As the April 28 B.C. federal election approaches, Black Press Media is giving Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies riding candidates an opportunity to share who they are and why they are running. (The following candidates were confirmed by Elections BC as of press time on April 7.)
Mel Arnold, Conservative Party of Canada
Born in the Shuswap community of Notch Hill, Mel became the Member of Parliament for the former riding of North Okanagan–Shuswap in 2015 and was re-elected in 2019 and 2021.
Mel spent decades volunteering with fish, wildlife and conservation organizations.These experiences have supported Mel’s work on the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans and informed his service as both the Shadow Minister and Associate Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard.
As a former small business owner-operator, Mel also understands the challenges employers face and how federal government policies impact economies, labour markets, and communities.
Since 2015, Mel has introduced four bills in Parliament focused on public safety, including bill C-291 that replaced the term “child pornography” in Canadian laws with “child sexual abuse and exploitation material.” Initially drafted by M.P. Frank Caputo, C291 aligned Canada’s legal terminology with that of international law enforcement partners and international guidelines for child protection. C-291 became law in October
2024.
Mel’s experiences in conservation, business, and as a M.P. have enabled him to build strong relationships and cooperation with citizens and all levels of government, which he will continue to strengthen if re-elected.
Michael Henry, People's Party of Canada
Born and raised in Revelstoke, my family’s history in this region dates back to 1914 when my Great Grandparents immigrated from Scotland.
Married with 3 adult children. Inter-provincial Trade Qualification earned working on the Revelstoke Hydro-Electric Dam. Earned a Bachelor of Technology in Construction Management with Honours from BCIT and a Master of Science in International Construction Management from the University of Bath.
Spent my career leading projects, managing contracts, budgets and solving problems – with a focus on efficiency, quality and cost-effectiveness. Work in energy efficiency, utility infrastructure and project management took me across Canada and the U.S., overseeing energy savings performance contracts, including one at the Kamloops Royal Inland Hospital. In 2007, my team was honoured with the Presidential Award for Leadership in Federal Energy Management at the White House. In 2010, my team won the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientist Environmental Award, Concept and Assessment Category for the Canada Place Shore Power project.
I am running as a PPC candidate to give the Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies electorate a traditional conservative, libertarian and populist choice on election day. Our foundation is built on four timeless values: Freedom, Responsibility, Fairness and Respect.
Phaedra Idzan, New Democratic Party
I am running for the federal NDP in the newly formed Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies region because this is home.
Born and raised in the Shuswap, I have deep roots in this stunning part of B.C., with a strong connection to the community. Although I have lived in Vancouver and Whitehorse, Yukon, I always return to the place I love – where I have raised my children and where my entire family calls home.
I am committed to seeing our country thrive economically while ensuring that essential services are there when we need them most. With a deep sense of responsibility to fight for those without a voice, I am stepping up to represent the region and take on the challenges that lie ahead.
Drawing on years of leadership experience, including 7 1/2 years with the B.C. Ministry of Justice, 2 1/2 years with the Yukon Government's Ministry of Justice, and four years leading a team of 25 at a non-profit senior's housing society in Sicamous, I am ready to tackle the pressures facing our communities. My leadership was tested during tough times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating 2021 wildfires in Sicamous.
With passion, determination, and a strong understanding of the challenges ahead, I am prepared to bring my experience and dedication to the table as I fight for the future of Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies.
Owen Madden, Green Party of Canada
I’m Owen Madden, and I’m running to be your MP for Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies. As a small business and farm owner in Grindrod, I understand the challenges our rural communities face – rising costs, extreme weather and the struggle to keep local economies strong.
I didn’t start out in farming. I was a lawyer in Ireland until a conversation with a potato farmer opened my eyes to the reality of climate change. That moment changed my path. I moved to Canada, worked in environmental law with Ecojustice and the Wilderness Committee, and eventually built a farm and business with my partner, Emily. Through our work distributing fresh, organic food, I’ve seen firsthand how policy decisions affect farmers, families and small businesses.
I’m running because we need leadership that puts people first. I will fight for a strong local economy, fair wages and real climate action that creates jobs and protects our future. Our riding has been overlooked for too long – we deserve better representation in Ottawa.
I’m in this for the long haul. Whether in this election or the next, I hope you’ll join me in building a greener, more sustainable future for our community.
Ken Robertson, Liberal Party of Canada
Ken Robertson is a proud Secwépemc man from the Neskonlith Indian Band in south-central British Columbia. A devoted husband and father of four, Ken’s deep roots in Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies shape his commitment to his community. As a local leader and Liberal candidate, he is passionate about building a fairer, greener economy and creating opportunities that benefit all families in the region.
Ken’s career has been defined by his passionate advocacy, particularly for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). He has served on boards and working groups with federal, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences’ Social Inclusion Working Group.
As a small business owner, Ken is deeply committed to creating good-paying jobs and investing in the middle class. He works closely with leaders like Mark Carney, leveraging their shared vision to tackle cross-border challenges such as U.S. tariffs, which threaten local industries. Ken’s leadership is focused on ensuring that no one is left behind and that families in Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies have the tools they need to thrive.
Ken’s commitment to public service was inspired by his father, a lifelong Liberal who worked in forestry for 45 years in Adams Lake.
