Arnold: ready to serve

Photo: Contributed

Castanet is featuring profiles on all the Okanagan candidates in the upcoming federal election.

Mel Arnold, Conservative – North Okanagan-Shuswap

Mel Arnold is no stranger to hard work.

The lifetime Shuswap resident grew up on a farm where working hard was a fact of life.

And the North Okangan-Shuswap riding Conservative candidate said he will take that work ethic to Ottawa should he be elected MP on Oct. 19.

This is Arnold's first foray into the world of politics, and he has a desire to serve the community that has supported him and his family.

“It's great to be here,” said Arnold. “It's offered us some great opportunities in our lives and some great opportunities to serve.”

Arnold spent 10 years volunteering with the B.C. Wildlife Federation – including two years as president. He has also worked with the federation.

It was political policy that prompted the business owner to join the BCWF.

Arnold joined the federation when the then-Liberal federal government brought in its highly controversial long-gun registry.

“That really got me involved, and I realized what I can do to give back to the community ... it gradually progressed to the provincial and national levels,” he said. “Thats where my work with government really started.”

Arnold said people were always commenting on his work ethic and his views and the idea of perhaps running for election began to form.

While Arnold hasn't held a political position before, he says neither have his opponents.

“I am approachable, I am willing to talk to people and listen to them on their level,” he said.

For the past 26 years, Arnold and his wife have operated Complete Marine Detailing.

“I've had to take a step away from that for now, and I will be passing it along should I be elected as an MP,” he said.

Arnold said he has always supported the ideals of the Conservative Party.

“I would also like to carry on the good work this Conservative government has done,” he said. “I believe in strong fiscal management and maintaining a tight, balanced budget if posssible.”

Arnold added he is also “proud of the work the government has done, especially the Trans-Pacific Partnership. It will open jobs right across Canada, and even for our local manufacturers and producers. It's been endorsed by dozens of provincial and national organizations already as being a good deal.”