Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

Re-elected Conservative MP Rob Morrison says now that the election is over, “it’s time to get to work and deliver results.”

Morrison, who collected 35,830 votes (50.5 per cent), said he is honoured and humbled by the trust that the people of Columbia-Kootenay-Southern Rockies have placed in him in the pursuit of change, accountability, and responsible leadership.

“Canadians are looking for common-sense leadership that puts the cost of living, economic growth, and community safety first—and that’s exactly what I will fight for every day in Parliament,” he said.

Morrison ran on a platform focused on affordability, job creation, lower taxes, and restoring fiscal responsibility in government. Throughout the campaign he emphasized the need for pragmatic solutions to address rising inflation, housing challenges, and concerns about public safety. 

The MP thanked his campaign team, volunteers, and most importantly, the voters who made their voices heard. His immediate plan is to join the Conservative caucus in Parliament and meet with constituents, local leaders, and stakeholders to “ensure that the priorities of Columbia-Kootenay-Southern Rockies are front and centre in Ottawa.”

Liberal candidate Reggie Goldsbury (finishing with 20,007 votes) said the general election results mark a significant victory for Liberal momentum across the region, noting their support in Columbia–Kootenay–Southern Rockies surged by over 300 per cent — “a clear testament to the strength, dedication, and energy behind the ‘Canada Strong’ movement.

Goldsbury said his Liberal team travelled more than 7,000 kilometres, shook thousands of hands, answered hundreds of emails, and participated in more than a dozen forums, town halls, and community events. 

“We are incredibly proud of what we achieved together,” he said the day after the election. “The thousands of supporters, volunteers and community members who showed up made history . . . . you proved that rural voices matter — and that the momentum for a stronger, more united Canada is growing.”

Liberal candidate Reggie Goldsbury says the election results mark a significant victory for the party.
PHOTO SUBMITTED

Goldsbury congratulated his political rival Rob Morrison on his re-election, expressing hope that the MP will rise to the challenge of representing all constituents across the riding.

The staunch Liberal also extended his respect to the other candidates who offered themselves for public service, noting that democracy is strengthened when a diversity of voices step forward.

Goldsbury’s campaign expressed disappointment in the progressive vote split, “which ultimately contributed to the Conservative victory.” However, he emphasized that the results only strengthen the resolve of Liberals in the region. “We will continue building. We will continue rising. Our movement is strong, and our future is bright.”

With Mark Carney’s leadership at the national level, Liberals are confident that Canada is in the best hands possible to face the challenges ahead, Goldsbury stated.

As for Goldsbury’s future, he will be returning to work with the social investment team at Ktunaxa Nation Council.

NDP candidate Kallee Lins told the Pioneer that no matter where she went in the riding, support for small business and local industries were top of mind. 

“This topic is related to the tariff situation and trade war, but we know that our local employers have been squeezed in recent years by several factors including inflationary pressures, a shortage of affordable housing and lack of childcare spaces for employees and their families.”

Lins said she met one self-described “red Tory” who was voting NDP because he recognized that the Conservatives were not great champions of small business, and he wanted to ensure that principled NDP MPs were in the House of Commons to stand up for the needs of everyday people. “I’m grateful to have experienced that recognition that what’s good for people, things like reliable access to healthcare and a home you can afford, is also good for business.”

As for the future of the party, Lins said the NDP is in a process of reaching out to candidates across the country, resulting in a lot of analysis, learning and discussion before any commitments are made. She noted one local reality is the presence of NDP-Conservative swing voters. 

“I am well aware of past NDP voters (in the riding) who felt let down by the Liberals and couldn’t bring themselves to support the NDP this time around because of our affiliation with the Liberals in the most recent government.” Lins said these are not strategic voters; these are people who want to see the NDP be unflinchingly supportive of workers’ rights in the Kootenays (and across the country) and bolder in its progressive economic proposals.

Lins stated the NDP did not shy away from the urgency and threat of the trade war with the US, while refusing to sideline longstanding concerns of everyday people. She added they took every opportunity to remind members of the community that their worth should not be dependent on how much money they make; that everyone deserves a roof over their head, as well as reliable health care, dental care, and access to education and employment.

“We addressed the urgent need for electoral reform, and kept the preservation of our natural environment on the table while emphasizing the need for enhanced support of our local industries.”

Lins said she is humbled and grateful for the more than 12,500 voters in this riding who put their trust in the NDP’s vision. “I know that these were not people who cast their ballot for a ‘lesser evil.’ These were voters who, regardless of who they wanted to see in the prime minister’s seat, recognized the importance of having NDP MPs at the table.”

The candidate stated she stepped into that role because working alongside others to create change brings her real joy. “Every door knock, every phone call, and every sign placed created an opportunity for connection with our neighbours and those connections are never wasted.”

Lins said she enjoyed the camaraderie of the other candidates, noting there was productive, meaningful conversations across party lines. “Our region and country need more of that.”

Lins pointed out that election night is more of a beginning than an end; she views it as day one of the next election cycle.

Independent candidate James Wiedrick told the Pioneer that the idea behind his campaign was a reimagining of how federal politics are practised in Canada.

“That conversation piece got drowned out in the twin torrents of ‘Trump fear’ and ‘Liberals have to go’”. Wiedrick, who collected 850 votes, said he is proud of what his campaign team achieved. 

“I’m aware of the initial lack of identification and brand awareness we had to overcome and believe we succeeded in that respect.”

NDP candidate Kallee Lins says support for small business and local industry is top of mind in the region.
PHOTO SUBMITTED