Newsletter from MLA Morissette
By MLA Steve Morissette
Premier’s statement on declaration of state of provincial emergency
Minister Greene has declared a state of provincial emergency due to the wildfires in the South Okanagan. Our immediate priority is protecting lives and supporting rescue efforts. Our thoughts are with every person, family and community affected by this wildfire.
Wildfires are occurring across the province due to increased lightning and hot, dry weather. Whether you’re travelling or staying close to home, stay prepared by checking road conditions, having an emergency kit ready, and checking in on friends and family who may be affected. Be sure to check out the following;
- Drive BC: https://www.drivebc.ca/
- Emergency Info BC: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
- BC Wildfire Service: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/
- BC Wildfire Service YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BCWildfireService
- Download the latest version of the BC Wildfire Service mobile app on the App Store or Google Play.
Supporting Summerland-area evacuees, and update on supports
The Province is working with local partners to surge supports into the Penticton area to support people evacuated due to the Bald Range wildfire. People can reach the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258. To register with Emergency Support Services, visit: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/. Disaster psychosocial support is available for adults and youth.
Off-road vehicles prohibited on provincial Crown land in many fire centres
Off-road vehicle use for recreational purposes has been temporarily banned in B.C. as a wildfire prevention and mitigation tactic during hot, dry weather. Ban in place for Cariboo, Kamloops, Southeast and parts of Coastal Fire Centre. To report a violation, call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at: 1-877-952-7277.
Reducing health risks from wildfire smoke
Use the Air Quality Health Index (AGHI) or AQmap.ca to stay up to date on local and regional air-quality conditions. The best way to reduce short-term and long-term health risks from wildfire smoke is to reduce exposure – create a clean air space at home, avoid strenuous exercise, consider a well-fitted N95 mask. People are encouraged to check with their local government or First Nation for more information about clean-air locations in their community.
Take a few minutes today to download and set up the BC Services Card app. Setting it up now can save valuable time during an emergency. The app helps you quickly access services like Emergency Support Services (ESS), which supports people who have been evacuated and need help with essentials such as food, lodging, or clothing.
Get started here: https://id.gov.bc.ca/static/help/setup_app.html
Instructional video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWC7H3LGlrE
Premier announces three cabinet changes
We are wishing Minister Bailey a speedy recovery as she takes leave for cancer treatment and recovery.
- Minister Osborne will be the Minister of Finance
- Minister Kahlon will be the Minister of Health
- Minister Bailey will be the Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth – Minister Dix will temporarily cover her portfolio while she is away for treatment.
Protecting people in B.C., building on B.C.’s strengths
We navigated heightened global economic volatility in 2025-26 by defending workers and the economy and protecting the public services on which people in B.C. rely on #LookWest. Our deficit is lower than what was forecasted, and we continue to have the second lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in Canada. We’re hiring and training more doctors, getting affordable housing built, and working on major projects that will bring in billions through the Look West strategy.
It has been a busy few weeks here in Kootenay Monashee with visits from Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham and Minister of Water Land and Resource Stewardship Randene Neill.
Minister Neill really enjoyed exploring the Columbia and Western Rail Trail, speaking with Rossland advocates about the Record Ridge Mine as well as meeting with local municipal leaders and constituents for meaningful conversations and continuing our work together to protect BC’s water, lands and communities.
I was able to connect Minister Popham with Cannabis store owner in Rossland and Castlegar. We were able to gather valuable input on streamlining and modernizing cannabis regulations in British Columbia from local entrepreneur and City Councillor Jeff Weaver.
Kootenay Pride is a time to celebrate the achievements of 2SLGBTQIA+ people and reflect on the history of advocacy that has advanced equality and human rights in Canada. It is also an opportunity to honour the individuals and communities whose courage, resilience, and diversity continue to enrich British Columbia. As Kootenay Pride celebrations take place across the region, we reaffirm that everyone deserves to live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination.
Join in on the celebrations! Starting in Castlegar on Friday August 21st 12:30pm at Spirit Square (City Hall) where they raise the all inclusive flag. On Saturday August 22nd be sure to head over to the Pride Market 10am – 2pm in downtown Trail. As for events from August 23rd to September 6th be sure to check out Nelson Pride events.
Strengthening consumer protection in B.C.
Changes to B.C.’s consumer protection laws are now in effect. This will provide stronger protections against automatic contract renewals, high-pressure direct sales and other business practices that can lead to unexpected costs. The changes apply to any business that offers subscription services, including internet, phone, streaming, food delivery and other renewable services.
Improvements to complaint process for workers, employers in effect Aug. 1
Workers will now experience an improved complaint and dispute-resolution process. This will increase opportunities for early resolution and maintain fairness for both workers and employers.
Trail Health Centre Laboratory in downtown will remain open
Great news for Trail! Interior Health has confirmed that the Trail Health Centre Laboratory will remain open permanently, continuing to provide outpatient laboratory services downtown. This decision reflects strong community feedback and helps ensure residents have convenient access to local lab services now and into the future.
Thank you to everyone who shared their perspectives and highlighted the importance of maintaining these services in our community. Keeping health care accessible and convenient for residents remains a priority, and this decision is a positive step forward for the region.
The B.C. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program is helping improve access to fresh, healthy, locally grown food while supporting farmers and strengthening local food security. Through $4.25 million in provincial funding, eligible households can receive up to $27 per week in coupons to use at participating farmers’ markets across B.C. In our region, the program is available through the Castlegar Farmers Market in partnership with Community Harvest Food Bank, Fruitvale’s incrEDIBLE Farmers’ Market with the Beaver Valley Food Bank, Rossland incrEDIBLE Farmers Market with the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy and Rossland Food Bank, and Trail’s incrEDIBLE Farmers’ Market with the Trail United Church Food Bank. The program supports thousands of households each year while helping connect people with nutritious local food and the farmers who grow it.
Premier, coastal First Nations celebrate protections for North Coast economy, environment
B.C. delivers on commitment to defend tanker ban! The Canada-B.C. Cooperative Prosperity Agreement protects good jobs and has billions of dollars in investments across the North Coast. The agreement supports a made-in-B.C. approach to growing the economy and protecting the environment, in partnership with First Nations.
Expanding support for francophone families going through separation
Francophone parents and families in B.C. going through separation can now access a free online course in French. The Province’s Parenting After Separation course provides information, tools for families navigating separation, divorce. The course is also available in English and Punjabi, with a culturally informed version available for Indigenous families.
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:
- 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
