It has been an exciting month back at the legislature.
On Nov. 13, I was honoured to reaffirm my oath to serve my community as an MLA, alongside my 46 colleagues in the B.C. NDP caucus.
It is amazing to be a part of one of the most diverse and talented caucuses ever to serve at the B.C. Legislature, with exceptional experiences from various backgrounds. Your B.C. NDP team is made up of 65 per cent women, 40 per cent people of colour, and includes three Indigenous members. This is more diverse than any government caucus in our province’s history. It’s so important that our team brings different lived experiences and perspectives to this work, and that everyone in B.C. can see themselves reflected in the halls of power.
It was bittersweet, as earlier in the week we learned the news of the passing of former Premier John Horgan. Being elected in 2020 under such an amazing, empathetic and gracious leader was one of the greatest honours of my life and I will always treasure my memories of John, who cared so much about British Columbians. I know that Premier Eby and our whole caucus are dedicated to continuing the great work that John did for our province.
Our team is committed to tackling the issues that matter most to the people we serve — strengthening healthcare, building more housing, addressing the cost of living, supporting education, jobs, economy, local businesses, ensuring public safety, and meaningful action on climate change
On Nov. 18, Eby also swore in his new Cabinet and Caucus Executive, and I have been appointed to take on the role of Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture. There are so many hardworking and passionate farmers, ranchers, dairy farmers, and food producers here in Interior B.C. and I am looking forward to connecting with them, as well as people across the province.
Reflecting on the last government, I’m reminded of the progress we’ve made together since I first entered the legislature in 2020. We have faced many challenges as a province—from the pandemic to economic shifts and severe climate events like floods, fires, drought, and rising global inflation. Yet, with your support, we’ve expanded healthcare access, invested in affordable housing, and made significant strides toward a more sustainable future.
Locally, we've accomplished a lot, including building more affordable housing units in Vernon and Lumby to support seniors, families, people with disabilities and those who are at-risk of homelessness. We also announced Vernon’s first-ever on-campus student housing at Okanagan College, complete with 100 units as well as 44 childcare spaces.
Some highlights in health care include a 44-bed Mental Health Unit at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, a new Urgent and Primary Care Unit in Vernon, a new Foundry centre will help support youth struggling with their mental health and a new nurse practitioner will help serve the community of Lumby.
But right now, I’m focused on what’s ahead.
I know that despite B.C.'s strong economy and employment rates, people are still facing challenges with everyday costs and getting access to the services they need. I promise to keep working to help address these issues and make life better.
Your trust means everything, and it’s what drives my commitment to serve with honesty, integrity, and a focus on building a stronger, more inclusive community. I am here to represent the voices, concerns, and hopes of our incredible Vernon-Lumby community, and I am honoured to have the chance to advocate for the issues that matter most to you.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support and encouragement. It’s because of people like you that I am continually inspired to do this work.
Please know that I am here for you, and my team and I are ready to listen, support, and collaborate with you in the months and years to come. My community office is once again open and ready to help you navigate provincial services and programs in person, by phone, or by email.
Thank you again for putting your trust in me.
