Here’s how MLA candidates will improve safety for all in Kamloops

Ahead of the Oct. 24 provincial election, The Wren asked readers what they want to know from candidates running to represent the Kamloops Centre and Kamloops-North Thompson ridings as a member of the legislative assembly.

Here’s how candidates answered the question: How would you create safety for everyone in Kamloops, including LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, immigrants, Indigenous peoples or other targets of the white supremacist group Second Sons?

Kamloops Centre Candidates

Thaelo Proctor, Independent: Every situation is different. First and foremost, being vocally and publicly supportive to any group whose safety is questioned is key. Secondly, show up with empathy: I commit to listening to what people have to say, I’ll be there as much as possible in action, not just words to make things better. Finally, legislation and education: I’ll put forward ideas directly from the people affected in our community, then pressure other politicians to sign them.

Annelise Beach, BC Green Party: I would connect with Indigenous people, LGTBQIA2S+ and immigrants and ask what I can do as their MLA to help them feel safe in their community. What can I advocate for in Victoria on their behalf? I would ensure their voices are at the front of all these decisions. I uphold the rights of all humans and there is no place for racism and discrimination.

Peter Milobar, Conservative Party: This candidate did not respond prior to publication. This article will be updated if more information is provided. 

Earlier this year, Milobar shared campaign emails where he claimed he would end SOGI in schools if made premier, referring to the optional resources that support schools and educators with grade-level appropriate materials related to gender and sexuality. Milobar was also among those who voted in favour of moving the Protecting Minors from Gender Transition Act forward to debate, which aimed to restrict support and rights for transgender youth.

Milobar was among many politicians and community leaders who condemned the gathering of masked individuals on Sept. 27, who were seen on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc land with signs that read “Got Bones?” and others. 

“The apparent white nationalist gathering on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc land and then in Kamloops this morning was hateful and meant to intimidate,” Milobar wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “It has no place in British Columbia, and BC Conservatives condemn it completely. We stand with the people of Tk’emlúps and Kamloops. We expect the RCMP to investigate fully.”

Mike Wisla, BC NDP: This candidate did not respond prior to publication. This article will be updated if more information is provided. Wisla has not made any public statements regarding the topics in this question, though the NDP party platform identifies inclusivity as a priority. 

Rocky McAfee: This candidate did not respond prior to publication. This article will be updated if more information is provided. 

In an interview with CFJC Today, McAfee referred to reconciliation as “dividing people.” He added that he would like to see the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act repealed. The OneBC party has also sought to move forward a “National Truth and Reconciliation Statute Repeal Act” and campaigns on removing SOGI resources from the education system.

Kamloops North-Thompson Candidates

Kory Clark, BC NDP: 

1. Continue the expansion of the Racist Incident Helpline to support people who are experiencing hate based on sexual orientation, gender identity [and] advocating for further funding for groups like QMUNITY.
2. Advocate for continued funding and support to B.C.’s hate crime unit, the only dedicated hate crime unit in Canada, to investigate and prosecute extremist groups.
3. The BC NDP team would convene a summit of police services from across B.C. to strengthen coordination on investigations, intelligence and enforcement related to extremist and white-supremacist activities.

Ward Stamer, Conservative Party: This candidate did not respond prior to publication. This article will be updated if more information is provided. 

Stamer joined Milobar in voting in favour of moving the Protecting Minors from Gender Transition Act forward to debate, which aimed to restrict support and rights for transgender youth.

“Allowing proposed legislation to be introduced, examined and debated is a cornerstone of our democratic system,” Stamer wrote in an emailed statement to The Wren about his vote related to proposed legislation seeking to repeal the BC Human Rights Code.

“While I understand that not everyone will agree with this approach, it is important that my first reading vote not be interpreted as opposition to human rights.”

Following the Second Sons gathering in September, Stamer shared on social media: 

“What took place on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc land and in Kamloops today is deeply concerning. Hate, racism, and intimidation have no place in our communities and no place anywhere in British Columbia. I stand with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and the people of Kamloops, and support a full investigation into what occurred.” 

Deborah Friesen, OneBC: This candidate did not respond prior to publication. This article will be updated if more information is provided. 

Friesen has not made any public comments regarding this question, however the OneBC party has sought to move forward a “National Truth and Reconciliation Statute Repeal Act” and campaigns on removing SOGI resources from the education system.

When and where to vote

Provincial general voting day is Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advance voting runs Oct. 16 to 21, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your voting place at wheretovote.elections.bc.ca. You can also vote by mail. Request a package from Elections BC by Oct. 18. Completed ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Oct. 24.

The candidates in Kamloops Centre are Annelise Beach (BC Green Party), Rocky McAfee (OneBC), Peter Milobar (Conservative Party, incumbent), Thaelo Proctor (Independent) and Mike Wisla (BC NDP).

The candidates in Kamloops-North Thompson are Kory Clark (BC NDP), Deborah Friesen (OneBC) and Ward Stamer (Conservative Party, incumbent).