Newsletter from MLA Steve Morissette
November 20 2025 Statements Steve Morissette
Yesterday I was proud to rise in celebration of National Youth Day, a day to recognize the incredible talent, creativity and determination of young people right across British Columbia. No matter where you go, from our biggest cities to our smallest rural towns, you’ll find young people leading the way. They’re involved, committed and coming up with new ideas to keep their hometowns vibrant and connected.
I love the energy and excitement of youth. My wife and I raised four boys, and most often we had three, four or more extras around the dinner table. We supplied the mountains of food, but they brought the love and laughter to the table.
In my travels through rural B.C., I’ve met so many inspiring young people who show us that leadership isn’t about where you live, nor is it about your age; it’s about the size of your heart and your willingness to take action. Our role as a province is to make sure youth have every opportunity to succeed, whether that means good jobs close to home, strong schools, affordable housing or access to the tools and training they need to build their future right where they want to be. So today on National Youth Day, let’s celebrate the energy, optimism and creativity that young people bring to every community across B.C.
To all the youth out there, when I hear people say today’s youth are our future, I agree with that, but your age does not exclude you from the present. Most importantly, you are the here and now, building a better province with us. We’re proud of you, we believe in you, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll do next.
Premier’s, parliamentary secretary’s statements on Transgender Day of Remembrance
On November 20th we remember, mourn and honour transgender, gender-diverse, non-binary and Two-Spirit people who have been killed in acts of targeted violence. We mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance by reaffirming that our province is a place where trans people are valued and supported, are safe, and respected. Our government is committed to upholding the rights of transgender, gender-diverse, non-binary and Two-Spirit people to build a good life here in British Columbia.
New rules on sick notes eliminate unnecessary paperwork
Effective immediately, new rules limit when employers can ask for sick notes and will allow more time for health-care providers to spend with patients. When you’re sick with the flu, or your child comes down with a cold, the last thing you should have to do is go to your doctor or a medical clinic to get a piece of paper saying you’re sick. Unnecessary medical appointments take time away from patients who need to see their doctors and nurses, don’t help people get better any faster and risk further spread of illness.
Province invests in trades training to power B.C.’s economic future
Our government is boosting skilled trades training across B.C. The province will double skilled trades training funding over the next two years and permanently strengthen our trades training system. This will be made possible with $241 million in provincial funding.
Delivering prosperity, good jobs for B.C., Canada
This week, we shared our 10-year vision for B.C. and Canada’s economy and key industries. This includes doubled trades funding by 2028-29. We’re securing federal investment and private sector investment in major projects in B.C. over the next decade.
Facilities Bargaining Association and Health Employers Association of BC reach tentative agreement
The Health Employers Association of BC and Facilities Bargaining Association have reached a tentative agreement for their members, who are represented by HEU and BCGEU. This agreement will include wage increases and low-wage redress actions, as well as work towards more consistent care for seniors and assisted living residents, and increase benefit equity for workers. Further details will come following ratification.
Online toolkit helps build homes faster as rents fall
A new online platform called DASH, Digitally Accelerated Standardized Housing, is helping developers and non-profit organizations design and construct three- to six-storey buildings more quickly and at lower cost using products manufactured in B.C. The DASH online platform supports the entire building process, from design and zoning review to construction. Usually, these actions are done in isolation, but DASH weaves all the pieces using digital tools. Additionally, the Province is working with local governments to improve the approval process and simplify building permit requirements.
B.C. helps farms with solutions for water storage
B.C. farmers and communities that rely on water in B.C. for agricultural use may be eligible to apply for funding to help improve drought management, delivery, and storage of water. The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program is opening to applications again. Projects will improve water and food security, and agricultural production. Applications are now open and close on December 18.
Lifting trade barriers, making it easier to buy Canadian
B.C. and all provinces, territories and federal government signed the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement. The agreement will make it easier for B.C. businesses to sell products across. Canada, and for people to buy Canadian-made goods. The B.C.-led initiative will cover thousands of products, except food, from manufacturing inputs to health technologies.
B.C. brings in measures to support EV adoption, auto sector, while awaiting federal decision
We’re updating our aero-emissions framework to continue to support EV uptake and the auto sector. In spring 2026, we will bring in legislative updates to recalibrate our EV targets and reflect our ongoing consultations with BC consumers and industry. Two immediate changes will give auto makes more flexibility, lower EV costs, and expand charger access.
Barriers removed for couples in B.C. receiving disability assistance
Starting Dec. 1, 2025, couples where both members receive disability assistance will receive the same support allowance as they would if they were two single people. We want people to have the supports they need to live with dignity and independence, which is why we’re making this change for couples on disability assistance. To make people feel safe, welcome and included, we’re changing the spousal rule so that couples receiving disability assistance will receive the same support allowance as they would if they were two single people.
Grants available for community safety projects
B.C.’s Civil Forfeiture Grant Program is once again open to applications. These grants will go towards initiatives and organizations supporting community safety in B.C. Last year, we supported 166 community project with $7.5 million through Civil Forfeiture Grants.
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/
