Dan is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan Lake West- South Kelowna, in the Interior of beautiful British Columbia. In each episode of Finding Solutions, we sit down with the individuals—inside and outside Parliament—who are putting forward practical, thoughtful solutions. Not the headlines, not the noise, but the work: the ideas, the experience, and the perseverance behind efforts to make life better for Canadians across the country. danalbas.substack.com
In this episode, Dan Albas is joined by Adrian Marr, Board Director of the Okanagan Chinese Canadian Association (OCCA) and Chair of the OCCA Chinese Heritage Committee, and Master Shui Lee, member of the Chinese Freemasons, cultural ambassador, lion dance instructor, court interpreter, and longtime community volunteer. Together, they discuss: * Chinese Canadian history in the Okanagan and across Canada * Family stories of perseverance, community service, and sacrifice * The impact of the Chinese Head Tax and Chinese Exclusion Act * British Columbia’s 2014 apology for historical wrongs against Chinese Canadians * The legacy of Douglas Jung, Canada’s first Chinese Canadian Member of Parliament * The role of the Chinese Freemasons in supporting Chinese communities * Preserving culture through lion dancing, education, and community events * The work of the OCCA Chinese Heritage Committee * The campaign for a nationally recognized Chinese Heritage Month * The importance of ensuring future generations understand both the challenges and contributions of Chinese Canadians Chinese Canadian history is a story of perseverance, service, community building, and cultural preservation. By sharing these stories and preserving this heritage, future generations can better understand both the challenges faced and the contributions made by Chinese Canadians throughout Canada’s history. Thank you for listening to Finding Solutions with Dan Albas. Real stories. Real challenges. Practical solutions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
Finding Solutions with Dan Albas Dan Albas sits down with fellow Conservative MP Aaron Gunn to discuss his journey from documentary filmmaker to Parliamentarian and his new role as Shadow Minister for Ethics and Accountable Government. The conversation covers a wide range of issues, including Canada’s addiction crisis, recovery-focused programs, housing affordability, BC Ferries procurement, workforce challenges, recreational fisheries, and the future of British Columbia’s forestry sector. In This Episode: Aaron’s transition from filmmaking to federal politics Lessons from documentaries such as Vancouver Is Dying Addiction policy and recovery-based solutions Questions surrounding the BC condo development bailout BC Ferries and building ships in Canada Concerns over ferry workforce recruitment policies Recreational salmon fishing and allocation changes Challenges facing BC’s forestry sector Aaron’s priorities as Ethics and Accountable Government Critic Quote of the Episode “You get what you tolerate as a society.” – Aaron Gunn Subscribe to Finding Solutions for conversations on practical solutions, public policy, and the issues affecting communities across British Columbia and Canada. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
In this episode of Finding Solutions with Dan Albas , Dan sits down with Macklin McCall , MLA for West Kelowna–Peachland and the Official Opposition Whip in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. A lifelong Okanagan resident, Macklin shares his perspective on the issues affecting West Kelowna, Peachland, and communities across British Columbia. The conversation focuses on practical solutions, effective representation, and the challenges facing local residents. In This Episode * The transition from policing to elected office * Representing West Kelowna–Peachland in Victoria * Macklin’s new role as Official Opposition Whip * Recovery and rebuilding efforts following the McDougall Creek wildfire * The need for a fair and effective allocation of rural RCMP resources * The future of the William R. Bennett Bridge and regional transportation infrastructure * The proposed BC Hydro transmission-line redundancy project * Issues that constituents are raising with their MLA * Macklin’s Private Member’s Bill and the objectives behind it * Opportunities to improve how government serves the people of British Columbia Throughout the discussion, Macklin shares what he’s hearing from constituents, how he approaches the role of MLA, and why practical, community-focused solutions remain at the heart of public service. About Macklin McCall Macklin McCall was elected MLA for West Kelowna–Peachland in 2024. Prior to entering elected office, he spent nearly two decades serving in the Okanagan with the RCMP. Today, he represents West Kelowna–Peachland in the Legislative Assembly and serves as the Official Opposition Whip. Follow Macklin 📘 Facebook: Macklin McCall MLA 📸 Instagram: @macklinmccall 𝕏 X (Twitter): @MacklinMcCallBC (Social media accounts current at the time of publication.) Connect with Dan Albas 🌐 www.danalbas.com 📘 Facebook: Dan Albas 📸 Instagram: @danalbasmp 𝕏 X (Twitter): @DanAlbas If you enjoyed this episode of Finding Solutions with Dan Albas , please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others. Together, we can continue finding solutions to the challenges facing our communities. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
The murder of Bailey McCourt shocked the Okanagan and sparked a movement for change. Despite seeking help and navigating the justice system, Bailey’s life was tragically taken in an act of intimate partner violence that many believe could have been prevented. In this special Okanagan Stories & Solutions episode, Dan Albas is joined by Debbie Henderson, speaking on behalf of Bailey’s family, and Kristina Loewen, MLA for Kelowna Centre, to discuss Bailey’s life, the family’s advocacy, and the changes that have followed. The conversation explores the journey from tragedy to action, including the development and passage of Bailey’s Law, the lessons learned from Bailey’s case, and the work that still remains to better protect victims of intimate partner violence. Topics Discussed * Who Bailey McCourt was and the legacy she leaves behind * The events that led Bailey’s family to become advocates for change * The emotional and practical challenges of turning grief into action * The story behind Bailey’s Law and its journey from a private member’s bill to receiving Royal Assent * What Bailey’s Law changes and why those reforms matter * The realities of intimate partner violence and the warning signs that are too often overlooked * Gaps that still exist within the justice system * The balance between public safety, victim protection, and the administration of justice * Provincial initiatives being discussed to improve victim safety * New approaches, including victim notification systems, enhanced lethality-risk assessments, and emerging technologies to better protect individuals at risk * The importance of coordination between police, prosecutors, courts, and governments * Lessons from Bailey’s story and what more can be done to prevent future tragedies Why This Conversation Matters Bailey McCourt’s death devastated her family, friends, and the wider community. Her story became a catalyst for important conversations about intimate partner violence, victim safety, and accountability within the justice system. While Bailey’s Law represents a significant step forward, this episode explores the broader question: What more can we do to prevent similar tragedies from happening again? This is a conversation about learning from loss, honouring Bailey’s memory, and identifying practical solutions that can help save lives. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
Dan sits down with Adam Chambers, MP for Simcoe North and Conservative trade critic, for a conversation that starts with butter tarts and ends with hard questions about Ottawa's priorities. They kick off with Midland's record-breaking Butter Tart Festival and a push for a national holiday, then Adam shares a story from his days working for Jim Flaherty. From there, it's straight into the CRA: a Kelowna company shut down for fighting mortgage fraud, and Adam's private member's bill forcing disclosure on multi-million-dollar corporate debt write-offs, now before the Senate. The back half turns to trade. With the CUSMA deadline looming, Adam explains why Canada's been left off the table while the US and Mexico talk directly, what that uncertainty is doing to business investment and the auto sector, and why softwood lumber needs to be part of the conversation. They close on Canada's stalled trade deal with Taiwan, finalized over a year ago and still unsigned. In this episode: Butter Tart Day and lessons from Jim Flaherty CRA's mortgage-fraud blind spot Adam's bill on corporate debt write-off transparency Canada's absence from CUSMA talks Auto sector pressure and softwood lumber The stalled Canada-Taiwan trade deal Guest: Adam Chambers, MP for Simcoe North, Conservative Shadow Minister for International Trade This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
We lost a giant of BC and Canadian public service. The Honourable Tom Siddon served as a federal cabinet minister under four portfolios, helped create the Canadian Space Agency and Nunavut, and championed salmon conservation across BC. But those who knew him remember him most for how he treated people. He believed in others before they believed in themselves. Dan shares his memories of Tom. Rest in peace. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
Gavin Dew and Kristina Loewen are both sitting MLAs representing Kelowna ridings in the BC Legislature. They join the podcast to recap the spring legislative session, discuss what it means for constituents back home, and share their read on where the province is headed. Direct from Victoria to your ears. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
What do politicians really think once they're off the clock? Dan Albas MP sits down with four former elected officials he's worked alongside and trusts -- Renee Merrifield (former MLA, Kelowna-Mission), Ben Stewart (former MLA, Kelowna-West), Doug Findlater (former Mayor, West Kelowna), and Dan Ashton (former MLA and former Mayor, Penticton) -- to get their unfiltered take on politics today. No constituency offices. No caucus whips. Just honest conversation about the issues that matter and what governments at every level should actually be doing about them. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
Drivers Inc. is back in the national spotlight following a Globe and Mail investigative exposé raising questions about labour abuse, weak oversight, and safety gaps in Canada's trucking sector. Dan is joined by Stephen Laskowski, President and CEO of the Canadian Trucking Alliance and the Ontario Trucking Association, who has spent decades working on trucking policy, safety, labour standards, compliance, and supply chain issues. The conversation covers: What Drivers Inc. is and why it matters for public safety, workers' rights, and tax fairness How the scheme creates unfair competition and enables tax evasion Real-world consequences for drivers, law-abiding carriers, and families on the road Laskowski's calls for stronger enforcement, national data sharing, more audits, and removal of unsafe operators This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
What are the impacts of government policy on real people and how can they affect change? My guest is Renee Merrifield, former MLA, current CEO of Troika Developments. As a local leader, Renee has been a champion for organizations like Kelowna's Starbright as well as building a successful business in a challenging economic environment. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
This week's guest is Jeff Stibbard. Jeff is the founder and Executive Chairman of JDS Energy & Mining. He is a mining engineer with over 30 years of experience in mine design, construction and operations. BC has a long history of mining and Jeff shares some of his experiences and hope for the future. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
MLA Harman Bhangu joins Dan to discuss the BC Ferries purchase of Chinese ships, the effect of 'Drivers Inc' on the trucking industry and much more. MLA Bhangu represents the riding of Langley-Abbotsford in the BC Legislature and is his parties Transportation Critic. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
It was a pleasure to hear Senator Cardozo give his statement on Cancer Awareness Day with the Cancer Society. I am thankful for his leadership and for the kind recognition in the Senate of MP Peter Schiefke and myself for our work with the all party Parliamentary Cancer Caucus. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
Why are there a shortage of long term care beds in the Okanagan? Kelowna-Mission MLA Gavin Dew sheds some light on this in our next episode of ‘Finding Solutions’. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
Wildfires are now shaping forests—and communities—at a scale that challenges Canada’s current model. In this episode, retired Okanagan forester and documentary producer Murray Wilson explains what drives catastrophic wildfire (beyond ignition), what better forest and fuel management looks like, and why governments often treat burned landscapes differently than harvested ones. We also explore the case for a results‑based national framework that respects provincial jurisdiction while improving transparency and accountability. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
In this episode of Conservative Solutions for Our Common Challenges, Dan Albas sits down with Blaine Calkins — long‑serving Alberta Conservative MP, Chair of the Conservative Hunting & Angling Caucus, and Shadow Minister for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation. Before entering Parliament, Blaine worked on the land — including as a park ranger — developing a practical, stewardship‑first mindset around conservation, safety, and responsible regulation. In Parliament, that same mindset now shapes his work on an unexpected file: natural health products. Dan and Blaine explore why a conservation‑minded MP is standing up for Canadians’ access to vitamins and supplements, what changed under federal legislation, and how common‑sense regulation can protect both public safety and personal choice — without unnecessary red tape. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
National security isn’t abstract — it’s the quiet, disciplined work of people who carry heavy responsibilities with integrity. In this episode, Alex Ruff takes us inside NSICOP, clears up myths about security clearances, and unpacks the thinking behind his private member’s bill. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danalbas.substack.com
