For over 20 years, I’ve dedicated my career to advocating for workers and supporting marginalized communities. From my start as a union shop steward at BC Housing to leading SOSBIS as Executive Director, I’ve focused on action that makes a real difference. I’ve managed multi-million-dollar housing projects, secured funding through grant writing, and overseen low-income housing for over 200 residents—including families, seniors, and people with disabilities. I’ve seen how affordable housing transforms lives.
I’ve also contributed to local policy through the Penticton Housing Task Force and co-chaired the 100 More Homes Collaborative and served as a Director on the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. I’m passionate about tackling poverty, housing, and healthcare gaps. I’ve served on the boards of the BC Brain Injury Association and the Penticton Chamber of Commerce, and have 20+ years of volunteer work with youth and community groups.
I love our community. I live here, my family lives here, and I want to be a representative who shows up, listens, and ensures your life here is the best it can be.
1. The Similkameen South Okanagan West Kootenay riding contains over 111,000 people, with the single largest concentration in the city of Penticton at over 37,000, followed by Trail and Castlegar each over 8,000. The remaining population is spread across the rural and regional districts. If elected, how do you plan to represent both your rural and your urban constituents?
Already in this election, I’ve proven that I show up. By the end of this campaign, I’ll have driven across the region five times—meeting with local governments, small businesses, environmental groups, nonprofits, seniors, and youth. I’ve lived in this riding most of my life and have worked throughout the Similkameen and South Okanagan for decades. I understand the unique needs of our communities—from the Boundary to the Kootenays. As your Member of Parliament, I’m committed to keeping that connection strong by operating 2–3 regional offices. Folks should be able to walk through a front door and get help directly from their representative. Building relationships across all sectors matters—and that starts by being present.
2. If elected, how would you advocate for Okanagan farmers who are being impacted by both sides of the trade war?
I’ve heard from hundreds of people from across our riding who are incredibly worried about the threats of the US trade war. Our region will be incredibly impacted at a time when folks are already struggling. This is a top priority for me. We need to begin by bringing all levels of government together with farmers and the larger industry. I’ve heard farmers talk about crop resilience, value added products, climate adapted farming and new trade markets. Farmers need financial help to stay competitive. This holds true for other important industries in our riding that will be impacted like tourism, mining, forestry, steel, and aluminium. We need to hear firsthand from those impacted and ensure governments are listening. This is my commitment.
3. Emergency room closures and long waits to get a family doctor are particularly notable for rural residents. How would you plan to attract and retain doctors in communities that are lacking them to ensure your constituents have the healthcare they need?
Closures and long wait times are unacceptable. We need to get trained professionals off the sidelines and into the healthcare system—by fast-tracking credentials for internationally trained workers and deploying them to areas hit hardest by staff shortages. We must expand training opportunities across Canada and offer fair working conditions to retain staff. A “brain gain” from U.S.-trained professionals is also possible with the right incentives. Doctors need strong administrative support so they can focus on patients—not paperwork. The solution isn’t privatization—it’s innovation and investment.
4. What do you feel is the most important issue in your riding, and how would you address it?
Affordability is by far on folks minds everywhere I travel across the riding. This is especially true for housing. For me, housing accessibility and affordability is a top priority and it has been a big part of my life’s work. I want my grandchildren and yours to be able to afford a home of their own. We must invest across the housing continuum: from affordable homeownership options to expanded co-op housing for young families, and seniors. We need to meaningfully invest in housing for First Nations. Increased CMHC funding is needed to build low-cost housing, including for marginalized people who can live independently, and those needing support. Reducing homelessness across our region requires real investment in housing that meets diverse needs—not one-size-fits-all solutions.
5. If elected and your party doesn’t form the government, how will you best represent your riding?
This riding has a legacy of strong NDP representation. Both Alex Atamanenko and Richard Cannings made real gains for people in our region. With just 25 MPs, the NDP was able to begin a national Pharmacare program, secure Dental Care, a national childcare program, worker’s protections and much more. Our public, universal health care system was the result of Tommy Douglas and the NDP holding the balance of power. But there is much more to do. The NDP is the only party that can stop the Conservatives here and we must vote together to ensure our voice in Parliament is one that is working for everyday Canadians. We can do it if we stick together.
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