With the Canadian federal election scheduled for Monday, April 28 and advanced voting opening Friday, April 18, Revelstoke Mountaineer asked local residents what they want to hear from Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies candidates Mel Arnold, Owen Madden, Ken Robertson, Phaedra Idzan and Michael Henry.
Similar to questions during B.C.’s provincial election, housing was one of the top priorities with 75 per cent of submitted responses noting it as a topic for candidates to address. While some concerns such as developmental cost charges and short-term rental regulations are largely municipal and provincial matters, the next federal government could support both levels with enforcement funds and data from across the country.
Healthcare support and access was also highlighted with over 60 per cent of responses highlighting it for candidates to focus on, including a push to ease waiting times for medical services and supporting B.C. with its medical systems.
International concerns were a mix between the current trade war and tariff responses and Canada’s role in international conflicts.
“What are you, personally, doing in your life to help Canada in the tariff war?” One reader posed to candidates.
Others focused on how candidates and their parties would ease inter-provincial trade as a way to strengthen Canada’s economy and support local businesses impacted by the Canadian/US trade war. Some want a future federal government to focus on the Trans-Canada highway as an interprovincial trade route. While the majority of the Trans-Canada highway is regulated by the provinces, any part of the highway that runs through national parks are under federal jurisdiction including the part that runs through Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Park.
Others wanted to know what role a future Canadian government would take in the continued assault on Gaza and hindered attempts to bring 24 remaining hostages home. With growing international pressure for Israel to stop attacks on Gaza and the West Bank, readers asked if candidates would push for Canada to stop military trade with Israel.
Revelstoke Mountaineer is reaching out to Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies candidates with questions from Revelstoke residents and will publish answers at a later date. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on Bluesky to receive the story and keep an eye on our election guide for all updates and future stories. There are currently no in-person debates planned for the Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies candidates in Revelstoke, but Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce is working with Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce to live-stream a dual candidate forum.
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