through the consultation website here: Home – Consultation Portal
Making government services more equitable for all
A new provincial anti-racism plan will help create stronger, healthier communities throughout B.C. by setting out actions to address the systemic barriers Indigenous and racialized people face when accessing government services. Despite progress, too many people in B.C. still face racism when accessing services meant to help everyone. This plan sets out clear actions to undo the unfair and unjust legacy of systemic racism. This is how we create a government that people trust, and works for everyone, regardless of their race or identity.
Addressing hate, racism in B.C. communities
People in British Columbia will have safer access to places of worship and other community centres as organizations receive $242,000 in anti-hate grants to improve security and address property damage. A thriving province is one where all people feel safe and supported, particularly in the spaces that celebrate cultural diversity and identity. With antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hatred on the rise in B.C. and across Canada, it’s important that people feel secure in synagogues, mosques and all the spaces where communities come together.
Call for Expressions of Interest – Legacy Fund Grants Now Open!
The Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games Legacy Fund is now accepting Expressions of Interest from youth-focused organizations in Trail, Rossland, Castlegar, Warfield, and Beaver Valley can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support projects benefiting local youth. Grants of up to $10,000 are available (average ~$2,500) for projects that make a lasting community impact.
Priority will be given to programs that support:
Sport participation
Coaching, officiating & mentoring
Retention of girls in sport
Inclusion of under-represented groups
Youth & community service initiatives
Arts & culture
Submit your Expression of Interest by June 15, 2026
Visit Call for Expressions of Interest: Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games Legacy Fund – BC Games to learn more and apply
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.
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