Meeting in Kelowna this week, the Liberal Pacific Caucus was reminded once again it has a lot on its plate.
There's America's punitive tariffs, housing unaffordability, public safety, homelessness, economic diversification, the environment and climate change.
"(It's about) understanding how best we can make sure that we're representing all of British Columbia when we go back to Ottawa in the fall," said Taleeb Noormohamed, the Liberal MP for Vancouver Granville who is also the chair of the Pacific Caucus.
The Pacific Caucus is made up of the 20 Liberal MPs who were elected in BC in the April federal election that made Mark Carney the new prime minister.
20 MPs is the largest contingent ever of Liberals elected in BC.
Stephen Fuhr, the Liberal MP for Kelowna, is part of that Pacific Caucus of 20.
With the caucus holding its summer retreat Monday and Tuesday at the Delta Grand hotel, Fuhr acted as host and cheerleader for the city and the Interior.
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"As the only Liberal Member of Parliament representing the Interior, I'm honoured to host my colleagues in Kelowna," said Fuhr.
"It is important that the unique needs and priorities of British Columbians outside the Lower Mainland are heard and understood. This visit will help shine a light on our region, the unique challenges and opportunities in the Interior and ensure we are building a stronger future for all British Columbians."
Noormohamed said the Pacific Caucus is happy to have Fuhr back on the team.
Fuhr was Liberal MP for Kelowna-Lake Country 2015-19 and then was defeated by Conservative Tracy Gray, who would serve two terms -- 2019-21 and 2021-25 -- before Fuhr beat her in April to regain the seat.
"We're also making sure that as we face uncertain times right now economically (because of US tariffs and President Donald Trump's rhetoric) that we're building together and making sure that we're looking at opportunities for Canadian innovators, Canadian workers to be able to expand their universide outside traditional markets and looking to other parts of the world as opportunities," said Noormohamed.
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That means removing barriers between provinces so there can be free trade in Canada and looking to more trade with Asia and Europe.
The federal government is also encouraging Canadian businesses and people to invest in Canada and for foreign businesses and people to also invest in Canada.
"We have to make sure we are working with trusted, reliable partners to give certainty to Canadians and to Canadian producers," stressed Noormohamed.
Addressing homelessness and the drug addiction, mental health, crime and public safety issues associated with it has to be done with a multifaceted approach using compassion, according to Noormohamed.
That doesn't go as far as mandatory treatment for those suffering with addiction and mental health problems.
Noormohamed said people's rights have to be respected (thus no mandatory treatment) while still offering help and treatment.
