Cade Desjarlais / Kelowna-Lake Country NDP Candidate, 2021
"Each and every election cycle we often hear how this is the ‘most important election.’ Although this has become an often-repeated statement, it’s never been truer.
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Let’s come together and on April 28th, 2025, elect Steve Fuhr as Kelowna’s Member of Parliament. "
ENDORSING CARNEY FOR PM
I had the honour of introducing Mark Carney to a packed room in Kelowna, where he delivered a political speech that truly connected with the audience. The energy in the room was undeniable—Carney didn’t just talk about Canada’s challenges, he provided real, thoughtful solutions.
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His remarks resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing why he is the leader Canada needs at this critical moment. After his speech, I had the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with him on the ride from the hotel to the airport. That private conversation only strengthened my belief that he is the right person to lead Canada forward.
CANADA IS NOT
BROKEN
A troubling narrative has emerged in certain political and media circles in recent years: the notion that Canada is somehow ‘broken.’ This rhetoric, often employed for political ad-vantage, presents an overly pessimistic view of a country that remains one of the strongest, most stable, and most resilient nations globally. While Canada faces genuine challenges, like any other nation, it continues to be a pillar of the G7, a leader in global innovation, and a country with one of the highest standards of living.
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We do not have to look far to see the dangers of embracing political fatalism. South of the border, the United States has been gripped by the idea that America is ‘broken,’ a message that fuelled the return of Donald Trump to the presidency. The consequences of this approach are already playing out. Divisions are deepening, global alliances are weakening, and the government often prioritizes conflict over progress. If Canada were to go down this same path, abandoning confidence in its institutions and embracing chaos instead of solutions, it would not fix our challenges. It would make them worse.
US: Vital Trade & Security Partner
Canada is one of the United States’ closest allies and an indispensable partner. Sharing a border that spans thousands of kilometres, our proximity reinforces the depth of our relationship. Sharing one of the largest trading relationships in the world, our two nations exchange over $2.5 billion in goods and services daily.
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Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose sweeping 25% tariffs on Canadian goods has re-ignited tensions. This move has led to discussions and planning for retaliatory tariffs from Canada, raising concerns about potential economic repercussions for both nations. This situation echoes trade conflicts from 2018 when U.S. tariffs strained relations and led to a cascade of retaliatory measures.
Fuhr:Watching Democracy Slip Through America's Hands
Democracy does not disappear overnight. It erodes under the guise of law and order, economic necessity, or security. In the U.S., that erosion is accelerating. From attacks on reproductive rights and voting access to judicial corruption and institutional purges, the country is sliding toward authoritarianism. Figures like Elon Musk are consolidating power, reshaping governance to serve their interests over the public good. If these trends continue, America will soon be a democracy in name only.
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Canadians are not just watching this unfold. We are already feeling the shockwaves. The economic war being waged against us through tariffs and trade threats is a direct consequence of the political forces dismantling U.S. democracy. Whether those pressures persist or fade, the more significant crisis remains. America is destabilizing, and that instability will spill over regardless of what happens with tariffs. A superpower in free fall will drag others down with it. As we approach our own federal election, Canadians must recognize that this is not solely a U.S. problem. We need leadership prepared to manage the fallout.
Climate Impact - It's Personal
I understand firsthand the cost of inaction on issues that impact our community. In the wake of the 2023 fire, I lost everything. Yet, in that moment, my only instinct was to support our residents—ensuring clear communication, guiding them through insurance processes, and helping them access government resources.
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A strong Canada cannot be built on weak slogans and empty promises.
We need real leadership that delivers real progress on the challenges we face as a nation. Now is the time to come together, to take meaningful action, and to ensure that we are better prepared to prevent the next crisis.
Fuhr: If it wasn’t clear before, it certainly is now
The events that unfolded in the Oval Office on Friday, February 28, 2025, were nothing short of horrific, arguably marking one of the lowest points in U.S. diplomatic history. As I listened in real time, I felt physically ill. What should have been a serious discussion among President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy turned into an outright humiliation of an ally fighting for survival.
The hostility in that room was not just shocking; it left no doubt about where Trump’s loyalties lie. His administration is not on the side of Ukraine; it stands with Vladimir Putin.
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From the outset, the atmosphere was tense. Zelenskyy, adhering to his wartime custom, arrived in military fatigues, a symbol of resilience recognized by leaders worldwide, much like Winston Churchill’s wartime attire when visiting Washington in 1942. Instead of receiving respect, he was met with mockery. Conservative reporter Brian Glenn berated Zelenskyy for not wearing a suit in an apparent attempt to humiliate him. Meanwhile, Vance chastised him, calling him ungrateful. The most damning moment came when Trump, in full view of the press, accused Zelenskyy of "gambling with World War III," as if Ukraine, rather than Russia, were responsible for the war.
Fuhr: Standing Strong: An all-hands-on-deck moment for Canada
An unprecedented and unpredictable trade war, marked by fluctuating tariffs and unsettling rhetoric that questions our national sovereignty, persists between Canada and the United States. In response, Canadians must come together, showcasing resilience and solidarity to safeguard our nation's interests and values.
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The U.S.-Canada trade dispute remains in flux. While the broad 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports has been temporarily suspended until early April, the U.S. is proceeding with targeted tariffs on steel and aluminum. In response, Canada has implemented countermeasures, including a 25 percent tariff on $30 billion in U.S. goods, with additional measures planned. Ontario has also introduced a 25 percent increase in electricity costs for U.S. exports, impacting millions of American homes and businesses. The uncertainty surrounding these economic battles is causing widespread disruption for industries and consumers on both sides of the border.