The race is shaping up as candidates for the newly formed Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies riding are announced for the April 28 federal election.
Conservative incumbent since 2015 MP Mel Arnold was one of the first to confirm his intention to run again with a media release issued on March 23, the day Prime Minister Mark Carney called the snap election.
"More than ever, Canada needs a government that works for every Canadian, not just the connected few, to unleash our individual and collective potential," Arnold said in the release. "A government that will bolster security in an insecure world, make life more affordable, and put Canadians first."
On March 24, the Liberal Party announced that Kennith Robertson from the Neskonlith Band has been acclaimed as the local candidate.
"As we look forward to the important work ahead of us, the hope and hard work of Liberals across Canada will ensure our candidates and teams are ready to run competitive campaigns and earn another mandate from Canadians," national campaign co-chair Terry Duguid said in the announcement. "Including right here in the Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies."
No stranger to politics, Robertson previously ran in the 2021 election for the South Okanagan-West Kootenay riding but lost to the NDP candidate.
Also confirmed running in this election is Phaedra Idzan with the NDP as announced on its website. Born and raised in the Shuswap, Idzan's past experience includes just over seven years with the B.C. Ministry of Justice, over two with the Yukon Ministry of Justice, and has worked at the non-profit senior housing society in Sicamous.
"Phaedra is ready to tackle the pressures facing our communities," the media release states. "With passion, determination, and a strong understanding of the challenges ahead, Phaedra knows how to make her experience work to deliver for the residents of Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies."
The Green Party lists Owen Madden of Grindrod as the local candidate, who has also posted signs throughout the riding. In his online biography, Madden said the Green Party is the only one "prepared to take on the climate challenge."
"Under Green leadership, we can build a stronger, fairer society while taking the decisive climate action we so urgently need," he said. "If elected, I will ensure that the most vulnerable members of our society are not left behind."
Rounding out the ballot thus far is Michael Henry for the People's Party of Canada. His bio states that the fourth-generation Revelstokian and certified tradesman is "ready to bring principled leadership and real change to Ottawa."
"Michael entered politics to push for greater government accountability, protect Canadian sovereignty and defend individual freedoms," the statement adds. "He is committed to reducing government overreach, ensuring responsible fiscal policies, and standing up for the rights of Canadians."
All candidates have until Day 21 – April 7 for this election – to file or withdraw their nomination, according to Elections Canada media representative James Hale, who added that "candidate names are only made official when their local Returning Officer has processed their application."
