Thanks to everyone who responded to my recent mailout on phone and online fraud. The stories were heartbreaking, especially from seniors. It’s strengthened my resolve to fight in Parliament for real accountability from banks and telecoms. I’ll keep speaking out until Canadians are better protected.
Met with Barry Orr about the impact of “flushable” wipes. They’re costing municipalities ~$250M/year in damage, blockages, and landfill waste. We need enforceable national standards to protect infrastructure, waterways, and taxpayers. #ProtectOurWater
Grocery prices could rise again due to fuel surcharges. As I told Global News: “Fuel surcharges will be downloaded onto consumers, while big oil corporations continue to rake in billions in excess profits.” Canadians deserve relief, not higher bills.
Honoured to join the groundbreaking for the Urban Indigenous Health Centre in Port Alberni. Huge thanks to Cyndi Stevens, the Friendship Centre, the West Coast General Hospital, NTC, local Nations & partners, this is reconciliation in action.
I told the House about four cost-of-living town halls in Courtenay–Alberni. People want relief at the pump, I agree. But not at the cost of healthcare, infrastructure, and services.
They were clear: big oil profits should cover it. Fairness matters.
The Health Minister calls herself the “guardian” of public health care. So why allow Alberta to move toward American-style, two-tier care where people pay out of pocket? She didn’t answer, she said she’ll get back to me. I’ll be holding her to it.
Hamilton Marsh is protected, a huge win for Vancouver Island, BC, Canada & the planet. Grateful to Chief Recalma, Chief Rempel, all partners and especially Ceri Peacey whose leadership made this happen. Wetlands = climate action + biodiversity.
I’ve written to the Minister about gaps in the Enabling Accessibility Fund. Ending small project funding shuts out rural groups like the Beachcombers Education Society & Alberni Athletic Association working to improve access. We need to restore this support.
Thanks to Nanaimo News Now for covering my position. The Conservative Leader’s GST holiday pitch sounds good to some, but it avoids holding big oil accountable and risks shifting costs onto Canadians later. Oil companies are making billions and relief should come from excess profits. #CostOfLiving
Thanks to Jeremy Dunn & the team at BC Dairy for your kind letter and for supporting farming families across BC.
New Democrats will always defend supply management, protecting local jobs, family farms & food security. I’ll keep working with farmers to build a resilient future.
Great to meet in Ottawa with young leaders through Global Affairs' Young Leader Pilot: Special to connect with Maa-nulth youth Bayja Morgan-Banke (Toquaht), Olivia Peters (Huu-ay-aht), & Ethan Blackstone (Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h’).
Proud, strong, visionary leadership—the future is bright!
We discussed mental health parity (Bill C-201), homelessness, post-treatment care, and climate resilience, from wildfire response to heat pumps. The best ideas come from communities. Keep them coming, and let’s take them to Ottawa. #cdnpoli 3/3
We heard strong ideas: non-market housing at scale, co-op grocery stores, childcare, student housing, and public alternatives in telecom. Also: support for small business, living wages, good union jobs, and action on food insecurity & local farming. #cdnpoli #affordability 2/3
Thank you Qualicum Beach for a thoughtful Town Hall on the economy. People spoke clearly about rising costs, housing, groceries, energy and the real pressure families are facing. Grateful to our panel, staff, volunteers, and House of Commons security team. #cdnpoli #QualicumBeach 1/3
Great to connect on April 10, National Indigenous Nurses Day, with Northern Tutchone Elder Marilyn Van Bibber. For decades, Indigenous Nurses have promoted culturally safe, community-rooted care and made a difference in the lives of generations of their people .
youtu.be/gFtqhp8tZqs?...
It’s called a “town hall” for a reason--these meetings are rooted in a tradition of direct citizen participation. A space to ask questions, share concerns, and help shape decisions. It’s about listening, not speeches. See you at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre (7-8:30) 747 Jones St TONIGHT 2/2
Looking forward to our Town Hall on the economy in Qualicum Beach TONIGHT from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the Civc Centre (747 Jones Street). We’ve now held three town halls across the riding, each one thoughtful and grounded in real experiences. 1/2 #QualicumBeach #Oceanside #TownHall
Great roundtable with the CV Chamber of Commerce. We discussed affordable housing & the rising cost of living. Interest in returning GST from housing back to communities to build more affordable homes, concerns about fuel costs, corporate monopolies, and the growing concentration of economic power.
We’re continuing the conversation this Thursday, April 9 at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre (747 Jones St). Join us to talk affordability, jobs, and building a stronger local economy. Your voice matters. 2/2 #YourVoiceMatters #CanPoli #QualicumBeach
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Lantzville on a beautiful Easter Monday. It led to a really thoughtful discussion on affordability, housing, and good jobs with an amazing panel: Prab Lashar, Meghan Walker and Jenn MacPherson. 1/2 #YourVoiceMatters #CanPoli
Looking forward to our Town Hall in Lantzville tonight (7–8:30 pm) at the Lantzville Legion (7227 Lantzville Rd). We’ll be joined by a great panel to talk rising costs, good jobs, and strengthening our local economy—but most important is hearing from you. Your voice matters.
Painted eggs
Happy Easter! Wishing you renewal with loved ones.
Chag Pesach Sameach to those observing Passover, honouring resilience and tradition.
These holidays reflect hope, community, and a better future.
Lovely to find these eggs at the P.A. Friendship Centre, left by children to spread Easter spirit 🐣🐇
The best ideas come from communities, not Ottawa. My role is to bring your voices forward and keep fighting for a more affordable, resilient future. Thank you to everyone who took part. We’re doing another Town Hall on Monday, Apr 6 at the Lantzville Legion from 7pm to 8:30. Everybody welcome! 3/3
People spoke honestly about rising costs, housing, and economic pressure. But I also heard solutions: non-market housing, stronger action on corporate profits, and investing in local economies. 2/3
Photo of attendees and panelists.
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Courtenay town hall on Thursday night. We started in a good way with a powerful welcome from Elder Donna Mitchell, grounding the evening in respect and community. 1/3
Honoured to join Prime Minister Carney and colleagues at the National Prayer Breakfast and to offer a reading on behalf of New Democrats.
Grateful for Michael “Pinball” Clemons’ reflections on leadership and service, and to MP Richard Bragdon for organizing and chairing this meaningful gathering.
We’re continuing the conversation tonight in Courtenay:
7:00–8:30 pm
Native Sons Hall (360 Cliffe Ave)
Come share your ideas and help shape the solutions we take back to Ottawa. Your voice matters. 3/3 #CourtenayAlberni #TownHall #Affordability
What was clear: the best ideas don’t come from Ottawa, they come from communities like ours. From local food production to non-market housing and stronger worker supports, people brought forward practical, real-world solutions rooted in lived experience. 2/3 #CourtenayAlberni #TownHall
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Friendship Centre for our Port Alberni Town Hall. We started grounded in community and respect, and focused on listening. People spoke honestly about rising costs, housing, groceries, energy, and wages that aren’t keeping up. 1/3 #CourtenayAlberni