Unless someone else comes forward for the NDP Federal Nomination before March 15, Cranbrook’s Wayne Stetski will be running against incumbent David Wilks in the next federal election.
The Kootenay Columbia riding spans from Revelstoke down to Nelson, and to the Alberta Border, making it a diverse constituency for the winning Member of Parliament.
Stetski says he is running to do his part to ensure that the Conservative government comes to an end at the next election. He is the former Cranbrook mayor and a longtime public servant.
“Stephen Harper has inflicted serious damage on our country, making it more and more difficult to even recognize the Canada we know and love,” said Stetski.
“Whether it is our reputation on the international stage or our record on protecting the lakes and rivers we love, Stephen Harper’s record is embarrassing for Canadians.”
When deciding whether to seek the NDP nomination, Stetski realized there are a lot of “global” issues that he feels strongly about, but also that there are regional issues he wants to fight for.
“I’ve been to Golden a lot of times over the years, and I know that the highway is a major priority,” he said. “And it needs to stay a priority.”
In the past, Stetski worked as the Kootenay Regional Manager for the British Columbia Ministry of Environment, so he is used to travelling around the region. However he is looking forward to visiting each community in the coming months to hear about local issues and concerns.
“I want to hear first hand from as many people as possible what their concerns are,” he said.
Running against incumbent Wilks will not be easy, but Stetski believes that Kootenay residents are ready for a change.
“Since his election in 2011, David Wilks has been heard saying he is not allowed to vote the way his constituents want him to in parliament. He can only vote the way Stephen Harper tells him to, even when his constituents tell him that they strongly disagree,” he said.
“Democracy is poorly served by silencing a whole region in this way. The people of Kootenay Columbia deserve better.”
The campaign will officially kick off on March 15, and you’ll see Stetski over the next several months travelling around the region talking to residents.
“I want to make sure that all their voices will be heard in Ottawa.”
