Newsletter from MLA Morissette
By MLA Steve Morissette
Last week marked part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. Monday before last, we observed the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and on Dec. 6, we marked the anniversary of the Polytechnique Montréal massacre, before closing with UN Human Rights Day on Dec. 10.
Each of us knows someone who has been impacted by gender-based violence. Our families and our communities have all been impacted by the profound loss of women, girls, and gender-diverse people who were killed because of their gender. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, class, region, job, or history. At all levels of government and society, it’s important to address and continue to fight against.
Each of us knows someone who has been impacted by gender-based violence. Our families and our communities have all been impacted by the profound loss of women, girls, and gender-diverse people who were killed because of their gender. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, class, region, job, or history. At all levels of government and society, it’s important to address and continue to fight against.
As a government, we’ve released an action plan to address gender-based violence. We’ve taken actions like engaging professionals to lead an independent review of how our legal system responds to these incidents – we are reviewing these recommendations and will have more information on further actions soon. We also have led the country calling for reform for bail and sentencing to better protect survivors and targets of gender-based and intimate-partner violence. Earlier this fall, we also introduced stronger protections for people who have had intimate images shared without their consent, a problem that impacts people of all ages and genders here in B.C. As well, B.C. now has job-protected medical leave for people getting treatment and recovering from injuries due to intimate-partner violence.
As your MLA, I will continue to support action like this, and work to continue prevention and awareness campaigns, housing for people fleeing violence and their children, and services for survivors of gender-based violence across the province, so that everyone, especially women, in our province can be safe and supported in the face of violence. This includes Indigenous people, racialized people, 2SLGBTQ+ people, immigrants, and people with disabilities who sadly still are at higher risk of experiencing gender-based violence. Our work is ongoing, and including survivors, advocates, and people with lived experience will be key to our success.
BC Conservatives continue to enable OneBC’s far-right agenda
Last week, OneBC introduced a bill that would have banned raising flags on public buildings to support LGBTQ+ rights and remember residential school survivors, trans people who were killed by violence, victims of genocide, and more. A dozen BC Conservative MLAs backed the first reading of this bill. If the Conservative MLAs are ok with a dozen of their colleagues endorsing OneBC’s division, then they are complicit in promoting it.
Everyone is welcome to attend our MLA Holiday Open House
Wednesday, Dec. 17
10am – 2pm at
Trail Memorial Centre, 1051 Victoria St, Trail BC.
Drop by for some great treats, holiday crafts, music and mingling.
Don’t forget to bring an item for the food bank if you are able.
Province releases independent review of CleanBC
The Province has released the final report from the independent review of CleanBC, B.C.’s climate plan. B.C. continues to be a leader on climate action because we put people first. Our plan going forward will be focused on delivering the outcomes we need – for our economy and our communities – and today’s report will help us build on that plan.
Accelerating maritime sector’s shift to clean energy
As part of the Look West economic strategy, which includes a focus on growing B.C.’s maritime sector, B.C. technology companies will be able to apply for the COAST (Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies) Innovation Challenge. Through our Look West economic strategy, we’re creating opportunities for B.C.’s technology sector to lead Canada’s maritime transition to renewable energy. The COAST Innovation Challenge will help our local innovators develop solutions that serve both civilian and defence maritime operations, building a stronger, more independent B.C. economy while advancing our clean-energy future.
B.C. hosting national wildfire symposium
B.C. has invited stakeholders, experts, Indigenous partners and government representatives from throughout the country to a wildfire symposium in Vancouver on Dec. 5, 2025. As wildfire seasons become more severe and complex, it’s paramount that we co-ordinate our national response capabilities to protect the safety, health and economic well-being of communities from coast to coast to coast. In order to meet these challenges head on, B.C. is taking initiative by creating the opportunity for leaders and experts to come together, reflect on lessons learned and shape the path forward to help keep people throughout Canada safe.
I am pleased to rise to recognize a remarkable British Columbian and dear friend, Montana Burgess, from City of Rossland, on receiving the British Columbia Medal of Good Citizenship.
For more than 16 years, she has been a leader in environmental advocacy and social and civic engagement in the Kootenays, across our province and in the U.S.A. As executive director of Neighbours United, she helped transform how communities work together on some of the most pressing issues of our time. Her leadership on the West Kootenay 100 percent renewable energy plan stands out as a true milestone. Under her guidance, 14 local governments committed to transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050, an achievement that demonstrates what collaboration rooted in respect and community trust can accomplish.
Montana has also been a pioneer in deep canvassing, an empathy-driven approach to building understanding across political divides. At a time when division can feel all too common, she has shown that honest conversations, listening and compassion can bring people back together. Her commitment to inclusion has been just as powerful, from boosting voter turnout to supporting LGBTQ2S+ students and educators. In 2022, Neighbours United received the provincial diversity, equity and inclusion award, a reflection of the values she brings to every project and every community she serves.
It is my pleasure to congratulate Montana Burgess, a 2025 recipient of the Medal of Good Citizenship, and thanking her for everything she has contributed to our province.
Province reviews public post-secondary system to ensure long-term sustainability
The Province is launching an independent review to strengthen the public post-secondary education system and ensure it is sustainable and well-positioned to support people in British Columbia and B.C.’s economic growth.
One of the key pillars of the government’s jobs and economic plan, Look West, is ensuring British Columbia has the skilled workforce required to meet future challenges. A strong and resilient public post-secondary system is fundamental to building that workforce and driving B.C.’s economic growth. Public post-secondary institutions must be prepared to respond to these evolving needs.
Premier appoints new parliamentary secretaries for armed forces, primary care
Premier David Eby has appointed MLA Rotchford and MLA Higginson to support the work on key government priorities to grow the economy, deliver good jobs and strengthen services for British Columbians.
Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood, has been appointed parliamentary secretary for armed forces development and veterans affairs in the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth. Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside, has been appointed parliamentary secretary for primary care access in the Ministry of Health.
Delivering thousands more homes through housing targets
More people are finding homes in communities throughout the province, as seven of the 10 municipalities from the third group of the housing targets program surpassed their one-year targets. Municipalities are key partners in tackling the housing crisis, and we are grateful to see that many are leading the way and making real progress to deliver the homes needed in their communities. Through these thousands of new homes delivered by Group 3 municipalities, seniors, families, and young people now have more options, whether it’s through downsizing to a smaller space, adding an extra bedroom or moving into their first rental home.
B.C.’s economy shows resilience despite global trade volatility
B.C.’s economy is expected to grow at a measured pace despite instability and uncertainty in the global economy. Unjust and unpredictable trade policies have upended global relationships and shaken investor confidence across the world. We’re leaning into our strengths, like our natural resources and our skilled workforce, as we create opportunities for people and build the economic engine of Canada’s new economy.
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/
