As Canada’s federal election draws near, get to know your local Liberal candidate for the Similkameen-South Okanagan-West Kootenay riding: Gloria Morgan.
Who is Gloria Morgan?
Born in the Okanagan, Gloria attended schools in Armstrong, Enderby, Vernon and St. Eugene’s Indian Residential School.
From a young age she knew hard work and an education would be key in building a life and making a difference.
“My working life began at 12, picking fruit and later working as a playschool assistant, waitress, RCMP officer, lawyer, and Chief of the Splatsin t’e Secwepemc First Nation.” said Gloria.
“After earning my law degree from UBC, I was called to the bar in 1995, where I served as a criminal defence lawyer, duty counsel, Crown Prosecutor, and Circuit Counsel.”
She has spent her career serving on a wide range Boards, across a multitude of fields, including President and Board Member of the Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce, Commanding Officer of the RCMP’s “E” Division Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Provincial Community Coordination for Women’s Safety, BC Capacity Initiative Council, New Relationship Trust Board, Enderby & District Museum Society, and Vernon VAWIR Committee.
She served on the Patient Care Quality Review Board, Patient Safety and Quality Council, and Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation Board. Gloria was also a Board Member, Vice-Chair/ Chair of the Okanagan College Board of Governors. She was a Board member of Splatsin Tsm7aksaltn Teaching Center Society, President and Board Member of the Splatsin Development Corporation, and Vice-president and Treasurer for the Splatsin Elders Group.
“I now serve as an Elder and Knowledge Keeper for the BC First Nations Justice Council and School District 83 and sit on the School District 83 Food Security Working Group. I’m also a Marriage Commissioner, a board member of the Provincial Health Services Authority, and Vice-Chair of the BC Forensic Psychiatric Service Commission.”
While wearing many hats, Gloria looks forward to bringing her vast experience of Board management and participation to Ottawa to champion the voices of the Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay communities.
The Issues: Economy, affordability and healthcare
When looking at the issues of the riding, Gloria says building a resilient and stable economy is key.
“Across this riding, unpredictable tariffs and climate-related disruptions are hitting agriculture, forestry, industry, manufacturing, and tourism.” said Gloria.
“People here are hardworking and innovative, but they need a federal partner that has their back. Whether it’s wildfire recovery or supply chain disruptions, our economy must be built to weather global shocks while creating long-term local opportunities.”
While on the campaign trail, Gloria says hearing from the response on the ground has been overwhelmingly positive and insightful.
“People are telling me they’re worried about affordability, housing, healthcare access, and job opportunities for their kids.” said Gloria.
“In rural areas, they want to know someone understands the challenges of distance, transportation, and shrinking services. In agricultural communities, there’s anxiety over how climate change and trade instability will affect their livelihoods. People want solutions.”
“These conversations tell me that people are ready for leadership grounded in lived experience and real-world solutions, and I’m listening closely.”
When looking into solutions for cost-of0living pressures, Gloria says the Liberals a taking action with the elimination of the carbon tax, cutting middle-class taxes and the introduction of pharmacare, dental care and $10-a-day child care.
“Families, workers, and seniors are struggling to keep up. 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 so people can afford to live where they work, raise families, and retire with dignity.”
Tariffs and trade wars
Gloria stands behind Prime Minister Mark Carney’s response to tariff threats, echoing we need to look within our own borders for longevity.
“The current U.S. trade aggression has forced us to rethink our economy and invest in our own strength. Canada is now moving forward with a $2B Strategic Response Fund to protect auto workers and blunt the impact of tariffs. The PM is also waiving the EI waiting period and adapting the system to support workers affected by the trade war.”
“We’re not backing down, we’re diversifying our trade partners and ensuring our economy remains strong, sustainable, and resilient. Carney has the experience to lead us through this.”
Final Words
Gloria says a vote for her is a vote for experience and someone who will fight all the way to Ottawa.
“My life experience and professional background- policing, law, justice, health care, education, and governance- have all prepared me for this moment. I’ve worked at every level, from grassroots to federal adjudication. I know how to lead, collaborate, and deliver.” said Gloria.
“I’m ready to bring that experience to Ottawa along with Mark Carney and work for you with energy and integrity. I won’t just show up, I’ll speak up, work hard, and fight for the people of this region every single day.”
Canada’s federal election is on April 28.
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