Unsure who to vote for? Want to know more about your local candidates? Black Press Media has asked candidates to provide a short biography as well as answer key questions to help readers understand more about who is running in their ridings in the upcoming federal election. Be sure to check back for updates and videos.
Stephen Fuhr - Liberal Party - 琉璃神社
Bio:
Most people know me as a former MP or as someone running again in 琉璃神社, but I have also spent much of my career as a professional pilot. From flying military jets in the RCAF to working as a corporate pilot and serving as a Transport Canada pilot examiner, I have built a career grounded in precision, accountability, and high standards.
Aviation taught me how to assess risk, make decisions under pressure, and take responsibility for outcomes. These are skills that translate directly to public service. Whether in a cockpit or in office, preparation, discipline, and sound judgment matter.
As I seek to represent 琉璃神社 again in 2025, I bring the same focus and sense of responsibility I have carried throughout my flying career. My commitment is to practical leadership that delivers results, strengthens our community, and puts service before politics.
Crime: According to Statistics Canada, 琉璃神社's property crime rate decreased by 2 per cent in 2024, and the crime severity index dropped by 7 per cent. Despite these declines, a recent city survey found residents are still feeling 鈥渓ess safe.鈥� Over the past several months, media stories also report that 琉璃神社 business owners are fed up with repeated break-ins and vandalism. What specific measures need to be taken to address residents and business owners鈥� concerns.
To address ongoing concerns about property crime and safety in 琉璃神社, we need targeted, collaborative solutions that focus on both accountability and support for those in need.
First, I would advocate for habitual property crime legislation, ensuring repeat offenders face stricter consequences. This legislation would provide law enforcement with the tools to hold individuals accountable for their repeated criminal behaviour, ensuring that repeat offenders don鈥檛 continue to negatively impact our communities. This would build on existing bail reforms, with stricter measures to prevent the cycle of re-offending.
Additionally, I would work closely with the City of 琉璃神社 to address the root causes of crime, including mental health and addiction issues. It is crucial that we expand access to compassionate mandatory care, particularly for individuals whose mental health or addiction struggles intersect with criminal behaviour. This would include secure treatment spaces and increased investment in programs like the Red Fish Healing Centre in BC, aimed at providing specialized care and rehabilitation.
Finally, the federal government needs to increase accountability for provincial governments, ensuring they report back on the federal funding allocated for mental health and addiction programs. By working together, we can ensure safer communities for residents and businesses in 琉璃神社.
Health: 琉璃神社 has a significant senior population at 144,575, with 31,000 people over 65. Health Canada's "What We Heard Report from Engagement on the Safe Long-Term Care Act鈥� found that most people would prefer to age at home with necessary supports. The Canadian Federation of Nurses, and several national labour groups, say that the Act must be mandatory and enforceable. What are your thoughts on this stance?
Farming is vital to our region鈥檚 economy and the food security of our country. Farmers face severe challenges due to climate change, trade uncertainties, profitability on exports, and rising costs like fertilizer. This calls for breaking down inter-provincial trade barriers and securing new trade partnerships.
As MP, I will advocate for local farmers, bringing concerns directly to Ottawa and pushing for policies that protect agriculture. This includes supporting the Liberal Party鈥檚 plan to safeguard agri-food workers, increasing funding for farm equipment, boosting domestic food processing, and establishing new markets. Additionally, we have committed to permanently doubling revenue protection for farmers under the
AgriStability Program, increasing coverage from $3m to $6m per farm to help mitigate revenue losses caused by tariffs, extreme weather events, and external shocks.
The Okanagan is uniquely positioned to foster agri-tech innovation and I will champion efforts to empower entrepreneurs and researchers developing homegrown solutions. By supporting technological and scientific breakthroughs, we can help our farmers stay competitive globally and strengthen our local economy.
My Party鈥檚 vision for Canada鈥檚 agriculture sector is key to supporting farmers and ensuring their continued success. Having a voice in Ottawa that understands the unique challenges and opportunities here is critical.
Health: 琉璃神社 has a significant senior population at 144,575, with 31,000 people over 65. Health Canada's "What We Heard Report from Engagement on the Safe Long-Term Care Act鈥� found that most people would prefer to age at home with necessary supports. The Canadian Federation of Nurses, and several national labour groups, say that the Act must be mandatory and enforceable. What are your thoughts on this stance?
As a former MP, I understand the importance of addressing the needs of 琉璃神社鈥檚 growing senior population, which is vital to the health of our community. With people retiring here and residents aging, ensuring access to quality healthcare and supports for seniors is critical.
Health Canada鈥檚 鈥淲hat We Heard Report鈥� findings align with what many seniors in our community want: the ability to age at home with necessary supports. I support this desire, as it allows seniors to maintain their independence and contributes to a higher quality of life. To make this a reality, we need to ensure that home care services are adequately funded, staffed, and equipped.
I also understand the concerns raised by the Canadian Federation of Nurses and other labour groups regarding the enforceability of the Safe Long-Term Care Act. Making the Act mandatory and enforceable would provide much-needed accountability and ensure
that seniors receive the level of care they deserve, whether they are in the home or a long-term care facility.
If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for stronger investments in Interior Health, especially in home care services, ensuring our seniors can age with dignity, supported by the care they need, when they need it.
Combatting Hate & Discrimination: In light of rising levels of hate comments and actions targeting marginalized people 鈥� as reported by members of 琉璃神社's 2SLGBTQIA+ community 鈥� how would you ensure all 琉璃神社 residents are safe from hate speech, bullying and harassment both physically and online?
Ensuring the safety and well-being of all 琉璃神社 residents, especially those in marginalized communities such as the 2SLGBTQIA+ population, is crucial in light of rising hate speech and harassment. A culture of respect starts with leadership. The behaviour of leaders influences how people interact with each other, from schoolyards to boardrooms. When leaders model inclusivity and integrity, it sets a standard for the entire community. Poor leadership, however, can lead to an environment where discrimination and hostility flourish.
If elected, I will advocate for strong measures to combat hate, both online and offline. The Liberal Party鈥檚 commitment to combating hate includes legislative changes to strengthen protections against hate speech and hate crimes, including amendments to the Criminal Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act. I will continue to push for better online harms legislation, which holds platforms accountable for harmful content, creating safer digital spaces.
Additionally, we must foster inclusivity at the community level. Education and engagement are key, helping residents understand the impact of their words and actions and creating a culture of empathy and respect. By supporting programs that promote diversity and inclusion, we can ensure that all 琉璃神社 residents feel safe, respected, and valued in their community.
Representing 琉璃神社 in Opposition: If elected and your party doesn鈥檛 form as government, how will you best represent your riding?
If elected, even if my party does not form the government, I will continue to represent 琉璃神社 and the Okanagan just as I always have鈥攚ith determination and a focus on delivering results for our community. During my time as MP, I successfully brought over $160 million in federally funded projects to 琉璃神社 and the Okanagan, working collaboratively with all levels of government to address local needs.
It is crucial that we elect a government that can protect our community and enable us to thrive, particularly with the economic challenges we face. Under Conservative leadership, communities are often left to fend for themselves, and that鈥檚 not how we make progress.
I have always advocated for the needs of our community, aggressively pushing for investments that foster growth, infrastructure, and jobs independent of any political party in power. Today, the gold-plated solution for 琉璃神社 is a Liberal-led government that supports municipalities, regions, and provinces, with a Liberal MP who has a proven track record of delivering tangible results. My commitment to 琉璃神社 is unwavering, and I will continue to work hard, no matter the political landscape, to ensure our community鈥檚 voice is heard and our needs are met.
