A long-time politician with an orange flair and blue hair is looking to represent the region.

Leah Main, a fearless advocate for rural communities with more than 15 years of local government experience, is the federal NDP candidate for Vernon鈥揕ake Country鈥揗onashee.

Known for her community-driven leadership, Main brings a lifetime of service to this race 鈥� most recently as a director on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (2015鈥�2024), where she worked directly with Ottawa to fight for infrastructure funding, rural healthcare access, and sustainable local economies.

鈥淚鈥檓 not a career politician 鈥� I鈥檓 a community builder,鈥� said Main. 鈥淚鈥檝e spent decades working hands-on to solve real problems in our region. Now, I鈥檓 ready to take that fight to Parliament.鈥�

Main immigrated to Canada in 1967 and chose to make her home in the Slocan Valley, where she has served as a councillor since 2009 and as a regional district director since 2011.

鈥淥ur country is at a crossroads,鈥� she said. 鈥淐anadians are being squeezed while the ultra-wealthy get richer. I won鈥檛 stand by while public healthcare is privatized, families can鈥檛 afford groceries, and billionaires avoid paying their fair share. This is the moment to act 鈥� for working people, for our future, and for Canada鈥檚 sovereignty.鈥�

Backed by the NDP鈥檚 commitment to equity and justice, Main鈥檚 platform includes capping essential grocery prices, building affordable housing, hiring more doctors and nurses, and protecting $10-a-day child care.

鈥淭his isn鈥檛 about left or right 鈥� it鈥檚 about right and wrong. I鈥檓 here to lead with courage and fight for the Canada we believe in.鈥�