Unsure who to vote for? Want to know more about your local candidates? Black Press Media has asked candidates to provide a short biography as well as answer key questions to help readers understand more about who is running in their riding in the upcoming federal election.
Gloria Morgan - Liberal Party of Canada - Similkameen-South Okanagan-West Kootenay
Bio:
I’m Gloria Morgan, former RCMP officer, lawyer, Crown prosecutor and was Chief of the Splatsin First Nation. I was born in the Okanagan, and I’ve spent my life serving my community and creating solutions to better the lives of the people in my communities. I’ve served on healthcare boards at the local, regional, and provincial levels and worked as a Federal Adjudicator for the Indian Residential Schools Independent Assessment Process. With deep roots in this region and a strong belief in practical, people-first leadership, I’m running to bring real-world experience, a collaborative voice and a seat at the table in Ottawa with Mark Carney.
Questions:
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 Castlegar at 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?
I’ll represent everyone by being visible, accessible, and committed to regular contact with all parts of the riding, from the cities to the most rural areas. I’ll establish regional advisory groups so all voices are heard and ensure we’re connecting community priorities with federal programs. Whether advocating for infrastructure in Castlegar, agriculture support in Keremeos or healthcare across the region, I’ll work across all levels of government to deliver solutions. No community is too small to matter.
2. If elected, how would you advocate for Okanagan farmers who are being impacted by both sides of the trade war?
Farmers are vital to our economy and food security. I’ll support supply management, push for tariff relief, and make sure programs like AgriStability are robust and accessible. I’ll advocate for investments in domestic food processing, expansion of AgriMarketing programs, and access to clean technology funding to help producers weather trade shocks and remain competitive. My focus will be on protecting family farms and ensuring fair market access.
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?
Attracting healthcare professionals to rural areas means more than posting jobs, it means building a life they can say yes to. I’ll advocate for national standards and funding for rural recruitment bonuses, housing support, and fast-tracked credential recognition for international medical graduates. With Liberal commitments to pharmacare, dental care, and team-based clinics, we can offer doctors meaningful support to provide better care and build stronger communities.
4. What do you feel is the most important issue in your riding, and how would you address it?
Affordability and the rising cost of living are at the top of people’s minds across the riding. I’ll fight for federal investments that make life more affordable like $10-a-day childcare, national dental and pharmacare, and the elimination of GST for first-time homebuyers. With targeted tax cuts, support for renters and homeowners, and cost-saving healthcare programs, we can relieve pressure and build financial security for Canadians in every corner of the riding. I’ll also support the Liberal plan to double home construction to 500,000 new homes a year, eliminate the GST on homes under $1 million for first-time buyers, and reduce red tape to speed up builds. Through Build Canada Homes, we’ll work directly with local governments to ensure the right homes are built where they’re needed most.
5. If elected and your party doesn’t form the government, how will you best represent your riding?
I’ve worked in complex, multi-jurisdictional systems my entire career. If in opposition, I’ll use every legislative tool - private members’ bills, committee advocacy, and cross-party collaboration - to represent this region. I’ll meet regularly with mayors, councils, Indigenous leaders, and community groups to keep priorities aligned and pressure the government to act. No matter the party in power, I’ll be a fierce and respectful voice for the people of Similkameen–South Okanagan–West Kootenay.
