The federal candidates in the Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee riding (submitted photos)
Three of Four Candidates Respond
Federal candidates answer series of questions from local agencies
Apr 15, 2025 | 1:20 PM
Three of the four confirmed candidates in the Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee riding have answered a series of questions relating to key issues in the area.
The Vernon and District branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association partnered with several other agencies, including School District 22, Turning Points Collaborative Society, and the Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society, to compile a list of 10 questions for the local candidates.
- Where do you stand on permanently funding the 9-8-8 suicide crisis helpline and the creation of mobile crisis intervention teams?
- How would you respond to the anxiety Canada’s current relationship with the U.S. has created, particularly in resource communities like Vernon and Lumby?
- How will Canada’s economy be able to grow with cutbacks to immigration?
- What policies are you proposing to increase the inventory of affordable housing units and address the housing crisis across Canada?
- How will you advocate for a full spectrum of addiction services, including harm reduction and long-term recovery housing, and ensure they are accessible in both urban and rural communities?
- How will you increase childcare spaces, especially for ages 0-3?
- Last school year, the Federal Government contributed $1.2 million to the education of on-reserve students at School District 22 (Vernon). However, SD22 spent an estimated $2 million – $800,000 more than the Federal funding received – to ensure on-reserve Okanagan Indian Band students received the same supports as other students. What will your party do to ensure the education of on-reserve students is equitably funded?
- Studies indicate that 2SLGBTQ+ youth are at less risk of suicide when they have acceptance from adults and peers. How would you support the mental health and wellness of 2SLGBTQ+ youth?
- What measures would you take to prevent the spread of invasive mussels in Okanagan lakes?
- As the population of seniors continues to increase, do you support initiatives that allow low-income seniors to live independently in their homes, such as funding housekeeping and maintenance?
CMHA asked the four candidates in the local riding to answer the questions, and received responses from three of them.
