Candidate questionnaire

Castanet News reached out to candidates running in the ridings encompassing the Central Okanagan. These include Kelowna-Lake Country, Kelowna-Mission and Kelowna West. Each candidate was given the same six questions, and asked to respond by Monday, April 24.

Beginning today, and running for the next six week days, are the responses of those who replied. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: For clarity, we are updating this story with Liberal responses as we receive them, as the candidates inform us our invitation was lost in the shuffle.

Question 1 - What attributes do you possess that would make you the right person to represent your riding in Victoria for the next four years?

Chuck Hardy, BC Conservatives - Kelowna-Mission  -  I have worked with all ages, all groups standing up for their rights. We're here for the people to do what they want – no more no less. We are not dictators.

Harwinder Sandhu, BC NDP - Kelowna-Mission  -  What attributes do you possess that would make you the right person to represent your riding in Victoria for the next four years?

My education, professional experience as a long-time health care worker (Registered Nurse), personal experiences, energy, enthusiasm, passion and knowledge about the issues faced by Kelowna residents help me to be the right candidate to represent my riding. I am also a mother and personally faced many challenges and a big tragedy in my life, which made me even stronger. I am a long-time advocate for health care, mental health, senior’s care, public education, environmental sustainability and affordability.

I am an Occupational Health and Safety representative at my workplace. I am a provincial chair for one of the BCNU’s Human Rights and Equity Caucuses.

I have lived, worked and studied in many parts of the province and in other countries. This background gives me a broad base of experiences and different ways to look at issues and find creative solutions.

Steve Thomson, BC Liberals - Kelowna-Mission  -  I have deep roots in the Okanagan, hailing from a pioneer family that continues to operate the original family farm established in 1896. As the former executive director of the BC Agriculture Council, General Manager of the BC Fruit Growers Association and the BC Milk Producers Association I’ve worked hard on behalf of BC farmers and ranchers.

I’ve also been selected for many leadership roles and advisory positions dedicated to the continuous improvement of our province. I bring extensive leadership expertise, experience in economic development and a clear understanding of how to get things done in government. I’ve volunteered with many local and provincial organizations including the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and BC Chamber of Commerce and represented those organizations and others on provincial government task forces focused on reducing red tape and support for small business development. 

I’ve proudly represented the riding of Kelowna-Mission between 2009 and 2017, and have served as Minister of Agriculture and as Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.  My contribution and commitment to Kelowna Mission is to get up every day to bring jobs, prosperity and good government to this great province and Okanagan region.

I am incredibly proud to have worked with Norm Letnick to deliver important government investment in the region through partnership with our federal and local governments including:

$50 million investment for critical water infrastructure for SE Kelowna and the City of Kelowna.

$9.4 million for the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative

$6 million in funding for the Okanagan Centre for Innovation

$5.6 million to provide 50 affordable housing units for seniors and 20 affordable townhomes for families with low to moderate incomes

$13 million in construction financing for the second phase of Apple Valley independent living

Nearly $300 million for the Interior Heart and Surgical Centre at Kelowna General Hospital

$31 million to create over 500 critical trade seats at Okanagan College, as well as new training and programs, and significant investments in industry-standard equipment and infrastructure.

$10.6 million to the Teaching and Learning Centre at UBC Okanagan

Rainer Wilkins, Greens of BC - Kelowna-Mission  -  I chose to be your candidate for the BC Green Party because I believe that we must act to ensure there is a positive standard of living for all British Columbians and a strong economy that relies less on fossil fuels. Furthermore, our health and well-being should be a focus for any government, and that the preventative and integrated approach of the BC Green Party will benefit everyone.

I am proud to call Kelowna, British Columbia my home for the past 12 years. I am a successful small business owner that works in the BC wine industry as a wholesale distributor, Sommelier and promoter of 100 per cent BC wines. I have traveled all of B.C. championing our fantastic wines and I have a true appreciation of the beauty and bounty this unequalled province offers. I also support the local art community as the former president and current vice-president of the Kelowna Arts Council.

Norm Letnick, BC Liberals - Kelowna-Lake Country - This is my community. My three children went to school here, as adults have firmly planted their roots here, and now are beginning the process of raising families of their own here. I have a keen interest to see everyone in our community achieve their full potential, from the homeless I've served volunteering at Inn From The Cold to seniors on a fixed income. From the newest of families to our area to the those that have been here for generations.

As a boomer, I had to compete in school, for work, for success in my four businesses, and in politics. That competitive drive and work ethic has helped me deliver, along with my colleagues, important capital investments to the region. Tax payer dollars are limited but the desires for them around BC are not and you can't believe how important a strong, unified voice in Victoria has been to deliver on our many local priorities. Together we have accomplished a lot but we still have more to do and I have the fire in my belly to deliver on our region's priorities.

In addition to my lifetime experience of service, including nine years as a municipal councillor, eight years as the MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country, and four years as BC's Minister of Agriculture, I've dedicated my life to service to my community and country as a Rotarian, business coach, officer in the Canadian Forces Reserves, and volunteer with many of our local community charities and non-profits.

Alison Shaw, Greens of BC - Kelowna-Lake Country  -  I am a mother, small business owner, and researcher who has been engaged in policy for the past two decades on how to build strong, resilient communities and thriving local economies. I have a PhD in resource management and have worked with experts, governments and businesses developing sensible policies that benefit our economy, our citizens, and our future.

There are a lot of solutions out there that are simply ignored. I decided to get into politics because I was getting increasingly frustrated with seeing politicians ignore people and experts in favour of policies that benefit wealthy donors. People know and feel the effects of the widening gap between haves and have nots.

People are frustrated because voting in BC has always been for the lesser of two evils. I’m the right person because I’m motivated to give voters the voice they are looking for: one that creates a strong economy based on 21st century realities and looks out for people. I will work collaboratively to find sensible policies and effective solutions no matter what party they come from. The Green platform provides a vision for BC that has moved me from the sidelines into the front lines. I believe it provides comprehensive and proactive approaches that reinforce the values that most of us share.

Shelley Cook, NDP - Kelowna West  -  I am putting my life on hold and stepping into political life because I care deeply about all people in my community, and I believe that the needs of my constituents could be better represented. My combination of work experience in the non-profit and government sectors, my education and training, and my person fortitude make me well suited for the job.

As a third generation Kelowna resident, I have seen many changes in my riding and the broader Central Okanagan over the years. As in other areas of the Central Okanagan and across British Columbia, Kelowna West is dealing with big city issues, and the riding needs an MLA who has real experience in dealing with complex social challenges. I have a demonstrated history of leading successful community-based projects in partnership with all levels of government, business, non-profits, and the broader community that resulted in significant tangible benefit to the Okanagan