Newsletter from MLA Morissette
By Contributor
Locally, we’ve seen people in our community continue to come together to respond to the threats from the U.S. by supporting local, choosing to buy alternatives to U.S. products, and finding new local vacation spots. I continue to be impressed and proud of our community and all British Columbians for the Team Canada response we’re taking, and the way we’ve come together to do this.
One important part of our approach to tariff response is breaking down interprovincial trade barriers that are holding back our shared prosperity.
This week, Premier Eby attended meetings of Provincial and Territorial leaders in Ontario, where we put interprovincial trade at the top of our agenda. Through these meetings, we came to new trade agreements with Ontario, Manitoba, and Yukon, that will benefit our people and promote our shared priorities of protecting jobs, tackling the cost of living, and supporting public services.
These agreements mean people in B.C., Ontario, Manitoba, and Yukon will have better choice of products on shelves, be able to move between provinces easier for work and other opportunities, and know their leaders are doing this work with their needs in mind.
We came out of these meetings stronger, more resilient, more connected, and a leader in Canada in creating an economy that can grow and adapt as our future changes. An economy that can support services like health care, education, and child care.
This work is continuing, and as the conditions we face change, the approach continues and shifts too. I will be sure to keep you updated of ongoing progress we’re making for British Columbians.
I am excited to share that I am the Chair of The Special Committee to Review the Lobbyists Transparency Act. We are currently holding public consultation on the Lobbyists Transparency Act. This is part of a review of the law that regulates lobbying activities in British Columbia. We will be accepting written submissions until September 19 at 2:00 p.m. To participate and for details on the consultation, visit bcleg.ca/consultations or contact the Parliamentary Committees Office by email at LTA2025@leg.bc.ca or by phone at 250-356-2933 or 1-877-428- 8337 (toll-free in BC).
Infrastructure upgrades improve visitor experience in two Okanagan parks
Little Peters Lake and Big Peters Lake are alpine gems tucked away in Monashee Provincial Park. Think wildflower-filled meadows and mirrored mountain peaks.
Monashee Park is part of a five-year, $21.5-million investment to increase and improve access to outdoor recreation in B.C. Replacing the bridge at Little Peters Lake and adding more campsites including increased number of raised wooden tent platforms, safe food storage, and double the pit toilets at Big Peters Lake means more people.
More people can access Myra-Bellevue Park and safely enjoy one of the most scenic sections of the historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail as several infrastructure upgrades are nearing completion. This ensures that this natural treasure remains safe and accessible for everyone who comes to explore the trails, history and biodiversity of this special region in B.C. These are good examples of funds going towards much needed infrastructure across our province.
Freshwater fishing licence sales streamlined to B.C.’s WILD system
Recreational freshwater anglers will soon be able to buy B.C. freshwater fishing licences through the Wildlife Information and Licensing Data system (WILD), bringing fishing and hunting licensing into one convenient online platform. Starting in fall 2025, people who are not already registered in the WILD system can create a profile and obtain a free Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID) in preparation for the 2026–27 licence year. This secure and convenient new method automates identity and residency verification, helping reduce administrative workload, reduce wait times and enhance the user experience.
People in B.C. urged to practise water safety
It is crucial that parents and caregivers properly supervise children at the lake, beach, pool or in the bathtub at home, keep young children within arm’s reach, wear a lifejacket or PFD while boating no matter your age or ability, and stay sober on the water. Many drowning victims never intend to go into the water at all. For this reason, we urge the public to be WaterSmart this summer and to take swim lessons and lifesaving training to help prevent future tragedies.
Buy local and support BC farmers!
Discover what’s in season right now with this fun, interactive site packed with visuals and helpful info. It’s a great way to make informed choices while enjoying fresh, local produce. Every purchase helps strengthen our communities and sustain local agriculture. Check it out and taste the difference!
Minister’s statement on StatsCan release of 2024 police-reported crime statistics
B.C.’s Crime Severity Index fell 11% last year to its lowest level in six years, marking the largest drop in the country. This progress reflects the continued efforts by the B.C. government, First Nations and local governments, police services, community organizations and businesses to work together to build safer communities. While these results are promising, we know we have more work to do and there are specific areas where we need to renew our focus.
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/
