Election 2025: Golden’s riding changes, the candidates running, and the role of a member of parliament—everything you need to know about the election is covered here.
Canada’s federal election is just around the corner, taking place on Monday, April 28, with advanced voting starting on Friday, April 18. Whether you’re new to Golden, voting in Canada for the first time, or a long-time resident looking to stay informed about the candidates, here’s some basic information to help you get started.
What’s Golden’s new federal riding?
Previously part of the Kootenay—Columbia federal election district, Golden is now part of the Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies federal electoral district, a merger of the Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, Kootenay—Columbia and North Okanagan—Shuswap ridings. Golden will vote alongside Revelstoke, part of Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Sicamous and other residents inside the new riding. The redrawing of riding lines is in response to population changes in and around the province and takes place every ten years.
Meet the Candidates for Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies
• Mel Arnold, Conservative Party of Canada (CPC): Currently the Conservative MP for the North Okanagan—Shuswap riding, Arnold will be running for a seat in the redrawn riding.
• Owen Madden, Green Party of Canada (GPC): Owner of Nature Delivered, a local produce supply company delivering in the Okanagan and Shuswap, Madden is the Green candidate for Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies.
• Ken Robertson, Liberal Party of Canada (LPC): Previously having run for the Liberal Party in the South Okanagan-West Kootenay riding during the 2021 election, Robertson is the Liberal candidate for Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies.
• Phaedra Idzan, New Democratic Party (NDP): With experience working at the BC Ministry of Justice and the Yukon Government’s Ministry of Justice, Idzan also worked with the Eagle Valley Senior Citizens Housing Society in Sicamous.
• Michael Henry, People’s Party of Canada (PPC): Born and raised in Revelstoke, Michael Henry is the People’s Party candidate for the Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies federal electoral district.
Where, When, and How to Vote
Polling locations are yet to be announced, but you’ll soon be able to find the nearest one to your home address on the Elections Canada website.
Not sure if you’re registered to vote? If you recently filed your taxes and selected the Elections Canada option, your registration is already up to date with the contact information and address from your tax return. To confirm your registration or to sign up for mail-in voting, visit the Elections Canada website. You can also contact your local Elections Canada office in Salmon Arm for further assistance.
Advance voting will take place from Friday, April 18, to Monday, April 21. The official voting day is Monday, April 28. Don’t miss your chance to have your say!
Additional information related to voting in Canada:
• To be eligible to vote, you must be a Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old on election day.
• If you are currently living abroad, you can still vote by special ballot. You can find more information and the necessary forms on the Elections Canada website.
• For individuals with disabilities or mobility issues, there are options available for assisted voting. You can request assistance from an elections officer or bring someone with you to assist you in casting your vote.
It is important to note that it is illegal for anyone to interfere with your right to vote. If you encounter any issues or witness any suspicious activity on election day, you should report it to the nearest election official or contact Elections Canada.
It is crucial that you educate yourself on the candidates and their platforms before casting your vote. This will ensure that you make an informed decision and choose a candidate who aligns with your values and priorities.
Additionally, it is important to remember that every vote counts in an election. Your voice matters and can make a difference in shaping the future of your country.
What sort of work does a Member of Parliament do?
During federal elections, much of the spotlight falls on party leaders, but your vote actually determines who will represent your riding in Parliament. The party with the most elected representatives forms the government, and its leader becomes the prime minister. But what exactly does a member of parliament (MP) do, and how can they address local issues in Golden?
MPs play a crucial role in shaping the country’s laws and policies. They propose, debate, and vote on bills in Parliament while also advocating for their ridings on a wide range of issues, including international trade, immigration, and federal programs like unemployment insurance. Their responsibilities often require them to split their time between Ottawa and their home ridings. During parliamentary sessions, MPs are typically in Ottawa on weekdays, returning to their constituencies on weekends. When Parliament is in recess, they dedicate more time to engaging with their communities.
For Golden, federal politics can influence a variety of key issues. These include negotiating international treaties, addressing trade tariffs, tackling housing challenges, and securing federal funding for provincial projects like highway upgrades.
By electing an MP, you’re choosing someone to voice your community’s needs on the national stage, making their role vital to both local and federal progress.
RCMP warn that damaging and stealing election signs is a crime
The RCMP are advising the public that individuals caught interfering with legal election signs can receive punishment under the Criminal Code and the Canada Elections Act.
“Holding fair elections is an extremely important component of a democratic society. Part of that fairness, is respecting the rights of your fellow citizens to campaign for the party and candidate of their choice. Especially in an election, if you do not agree with a party’s platform, you have legal choices to express your feelings and opinions. The most important thing you can do is cast your vote.”
RCMP are asking that if you have any information regarding the mischief to election signs or the theft of election signs that you contact them at 250-344-2221 or if you wish to remain anonymous make a report to Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
