Dan Albas: Have you done everything to prepare for Okanagan wildfires?

Dan Albas is the Conservative Party MP for the riding of Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna.

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Early this week, residents of West Kelowna—and indeed the entire Okanagan—were reminded of just how quickly a fire can start, spread, and threaten homes.

The Kalamoir Regional Park fire posed a serious risk to several neighbourhoods, prompting tactical evacuations and requiring significant resources from first responders to prevent the loss of homes—and potentially lives.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone involved in containing this fire. Thanks to their professionalism, coordination, and experience, a dangerous situation was brought under control and our community was protected.

Wildfire risk remains a constant reality in our region. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with retired forester Murray Wilson—well known from the documentary “BC Is Burning”—about wildfire behaviour, preparedness, and what individuals and communities in the Okanagan can do to reduce risk. That conversation is available on my YouTube channel and Facebook page for anyone interested in learning more about how to be better prepared.

While events were unfolding here at home, we also received important news in Ottawa that same day.

Bailey’s Law—private member’s Bill C-225 from my colleague, Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola MP Frank Caputo—passed third reading in the Senate and will soon receive Royal Assent, officially becoming law. This legislation strengthens how the justice system addresses repeat intimate partner violence, particularly in bail and sentencing decisions, with the aim of better protecting victims at risk.

Many in our region—and across Canada—were shocked and horrified by the senseless and brutal act of violence that took Bailey McCourt’s life on July 4, 2025. Tragically, this act occurred within hours of the accused being released on bail while awaiting sentencing for previous offences involving similar violence.

While nothing can bring Bailey back, her loss has driven meaningful change. It has compelled our justice system and democratic institutions to act. For a private member’s bill of this nature to move so quickly through both the House of Commons and the Senate—and to pass without amendment—is almost unprecedented. It reflects a rare level of consensus and a shared commitment to addressing a serious public safety issue.

It also speaks to the engagement of Canadians. Following my recent update on the bill’s progress, many of you took the time to write to Senators. I want to sincerely thank everyone who did so—your efforts helped ensure this legislation received the attention and urgency it deserved.

For Bailey’s family, it was vital that every possible step be taken to help ensure that no other family endures this type of loss. Bailey’s Law is an important step in honouring her memory and sending a clear message: intimate partner violence is unacceptable, and our justice system must—and now will—do more to protect those at risk.

I also want to recognize the courage of Bailey’s family and the determination of MP Frank Caputo, who worked tirelessly to see this legislation through Parliament.

This week marks the final sitting of the House of Commons before the summer adjournment. The fact that parliamentarians from all sides worked together to ensure Bailey’s Law received Royal Assent before the break is a reminder that our parliamentary system can deliver results in the national interest.

As we head into summer, I want to return to where I began.

My question this week returns to the threat of potential wildfires: if your neighbourhood were threatened by a fire, have you done everything you can to be ready?

Your feedback helps me do my job. As always, you are welcome to share your thoughts on my Facebook page, by email at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca, or by calling toll-free at 1-800-665-8711.