Newsletter from MLA Morissette
By MLA Steve Morissette
Big news for B.C.’s booming critical mineral sector!! This week I joined Federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson, and B.C.’s Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, Jagrup Brar, at TECK for a big announcement.
“The Critical Mineral Accelerator Fund will be investing $400 million into the Teck Trail Smelter expansion. This $850-million project will double Trail’s production capacity for germanium and antimony, and add gallium into production,” said Jagrup Brar. Here in B.C., we are growing the value chain of the entire mining value chain, from prospecting to smelting – and everything in between.
“We are working closely with Teck to advance this project and we will have more to say soon.
“The B.C. mining sector is booming! Last year saw record investments in exploration. We have permitted more new mines in the past 18 months than anywhere else in North America and now with Teck’s Trail Smelter expansion continuing to move forward, it is clear to the world that B.C. is the best jurisdiction to pursue mining projects.
“Today’s announcement is another step forward to more family-supporting jobs and long-term economic growth that everyone in B.C. can share in the prosperity of – while helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of Teck’s Trail Operations and the West Kootenay community.
Lastly, I want to thank MLA Steve Morrisette for his advocacy for the project, he is a real champion of this project and the jobs and benefits it brings to his community.”
While our federal counterparts are working to secure investment and economic opportunities for Canada, we know that what matters most is making sure those investments deliver real benefits for people here in British Columbia. We won’t agree on every policy or approach, but we’ll always work to get the best possible outcome for our province.
Last week, Premier Eby met with Prime Minister Carney to announce the Canada-British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement. This multi-billion dollar agreement can be a major driver to unlock good-paying jobs for workers, strengthen our economy, and support the public services that people count on. This agreement includes significant investments in major infrastructure projects, skills training for workers, clean energy, and environmental protections.
As part of the agreement, we’ve secured important commitments to protect what makes British Columbia unique. That includes maintaining the North Coast tanker ban, reaffirming commitments to First Nations rights, and ensuring communities and coastlines are protected as future projects move forward.
As a province, we’re also moving forward with historic work to build a stronger, cleaner economy by advancing new clean energy projects across the province. These projects, secured by Premier Eby, will help power our growing communities, create jobs, attract investment, and ensure British Columbia remains well positioned for the future.
Growing B.C.’s economy, while reducing red tape, improving services
Our government is making it easier for people and businesses to access services, get projects moving and find opportunities in a growing economy by streamlining processes and modernizing regulations, as outlined in the latest Better Regulations for British Columbians Annual Report. When people and the businesses need to navigate complex or outdated rules, it slows down the growth, delays projects and creates frustration for workers and families. That’s why we’re streamlining approvals and modernizing services to make it easier to get things built, create good jobs and improve services people rely on.
Dates: June 22 to August 22
Who: The Ministry of Forests
What: A collaborative forest landscape plan between First Nations, the Province, industry, and communities to determine a path forward for forest stewardship
Where: Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Area (TSA)
Why: To raise awareness of the project, understand forest values of respondents, and determine future involvement
How: Online, in-person
Public input will help inform:
- How people use the forests in the plan area
- How the full range of interconnected forest values should inform planning
- Which issues or concerns should guide future decisions
Strengthening the Kootenays’ local food system
People in the Kootenays will have better access to locally produced food, while businesses and producers will benefit from new opportunities to reach more customers, thanks to provincial support for the Nakusp and Area Development Board’s Agri-food Alliance initiative. Through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), our government is providing almost $72,000 to support the program, which will strengthen local food production and distribution, while improving access to locally produced food for people in the region. When communities and local businesses work together, it creates real benefits for people. By investing in initiatives like this, we’re helping agri-food businesses to grow, reach more customers and strengthen local supply chains – making it easier for people to access local food.
Building a stronger food network in the Kootenays
People in the Kootenays will have more reliable access to local food, thanks to provincial support for the Grow and Connect Association’s Sustainability initiative. Strong local food systems help people access healthy, locally produced food and support jobs and businesses in rural communities. By investing in initiatives like this, we are building a sustainable foundation for the future, while strengthening food security in the region. Through our Look West strategy, we’re helping businesses grow, reach new markets and build more resilient local economies.
Enhancing helpline to better support people facing hate
People in British Columbia who experience racism continue to be supported through the Province’s Racist Incident Helpline, which is expanding to also support people who experience discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. People who are targeted deserve support that reflects who they are and what they’ve experienced. Expanding the helpline ensures that when incidents of hate do occur, more people can access services that are inclusive, culturally appropriate and responsive to their needs.
Funding local governments to speed up delivery of homes
Fifty-six local governments including City of Castlegar, City of Trail, Central Kootenay Regional District and Central Okanagan Regional District will receive funding to fast-track development approvals and accelerate the delivery of homes. Our focus from the start has been on helping people across B.C. find housing that fits their needs and budgets. That can look very different in different communities. With the Local Government Development Approvals Program, local governments can improve their internal processes and development approvals, so that we can speed up the delivery of homes for people living and working in B.C.
Energy-efficiency upgrades will help lower costs for households with lower incomes
Together with BC Hydro, FortisBC and Natural Resources Canada, the Province is supporting families with lower incomes to save money on their utility costs through home-energy improvements. We are taking action to help people lower their utility bills by expanding our home energy-efficiency programming for lower-income families. Switching to high-efficiency heat pumps is one of the fastest, most effective ways to lower building-sector emissions and at the same time reduce costs for people.
MLA Amelia Boultbee joins Premier Eby’s team, backing B.C. NDP’s progress for British Columbians
MLA Amelia Boultbee has been a strong advocate for her constituents and she is a welcome addition to our BC NDP caucus. Amelia has joined our team to deliver for the people of Penticton-Summerland on what matters most: healthcare, affordability and housing, and growing jobs and the economy. Amelia brings substantial skills as a lawyer and as a strong voice who will continue advocating for vulnerable people and to keep B.C. moving forward.
Stay informed and safe this season. Be ready. It’s always the right time to stay up to date with the latest emergency information in BC:
- EmergencyInfoBC.cafor emergency updates, active evacuation orders and alerts
- BCWildfire.caor the BC Wildfire app for wildfire information and fire ban information
- DriveBC.cafor road conditions and closures
- PreparedBC.cato help you prepare for emergencies
- ESS.gov.bc.cafor evacuation and emergency support services
- Weather.gc.cafor weather alerts
Follow local governments and health authority for more resources and updates.
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.
- Find mental health and substance-use supports: Helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca
