From the Ledge: Weekly column from MLA Steve Morissette
By Contributor
British Columbia’s 2025 budget tabled this week has British Columbians at its centre. Premier David Eby and our BC NDP Government are protecting the services people rely on, strengthening our economy, and standing together in the face of The US tariff threat.
We know that the threat of tariffs and the potential effect on jobs and our economy are big concerns for people in B.C., and our budget reflects this. We’re making sure jobs and livelihoods are protected while making sure we can withstand an unpredictable blow to our economy.
We’re investing to make sure people can continue to access the services they rely on.
- We’re improving our healthcare system with $4.2 billion more over three years, helping even more people get and keep a family doctor; we’re improving medical facilities and hospitals, and opening new facilities.
- We’re continuing to make sure we build the homes people need, that they can afford, in their communities, with $1.1 billion invested in housing over four years to deliver more homes and strengthen rental supports for low-income families and seniors.
- We’re continuing to make sure people feel safe and comfortable in their communities, with $235 million over three years for justice and public safety, including funding for community safety programs like the repeat violent offender initiative and a program fighting vandalism.
- We’re making sure people can get around safely and more efficiently, with $95 million for highway and bridge maintenance.
- We’re investing in the infrastructure that serves and supports British Columbians, with $45.9 billion over the next three years supporting 180,000 jobs and delivering new acute, long-term, and cancer care facilities, new and improved schools and post-secondary institutions, and improved transportation networks.
While President Trump’s tariff threat changes day by day and hour by hour, we are standing strong alongside British Columbians. We’ll continue to strengthen our provincial economy by working to bring more industry to B.C. and break down interprovincial trade barriers. We’ll continue to work to diversify our markets and find more buyers for B.C.’s world-class goods. And we’ll continue to respond with a Team Canada approach alongside our fellow Canadians. This budget helps us prepare for uncertain conditions so we can continue to put people first and build a better future for B.C.
Tuesday March 11, 2025 Navigating Global Trade & US Tariffs:
Informal Q&A, Castlegar & Area Chamber of Commerce, from 2:30 pm – 4 pm PT
Join Michael Hoher from Export Navigator for an Informal Q&A!
Grow Your B.C. Business Through Exporting | Export Navigator
Discuss questions about changing tariff regulations, diversifying your business to reduce risk, or managing your business amid shifting market sentiments and tariff layers? This online session offers a great opportunity to discuss these topics and learn about helpful resources and programs for businesses.
Premier’s statement on U.S. preliminary softwood lumber decision
B.C.’s iconic forestry sector and the people whose livelihoods depend on it have faced immense challenges for years and, today, are facing a new, massive threat. We are stronger when we work together. If the tariffs are imposed, we will stand with Team Canada to respond with strength. For workers who rely on the forestry industry to support their families, or British Columbians who are anxious about other tariffs the U.S. is threatening to impose, our commitment is to fight hard to defend your jobs and the services you rely on.
Agritech projects, training that will strengthen B.C. agriculture
British Columbia will soon have nearly 200 new jobs and hundreds more people trained in science and technology to enhance food security and strengthen the provincial economy. Our province is home to vibrant agriculture and technology sectors, and our government is standing strong to keep them safe during times of global uncertainty. We are helping small and medium-sized businesses develop new technologies and tools to support farmers and enhance food security for British Columbians.
BC Conservative MLAs vote against motion to condemn Trump tariffs
After John Rustad spent weeks opposing retaliation against Donald Trump’s tariffs, last night five of his MLAs (Dallas Brodie, Heather Maahs, Jordan Kealy, Tara Armstrong and Brent Chapman ) voted against a motion to condemn Trump’s unjustified attack on Canada’s sovereignty. Regardless of how John Rustad and his MLAs voted on this motion, their opposition to retaliatory action against Donald Trump has been consistent and clear. Canadians expect their leaders to stand up to Donald Trump with a tough and strategic approach and that is exactly what we will continue to do
B.C. will strengthen the biofuel industry with Canadian-content requirements
The Province is taking action to strengthen British Columbia’s energy resilience and support local biofuel producers, ensuring cleaner transportation fuels and greater energy security for people in B.C. By increasing the Canadian biofuel content in our transportation fuels, we will support local producers, protect jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign energy. This action reflects our commitment to cleaner energy, economic growth, and a resilient future for British Columbians.
Rustad and his MLAs must denounce racist comments fromformer staffer, says Sunner
A news story from the Tyee has revealed that BC Conservative staffer and organizer Adam Beattie has been posting racist videos targeting the South Asian community. As we see increasing incidents of racism targeting the South Asian community, it’s so disappointing to see BC Conservative staff and organizers pushing it. John Rustad and his MLAs should make it clear immediately that they don’t condone these comments, and that Beattie will not be working for them going forward.
“A big tent that has space for racism is not a political tent, that’s a circus tent. And he’s got to kick the clown out of the tent.” Premier David Eby called on BC Conservative Leader John Rustad to remove BCC MLA Dallas Brodie from caucus over her comments about residential school deaths. Internal BC Conservative strife over MLA Dallas Brodie’s comment about residential schools erupted in the halls of the legislature this week after a video surfaced.
If you or a loved one have experienced or witnessed racism in British Columbia, help is available. Call the Racist Incident Helpline to speak with a trained professional who will help you navigate resources available to you in your community. Available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (PT).
It’s free, confidential and available in over 240 languages.
1-833-HLP-LINE
1-833-457-5463
SUPPORTING IMPROVEMENTS TO SENIORS’ HOUSING
Columbia Basin Trust enhancing spaces for health, comfort, and social connection in 27 communities – Seniors across the Basin will soon enjoy upgraded spaces that promote wellness and connection. Non-profit seniors’ rental housing buildings are making improvements to common areas, outdoor spaces, and accessibility, creating more opportunities for gathering, recreation, and physical activity. These upgrades will enhance the livability of seniors’ homes, fostering health, comfort, and stronger community ties. Projects the Trust is supporting include residents Esling Park Lodge in Rossland.
At Esling Park Lodge in Rossland, a series of upgrades will make the common area more inviting and functional and significantly improve residents’ daily lives. New furnishings, including stacking chairs, TV trays, a television, couches, and an electric fireplace, will create a comfortable and social environment. A new fridge with a bottom freezer will make it easier for residents to host gatherings and accommodate those with mobility challenges.“ The people who live at Esling are going to love these new upgrades,” said Bill Profili, Chair of the Rossland Seniors Housing Society. “One of the cornerstones of any community is the opportunity to connect. These improvements will make our common space more inviting—whether for coffee meet-ups, movie nights or cheering on favourite teams during playoffs.”
To see all projects, click here
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.
