Great discussions at the 2024 ’State of the Island’ Economic Summit in Nanaimo. I love the group shot with these amazing economic leaders: Tseshaht First Nation Chief Ken Watts, former Huu-ay-aht First Nation Elected Chief Councillor Robert Dennis, four-time Mayor of Port Alberni, Ken McRae and City of Port Alberni Economic Development Officer Pat Deakin. The whole conference was about partnerships and for the limited time my schedule allowed me to stay, I enjoyed the panel discussions with Chief Watts, Carol Anne Hilton, former Chief Dennis, Huu-ay-aht Councillor Trevor Cootes and others on economic reconciliation. Congratulations to the organizers, speakers and delegates for such a wonderful conference.
Coastal Safety Issues with Tofino Mayer, Ucluelet Mayor, and Superintendent from Parks Canada
Thank you to Tofino Mayor Dan Law, Ucuelet Mayor Marilyn McEwen and Superintendent Dave Tovell and Liam McNeil from Parks Canada for taking time to meet on coastal safety issues of mutual concern. There are still actions that need to be taken, particularly by the federal governement to ensure the safety of local residents and the many thousands of visitors who come to the west coast of Vancouver Island to experience the beachers and waters on our coast. We had great conversations and I am pleased there is progress and a commitment to work on some solutions.
Ahousaht First Nation Youth Centre Visit
Visit to Ahousaht Wellness Centre
Thanks to Ahousaht Elected Deputy Chief Sabrina Campbell and Elected Councillors Marla Kaloucokovale, Larry Swan, Angus Campbell, and newly elected council member, Herbie Dick for welcoming me back to their territory. The people of Ahousaht have always been close to my heart and it has been an honour to bring their voices to Parliament during my terms as Member of Parliament. I promised to continue to fight for them as they cope with a state of emergency due to the tragic loss of too many of their people to substance use issues. I appreciated Deputy Chief Campbell’s tour of the newly constructed Wellness Centre which the community plans to have open next Spring. I will continue my fight in Ottawa for the necessary operational funding for the community wellness centre. Klecko Klecko to all for your kind hospitality during my visit.
Tofino Volunteer Fire Department
Thanks to the men and women of the Tofino Volunteer Fire Department for their enthusiastic welcome during my visit on Monday and for their service and scarifice to the community. Great to see Mayor Dan Law, Fire Chief Mark McKeough, Deputy Chief Damon Johnson and their amazing team of volunteers.
I was given the honour of presenting a red helmet to Alex as she was promoted to Lieutenant as she replaced departing crew member Cody. Thanks to all for recognizing my work in doubling the tax credit for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue responders and, for my part, an opportunity to thank them for their support along with fire halls all across the country without which it wouldn’t have been possible. The Tofino crew is currently short four volunteers and is actively recruiting to bring their team up to thirty so please consider stepping up for duty if you live on the west coast.
BC Culture Days in Parksville
A great kickoff for BC Culture Days in Parksville last week. Congratulations to Lead Artist and Curator, Pattiann Withapea and the Oceanside Community Arts Council for their outstanding work in Community Outreach to bring these events to our community for four years running. Thank you to participating artists, performers and volunteers for bringing BC Culture Days to life. It is both an honour for Parksville to be chosen as the Provincial Kickoff City for 2024 and a tribute to the sponsors for their generous funding of this annual celebration of Arts, Culture and Heritage in Oceanside. May all your days be enriched with the gifts of culture in our community!
Alberni Valley Salvation Army Food Truck
Thanks to Michael and steve for sharing a shift with me on the food truck for Alberni Valley's Salvation Army. I was able to do double duty as the Member of Parliament, lots of important discussions with clients who showed up to enjoy a hot meal. I rely on input from constituents regardless of the challenges they are facing in our community. Looking forward to more shifts in the future!
Ribbon cutting for Memorial Avenue's Viewing platform


Tseshaht First Nation- Orange Shirt Day
Thank you to Tseshaht First Nation for welcoming us to its territory on Orange Shirt Day, also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day when we remember the children who died in the Indian Residential Schools, the suffering of all those who were removed from their families through many decades and the legacy of intergenerational trauma caused by the government’s policies. It was a day to re-commit to the reconciliation of historical wrongs and the implementation of all 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Klecko Klecko to Elected Chief Councillor waamiiš (Ken Watts), Tseshaht Elders and all the community members who worked to make this year's walk and cultural events so successful and to the residents and visitors to the Alberni Valley for showing their support on this important day.
Tour de Rock riders in Port Alberni

