MLA Morissette Weekly Newsletter
The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services has released its Budget 2026 Consultation Report, reflecting the voices of British Columbians from every corner of the province. After hearing 350 presentations and reviewing 406 written submissions, the committee has put forward 86 thoughtful recommendations to help shape the next provincial budget.
Between May 30 and June 20, our committee hosted 16 public hearings—both in-person across 11 communities and virtually—gathering input on key issues such as affordability, health care, and public safety.
As a Rural MLA, I was honoured to serve on this committee and ensure that rural complexities was understood and represented at the table.
Clean-industry projects strengthen climate action, support good jobs
Government is investing $35 million to support new industry projects that will create local jobs, strengthen local communities and grow British Columbia’s clean industry. We’re helping B.C. industries accelerate decarbonization and lead in the global shift to clean energy. These consistent and focused investments protect good jobs today, while opening the door to new opportunities in tomorrow’s economy.
In the Kootenays, Teck Resources Limited used support from the fund to pilot the use of biocarbon to partially replace fossil fuels in critical mineral and metal production. The project supports research and development of cleaner industrial processes that could significantly reduce emissions in hard-to-decarbonize sectors.
“This project helps us explore cleaner technologies that could shift the way critical minerals and metals are made in B.C.,” said Matt Parrilla, general manager, Trail operations, Teck. “It supports long-term sustainability for workers and communities that rely on critical mineral and metal production.” This and other projects are a snapshot of the clean-industry innovation happening in B.C.
Teck Resources Ltd. – Trail, B.C.
Funding Stream: Innovation Accelerator
Project name: Piloting Biocarbon at Teck Trail Operations Project description: Teck Resources at its Trail operation facility in the Kootenay region will demonstrate the use of biocarbon to partially replace fossil-based metallurgical coal and coke in order to support future capital investment and reduce fossil fuel derived emissions from pyrometallurgical processes.
Funding: $500,558
Mercer Celgar Limited Partnership – Kootenay, B.C.
Funding Stream: Feasibility Studies
Study name: New Power Boiler
Study description: Mercer Celgar will assess the feasibility of replacing existing power boiler with a bubbling fluidized bed power boiler. This technology can enhance the operation’s competitiveness by allowing increased electricity export to BC Hydro and almost eliminating natural gas usage.
Funding: $900,450
Communities in B.C. are experiencing more frequent and more extreme climate-related emergencies, so it’s more important than ever to take action to prepare for and reduce these risks. These projects are examples of strong provincial partnerships with First Nations and local governments to make people safer and communities stronger. I am thrilled to see that the City of Castlegar received approval for up to $399,920!
The 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 are currently underway in St. John’s, Newfoundland until August 25th. Over 4,000 athletes, coaches and managers come together to showcase youth athleticism, create connections, and celebrate all the joys of their chosen sports.
Join me in sending best of luck and well wishes to all of our athletes, support staff, and families of TEAM BC!
Special shout-out to Fruitvale’s own Brynn Gallamore who is representing B.C. in Women’s Softball. 𝑮𝑶 𝑩𝑹𝒀𝑵𝑵!
- You can watch the games live on the official Canada Games website: Stream & Broadcasting
- Check out Team BC’s website for more details: 2025 Canada Summer Games – Team BC
Pride in the Kootenays
It’s a time to celebrate love, identity, and community—but also to stand up against injustice.
I’m proud to live in a place where people come together to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. But even here, there’s still work to do. That’s why Pride matters every day.
To everyone showing up, speaking out, and living their truth: thank you. You make our community stronger and more beautiful.
Happy Pride, Kootenays!
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.
