Newsletter from MLA Steve Morisette
By MLA Steve Morissette
I’m grateful to be attending the First Nations Leadership Gathering in Vancouver this week for my first time. It was helpful that I do know a handful of FN leaders from my previous local government work.
The week has been very educational for me as I was entrusted to host a handful of meetings with First Nations and attend some more with Finance Minister Bailey. I am thankful for the opportunity and privilege to work with so many great people.
In these challenging times of closed minds, and a lack of respect for those that hold a different perspective (providing it isn’t based on hate), it is more important than ever to build bridges not walls. I was fortunate to spend a little time this week with friends from across the aisle Donegal Wilson and Á’a:líya Warbus at the First Nations Leadership Gathering.
B.C., First Nations leaders gather to advance reconciliation
First Nations leaders and provincial officials are coming together for the 10th B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering, where they will collaborate on ways to recognize, respect and advance essential government-to-government relationships. The annual event brings together Indigenous Peoples and youth from First Nations throughout the province to build on the strong foundation of government-to-government relationships developed over the past eight years. More than 1,300 people have registered for the gathering, with representation from more than 200 First Nations and every provincial government ministry. Over two days, more than 1,300 one-to-one meetings between provincial and First Nations leaders are scheduled.
B.C. keeps auto insurance rates low for drivers through 2027
Drivers in British Columbia will continue to benefit from affordable and stable auto insurance costs with no increase to basic rates through to spring 2027, marking seven consecutive years without an increase. Keeping basic insurance rates low and stable is part of our government’s commitment to affordability and helping people manage their day-to-day budgets. We’re making sure drivers have access to affordable coverage and some of the strongest care and recovery benefits in the country without compromising financial sustainability.
New forest trade office opening in Europe
Efforts are underway to diversify and strengthen British Columbia’s forestry sector with a new office in London, England. British Columbia is the second largest exporter of softwood lumber in the world, and with U.S. President Donald Trump’s continued attacks on our forestry workers and economy, we are not sitting idly by. We are making it easier for our friends across the pond to buy our world-class lumber, and we are supporting our forestry sector to get boots on the ground in more growing wood markets around the world.
Largest forestry trade mission to Asia aims to grow lumber market
Forestry has always been a cornerstone of British Columbia’s economy, and today, it’s our gateway to new global opportunities. Diversifying and expanding B.C.’s forestry sector is top of mind as Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, leads industry representatives, First Nations, and other sector experts on a trade mission to Japan and South Korea. B.C. is leading this mission at a time when our forestry sector is under attack by Donald J. Trump’s unfair and unjustified tariffs. We’re strengthening B.C.’s forestry sector by opening new markets, forging powerful partnerships and showing the world that B.C. produces the highest quality, most sustainably managed wood products on the planet.
More than 30 new homes open in Fruitvale
People in Fruitvale will have access to 31 new, affordable rental homes with the opening of Blizzard Mountain Place. A safe, affordable home offers stability, dignity and a foundation for a thriving life. These new homes will make a real difference for people in our community, providing stability, affordability and a stronger sense of belonging.
Minister’s, partners’ statement on substance-use education, prevention in B.C. schools
We believe in educating students on the harms of substance use, full stop. We stand together in our commitment to ensuring students receive a compassionate, trauma-informed and evidence-based education. Children should not be afraid or feel shamed when they need support and come ask for help.
Funding expands programs to prevent family violence
Families throughout B.C. will have access to new and expanded programs that support healthy relationships and prevent domestic violence, thanks to new funding that enhances community-led intervention services. By making violence intervention programs more accessible for families throughout B.C., we’re addressing some of the root causes of violence where they start – with those who use violence. These new programs will make our province a safer place for everyone.
Premier’s, Coastal First Nations’ statement on the North Coast Protection Declaration
On November 5, 2025, Premier David Eby; Chief Marilyn Slett, president, Coastal First Nations; Mayor Garry Reece, Lax Kw’alaams; Jason Alsop, president, Haida Nation; Paula Amos, Indigenous Tourism B.C.; and Clarence Innis, Hereditary Elder, all signed a declaration to protect the North Coast. For generations, communities have built and sustained the economy of the North Coast – a legacy that continues today through a multibillion-dollar, sustainable conservation economy that supports thousands of livelihoods in fisheries, tourism, renewable energy and stewardship. We urge the federal government to stand firm in its commitment to uphold the tanker ban. Protecting the North Coast is not an item for negotiation – it is a national responsibility, and it is a quantifiable investment in Canada’s treasured marine environment and the economic prosperity of future generations.
Fund supports next generation of B.C. farmers
Farmers beginning operations in British Columbia are getting help to plan and grow their agricultural businesses so they can succeed and offer B.C. families fresh and local food. B.C. farmers play a key role in our regional food systems, and it is crucial that we support the next generation of farmers so they can continue to feed British Columbians. The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program will be opening for eligible farmers to apply to develop or update a farm business plan and prepare a growth strategy for their farm operations.
BC NDP MLA Choi’s Korean Heritage Month Act passed unanimously
BC NDP MLA Paul Choi’s private member’s bill, the Korean Heritage Month Act, passed unanimously in the BC Legislature on Monday. Korean Heritage Month is more than a celebration, it’s a recognition of the generations of Korean-Canadian’s who have contributed to our province. The Korean Heritage Month Act provides an opportunity to coordinate, support and promote events, initiatives and programs to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about the remarkable contributions of Korean-Canadians in the province of British Columbia.
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.
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/
