The tree fruit industry is an iconic part of the economy in the southern Interior of BC, particularly in the Okanagan Valley.  Bowls of sweet black cherries, juicy fresh peaches and bright red apples have always brought visitors and a good way of life to the region.  But it has never been easy for the […]

The lives of the people in Jasper, a mountain town beloved by Canadians, a place so many of us have spent time in, have been devastated because of a fast-spreading wildfire. Our hearts go out to the people of Jasper and all of the communities and Indigenous Nations facing evacuation, the loss of their homes, […]

[Editor’s Note: The article below focuses on the federal carbon pricing system; please be aware that in BC, the Province runs its own carbon pricing system, but the carbon price for each is the same, and both the federal and the BC systems have rebates – paid quarterly – to benefit low-income and medium-income households. […]

“History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.” — Winston Churchill, historian, maker of historic events “People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them.” — James Baldwin Our minds and our living: thoughts that shape our characters The two epigraphs above frame the entire focus of my Arc […]

By Jesse Zeman  How many more Jaspers, how many more Lyttons, before we wake up? I am living with my family in a rental home provided by my insurance company after a fire swept through West Kelowna, destroying my home and property. It will take years to recover, and the damage may never be completely […]

This week, many people in Kootenay West and beyond are feeling the impacts of wildfires. While you may not be directly impacted by wildfires this season, you likely have a friend or loved one who will be. These fires can start quickly and change fast. Though we can’t always predict emergencies, it’s important to know […]

“Why are people afraid of getting older? You feel wiser. You feel more mature. You feel like you know yourself better. You would trade that for softer skin? Not me!” – Anna Kournikova “When we age, we shed many skins: ego, arrogance, dominance, pessimism, rudeness, selfishness, uncaring … Wow, it’s good to be old!” – […]

Parliament rose late in June and I must say it is so good to be back at home in the riding enjoying summer and all the benefits that go with this season.  I celebrated Canada Day in Penticton with a record crowd of proud and happy folks taking in the sunny weather, good music and […]

A collaborative of Canadian environmental groups congratulates negotiators from Canada, British Columbia, and the Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, and Syilx Okanagan Nations, as well as the United States, on reaching an agreement-in-principle (AIP) for a modernized Columbia River Treaty. While the agreement-in-principle is just the beginning of the process to finalize — and then ultimately implement— a […]

B.C. invests in family doctors through new medical school at SFU  I know that access to health care is an important concern amongst British Columbians, and across the country we’re facing a major shortage of family doctors. Tackling this challenge has been a major priority for our government, and on Tuesday, July 9, we got […]