Newsletter from MLA Steve Morisette
By Contributor
B.C. is a great place to work, play, raise a family, and be with loved ones. But like many other places in the world, we’ve been experiencing strains on our healthcare system. I know this well from hearing from my constituents who need a primary care practitioner or are waiting to have care needs addressed.
As a government, we’ve been working hard to strengthen our healthcare system, support healthcare workers, and recruit more to join our team. And I’ve heard great stories of the successes so far, with people telling me of getting a new family doctor or primary care practitioner after waiting for years, having their care needs addressed, and feeling more empowered in their care.
Recently we have ramped up our efforts to recruit international health care professionals to come work and live in B.C., especially those from the U.S. who may find their own government no longer aligns with their values and needs.
Alongside targeted recruitment, we’ve been working to make sure international professionals can have their health care credentials recognized so they can begin work in B.C. faster and more easily.
These actions have been working – just in May and June alone we had close to 800 U.S doctors, nurse practitioners, and healthcare professionals apply to come to B.C., and over 2250 express interest in learning more. This means we have hundreds of job applications from qualified, caring U.S. professionals hoping to help fill roles in our system. In Interior Health we received the most applicants of all Health Authorities at 181 applicants.
This isn’t the only solution for B.C. We know we need to nurture and grow our local healthcare workforce too, and train people here to work here. We’re continuing our work to open Western Canada’s first medical school in over 50 years with progress being made at SFU’s Surrey Campus.
British Columbians need accessible healthcare they can rely on, that won’t bankrupt them or put them into steep debt. This will need help from our friends coming from the U.S., from new Canadians, and from future medical students. We’re continuing this work so our healthcare workforce is stronger and our people get the care they need.
Western Canada’s first menopause clinic supports more people in B.C.
Women and gender-diverse people who are experiencing complex menopause symptoms can now access specialized care at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre’s new Complex Menopause Clinic, a first of its kind in Western Canada. Women and gender-diverse people face unique health challenges that are often overlooked – and menopause is one of them. This new clinic will strengthen the continuum of care for people navigating complex menopause and is another step we’re taking to build a health-care system that’s compassionate, equitable and is there for people through every stage of life.
Update on measles cases in B.C., ensuring people remain protected
As of July 8, 2025, there is one active, contagious measles case and 10 patients have been hospitalized. In 2025, there have been 102 cases of measles reported across all five regional health authorities in B.C. The majority of cases of measles in B.C. are in individuals who are not fully immunized. The Province and public health recommend people check their immunization records.
Province moves to protect supply of two more diabetes drugs
The Province is limiting sales of the drugs tirzepatide and dulaglutide, commonly known by the brand names Mounjaro and Trulicity, to preserve the supply for people with diabetes who really need it. Tirzepatide, dulaglutide and semaglutide are prescription drugs approved for the management of Type 2 diabetes, but their off-label use for weight loss is driving shortages of the drugs in several countries, including the United States. Our government is continuing to take action to ensure that people living with diabetes have reliable access to these essential medications.
Funding helps B.C. artists inspire, connect, create
More than 1,300 artists and arts groups throughout British Columbia received more than $37 million in grants through the B.C. Arts Council (BCAC) in 2024, helping bring their work to life and strengthening community connections. A strong arts and culture sector supports vibrant, resilient and connected communities. It also fuels a thriving economy, creating jobs, attracting investment and driving innovation throughout B.C.
Congratulations to Rossland Council for Arts and Culture, Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre, Slocan Lake Arts Council, Trail and District Arts Council, and the Kootenay Gallery of Art, History & Science Society in Castlegar! Receiving grants that come to a grand total of $364,750 to enhance Arts and Culture throughout the Kootenay Monashee region. This is fantastic news! When we uplift arts and culture, our communities are better for it. Thanks to this funding, local artists and organizations are supported in creating and innovating with their work.
Updated cabinet sworn in to meet the needs of British Columbians in a changing world
Premier David Eby has announced a strategic shift to his cabinet in order to centre jobs, the economy and the needs of British Columbians in their communities. We need to be responsive to the changing needs of our province by growing our economy, seizing new opportunities, and making our essential services more resilient.We have the skills and determination both at the cabinet table and in caucus to stand up for British Columbians.
New funding expands RCMP hate crimes unit
The Province is stepping up its fight against hate-motivated offences by increasing the staffing capacity of the B.C. hate crimes unit, led by the B.C. RCMP. Any form of hate, whether it be through criminal acts or racist language, has no place in British Columbia. In response to rising acts of hate in our communities, our government is ensuring the B.C. hate crimes unit has the resources needed to investigate these crimes to the fullest extent possible to hold perpetrators to account.
Province advances systemic changes to integrate social services, prevent crises
On the one-year anniversary of the release of the representative for children and youth’s (RCY) Don’t Look Away report, the Province is providing an update on its co-ordinated cross-government work across several ministries to better integrate social services and move to a more prevention-based model of support for children and youth. Every child in our province deserves safety, belonging and love, and we must do better. We are working with all our partners toward a renewed model of child well-being that focuses on prevention, care and supporting families before they find themselves in crisis.
People, businesses urged to conserve water as drought risks increase
Saving water and responding to drought is a shared responsibility, and we know that early action can make a big difference, especially when we work together. The Province is doing our part to ensure communities and farmers are prepared, and we are working with large water users to reduce their water use. This is especially critical in high-risk watersheds that support fish populations or are at risk of long-term harm.
Parks Canada and British Columbia invest more than $8 million to improve ecological connectivity
Alongside the federal government, we committed 3 million dollars to support an agreement to advance ecological corridor projects, nature conservation and Indigenous stewardship in British Columbia. We’re working with Parks Canada to recognize important corridors, informed by science, Indigenous and local knowledge. Together, with many partners, we’re helping wildlife adapt to a changing climate and taking care of our natural spaces for future generations.
Live in a condo or apartment? You could get up to $5,000 for a heat pump!
The Better Homes Energy Savings Program is now offering rebates of up to $5,000 to help income-qualified renters and condo owners install electric heat pumps in their individual suites.
— Save on energy bills
— Stay cool in summer and warm in winter
— Reduce your carbon footprint
Important: To apply, you’ll need signed permission from your landlord (if renting) or strata (if you own a condo).
Learn more and apply here: betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/condo-and-apartment-rebates
Better safeguards, transparency for homebuyers
People buying a home will soon be better protected by new rules and regulations for the mortgage services industry. Buying a home is often one of the biggest financial decisions people make in their lifetimes, and it’s important that they have peace of mind. The new framework for the Mortgage Services Act raises standards across the mortgage industry, improves accountability and helps protect both home buyers and lenders, while supporting efforts to crack down on money laundering.
The Rossland Heritage Commission is looking for volunteers. If you are interested in preserving local sites and history, contact via their website: https://heritagerossland.com/
Next stage of engagement begins on Heritage Conservation Act improvements
In partnership with the First Nations Leadership Council, the Province is moving forward to the next stage of consultation and engagement on modernizing the Heritage Conservation Act. The Heritage Conservation Act is how we protect important cultural and archeological sites in B.C., but currently it doesn’t reflect our commitments, or the people it’s supposed to represent. As we embark on this important engagement, we’re committed to ensuring our collective work will lead to a system that will support faster permitting, better planning and more meaningful discussions with people, communities, industry and First Nations.
Engagement begins to support implementation of Infrastructure Projects Act
Public engagement is open to support implementation of the Infrastructure Projects Act, which aims to get shovels in the ground quicker for critical projects that people need in their communities. First Nations, members of the public and interest-holders, such as municipalities, business organizations, environmental groups and construction partners, are invited to share their thoughts on the development of two key parts of the legislation over the summer:
- Provincially significant projects criteria – a regulation to establish the minimum criteria for projects to be designated as provincially significant, so they can access streamlining tools that will help reach decisions quicker.
- Qualified professional certifications – a regulation to develop a qualified professional-reliance model to create permitting efficiencies, while maintaining accountability and high standards.
For more information and to get to involved, visit: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/infrastructure
British Columbia Ambassador Program
Our mandate is to nurture provincial leaders of the future, promote and assist with post secondary education, and forge links of friendship and service throughout British Columbia communities.
Vote for the People’s Choice Award! The People’s Choice Award is given to the candidate who receives the most votes during the voting period. The voting period ends on July 25th at 11:59 pm. You can vote once a day, per device. https://poll.fm/14907426
Know before you go!
Travel safe by researching where you’ll get important updates while on the road. Visit:
DriveBC.ca and BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit for road info
EmergencyInfoBC.ca for emergency info
Weather.gc.ca for weather alerts
BC Wildfire Service for wildfire updates
PreparedBC.ca for preparedness tips
Learn more travel safety tips: https://blog.gov.bc.ca/emergen…/dont-sweat-the-unexpected/
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/
