Three Okanagan Tory MPs have been selected to serve in Andrew Scheer’s shadow cabinet. 

Kelowna–Lake Country MP Tracy Gray, North Okanagan–Shuswap MP Mel Arnold and Central Okanagan–Similkameen–Nicola MP Dan Albas have all been given roles as shadow ministers. 

Their new jobs are: 

• Tracy Gray: Shadow minister for interprovincial trade

• Mel Arnold: Shadow minister for fisheries, oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard

• Dan Albas: Shadow minister for employment, workforce development and disability inclusion

Photo credit: NowMediaDan Albas.

Gray said she was “honoured” to be asked to serve in the shadow cabinet. 

She added: “Being in the shadow cabinet will bring the voices of Kelowna-Lake Country and British Columbia forward at an elevated level to hold the government to account.

“As an entrepreneur working in the British Columbia wine industry, I saw firsthand how interprovincial trade barriers created more barriers than opportunities and made it challenging to expand markets for our local British Columbia wineries.”

Photo credit: ContributedContributed.

She went on: “We have free trade agreements with other countries but not within our own country. Internal trade disputes have escalated between provinces creating uncertainty in various industries. It will be imperative to hold the government accountable for unity issues.”

Arnold, meanwhile, said he was looking forward to holding Justin Trudeau’s minority government to account. 

He added: “Canada’s fish stocks, fishermen and the supply chains they support require meaningful and balanced policies to survive and flourish. 

Photo credit: ContributedMel Arnold.

“The Canadian Coast Guard must be adequately equipped and resourced so it can fulfill its roles securing our waters and providing safe passage for Canadians. 

“I will work with fishermen, coastal communities and all Canadians who depend on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and fight for the policies and resources required to conserve and protect our precious resources.”

Albas said he was “very proud” of his appointment. 

“Having a job is more than just a paycheque, it provides meaning, a place in the world,” he said.

“Building a skilled workforce is essential for ensuring that Canadians can realize their dreams for themselves and their families. This includes the many persons with a disability who for too long have been unable to participate fully in our economy and our society.”