Pavneet Singh | 琉璃神社-Lake Country-Coldstream
鈥奝avneet Singh provided the following statement from is a social media account:
"During his campaign, Pavneet knocked on over 7,000 doors, hosted 12 neighbourhood BBQs, and organized six major events in his riding, including fundraisers and town halls with the party leader.
His hard work paid off, as he became one of the top fundraisers in the party, raising approximately $100,000 for BC United.
Pavneet's efforts have earned him the open endorsement of notable figures such as Ruth Hoyte, Mayor of Coldstream, Chief of 琉璃神社 Fire Department, MP Darrell Stinson, and leaders from the Sikh and Hindu communities, including board members of all Sikh and Hindu Temples in his riding.
He won his nomination with a landslide victory, showcasing the strong support he has within his community. His deep roots in the community and commitment to public service make him a respected figure.
Pavneet has always been a strong supporter of first responders, including firefighters, and has contributed to organizations like the KGH Foundation and the Starbright Foundation for Kids for the past decade.
Known for his readiness to help anyone in need, Pavneet Singh embodies the spirit of community and leadership that his riding values."
Dr. Michael Humer | 琉璃神社-Centre
The former BC United candidate for 琉璃神社-Centre says it鈥檚 been an interesting few days following leader Kevin Falcon suspension of the party鈥檚 campaign to support the BC Conservatives.
鈥淏.C. politics is never boring,鈥� Dr. Michael Humer said. 鈥淭his is surprising probably to everyone, and now we鈥檙e all taking stock to see what the next step is.鈥�
Falcon, along with BC Conservative leader John Rustad, announced on Aug. 28 that he was withdrawing all BC United candidates across provincial ridings.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been an unpredictable week and it鈥檚 unpredictable going forward,鈥� Humer said.
Asked if he would consider running as a BC Conservative candidate Humer said he might consider the possibility.
鈥淚鈥檓 open to considering any alternatives if it鈥檚 about ultimately pursuing improved healthcare for the people of British Columbia. I鈥檓 every bit as determined as when I started my journey a year ago that healthcare needs a voice of experience at the table.鈥�
Despite the shakeup with BC United, Humer said he is undeterred.
鈥淚 still have, if anything, more passion than ever to see this out in the right direction.鈥�
Stephen Johnston | West 琉璃神社-Peachland
Like BC United MLAs, Okanagan candidates for the October provincial election were caught off guard by leader Kevin Falcon鈥檚 announcement that he was suspending the campaign and asking his party to support the BC Conservatives.
Following a rescheduled candidates meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 28, West 琉璃神社-Peachland BC United candidate Stephen Johnston said he received a text from a friend telling him the news.
鈥淭hen I got another text screenshot of a Global News article and that鈥檚 how I found out.鈥�
The rescheduled meeting ended up being a brief conference call at 2:30 on Wednesday afternoon with Falcon.
鈥淲e鈥檝e learned nothing other than what was said at the press conference,鈥� Johnston added. 鈥淲e were in real-time just like everyone else.鈥�
That press conference was held by Falcon and BC Conservative Leader John Rustad around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday. Despite the shock, Johnston said he is trying to maintain a hopeful outlook.
鈥淭here is a conversation that will be occurring about bringing in good candidates to the party and trying to create that merged, balanced approach and I hope that happens, as well as answers to questions that many of us have.鈥�
Johnston added it鈥檚 been his desire all along that the two parties come together.
鈥淭his is certainly a messy way of doing that. It would have been nicer if it were done six months to a year under more favourable circumstances, but I think it presents a way forward without splitting that centre-right vote.鈥�
Johnston noted there are exceptional candidates within both parties.
鈥淚t鈥檚 fine to me that it鈥檚 under the Conservative banner. I think it would be a huge benefit to B.C. and paves a realistic way forward to win the next election.鈥�
He is also still interested in representing his riding in Victoria.
鈥淚 want to serve my community. The Westside is where I鈥檝e grown up, where I live and, where I want to be.鈥�
Black Press Media has contacted all former BC United and current BC Conservatives in the Central Okanagan for comment.
