Derkaz: advocate for justice

Photo: Contributed

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

Cindy Derkaz, Liberal – North Okanagan - Shuswap 

Cindy Derkaz wants to trade her office in Salmon Arm for an office in Ottawa. And she hopes to make the switch on Oct. 19.

Derkaz is the federal Liberal candidate for the North Okanagan-Shuswap federal riding.

While it may be her first foray into the world of politics, Derkaz is no stranger to the issues facing the country and region.

She has lived in the riding for most of her life, and says she's “fiercely committed to her community.” She and her husband, Don Derby, are passionate advocates for social and environmental justice issues.

A lawyer by training, having obtained her law degree from the University of British Columbia in 1978, Derkaz is a member of three administrative tribunals: the Environmental Appeal Board of British Columbia, Forest Appeals Commission (British Columbia), and Oil and Gas Appeal Tribunal (British Columbia).

She feels five consecutive terms of Conservative representation has done little for her riding and she wants to be an advocate for change.

Derkaz attended the Montreal 2014 Liberal biennial convention as a delegate, weighing in on important policy positions as they reflect the future of the Liberal Party.

Her history of community involvement includes the following organizations: longtime member and former president of the Shuswap Community Foundation; longtime member of the BC Civil Liberties Association; member of the Shuswap Area Family Emergency Society; member of the Shuswap Film Society; member of the Shuswap Trail Alliance; and member of the Shuswap Folk Music Society.

In 2012, she received the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for community service.

When she is not working or volunteering, Derkaz can be found with her husband Don, and dog, Kesler, taking advantage of the many great outdoor recreational opportunities in the North Okanagan-Shuswap.