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.
Dan Albas - Conservative Party - Okanagan Lake West-South 琉璃神社
Bio
Dan Albas is the Conservative candidate for the newly formed riding of Okanagan Lake West-South 琉璃神社 and the Member of Parliament for the current riding of Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola.
In addition to his Member of Parliament duties, Dan is also the co-chair of the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations and co-chair of an all-party Parliamentary Cancer Caucus.
Before entering public life, Dan was the owner of Kick City Martial Arts, responsible for training hundreds of men, women and youth to bring out their best.
Dan writes a weekly column published in many local media sources. He welcomes comments, questions and concerns from citizens and is often available to speak to groups and organizations on matters of federal concern.
Questions
1. What will you do to address the rise in non-violent and property crime? In some communities, donation boxes at charity shops have been robbed and in other areas, thefts, shoplifting and related incidents have been seen.
1. The Liberals' Bill C-5 ended mandatory jail time for serious gun and drug crimes, while Bill C-75 weakened bail conditions, allowing repeat offenders back on the streets more quickly.
Under Liberal leadership, violent crime in Canada has increased by 50 per cent. If elected, a Conservative government will end this "catch and release" justice system and impose life sentences for anyone convicted of importing or exporting 10 or more illegal firearms.
We will propose similar penalties for individuals convicted of five or more counts of human trafficking, as well as those convicted of trafficking large amounts of fentanyl.
Canadians cannot afford a fourth term of Liberal "catch and release" policies. The Liberals' silence on crime and public safety is alarming. It's time for a strong, new Conservative government that will combat crime, restore safe streets, and put Canada first鈥攆or a change.
2. Considering numerous expressions of hate in this riding in recent years 鈥� at least six incident in Summerland alone since 2020 鈥� and considering online bullying and harassment, what changes would you propose to address hate speech and harassment, physically and online?
2. I met with one of the families targeted in a race-based attack in Summerland and witnessed firsthand how deeply traumatic the experience was for them.
We have also seen disturbing racist attacks in 琉璃神社 that were deeply troubling.
As a community, we must condemn all forms of racism and hate unequivocally. Those responsible must be held accountable and face the full extent of the law.
In all these situations, I have been heartened by our local communities' outpouring of support for the victims. It remains vital that we stand united against all forms of racism and hate.
3. The Okanagan Valley has an aging population, In West 琉璃神社, 21.4 per cent of the population is 65 and older. In Summerland, that number rises to 31.9 per cent and in Peachland, those 65 and older make up 38.5 per cent of the population. What will you do to ensure there is enough housing and long-term care services to meet the needs of this segment of the population? If this is not an issue you would advocate for, why not?
3. This critical question deserves a much longer answer than I can provide here.
Many seniors currently struggle to afford their existing housing. Some have had to return to work, while others have delayed retirement entirely.
To help seniors in these situations, our Conservative government will increase the tax-free earnings limit to $34,000 鈥� $10,000 more than present. We will also extend the age limit for RRSP growth from 71 to 73 and maintain OAS, GIS and CPP by keeping the retirement age at 65.
The Canadian dental program will continue for current participants.
To deal with chronic health care shortages we will implement a "Blue Seal" National Professional Testing Standard (akin to the Red Seal program for the trades) to expedite the licensing of healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses from other provinces and places in our local communities.
Our comprehensive affordable housing strategy includes removing the GST on new homes up to $1.3 million and train 350,000 new trades workers to build the housing these medical professionals need to live in our area.
4. If elected, how would you advocate for Okanagan farmers who are being impacted by both sides of the trade war? Famers are having difficulty accessing affordable inputs that are largely produced in the USA, like fertilizer, and are fearful that they will be unable to sell products south of the border at a profitable price.
4. First, we will completely eliminate the carbon tax. While the Liberals have only zero-rated the residential portion of their carbon tax 鈥� and Mr. Carney plans to shift to an industrial carbon tax after the election 鈥� a Conservative government will eliminate it entirely. This matters because the carbon tax on industrial users and transport carriers directly increases costs for farmers.
Second, we will eliminate the Liberals' automatic escalator excise tax that annually increases the price of wine, beer, and spirits. This will benefit Okanagan grape farmers who have struggled after many vines died due to a cold snap.
A Conservative government will also continue to oppose barriers against farming, such as any increase to the capital gains tax.
5. If elected and your party doesn鈥檛 form as government, how will you best represent your riding?
5. I have always believed that people deserve to be heard and that elected officials must be accountable. That's why I use a 24/7 phone answering service to return constituents鈥� calls at their convenience.
Each summer, when Parliament is not in session, I conduct listening tours throughout the riding rather than speaking tours 鈥� focusing on hearing citizens' concerns firsthand. I have a strong record of tabling private member's bills, with one passed in Parliament and others adopted by the government.
To maintain transparency, I write weekly MP reports updating citizens on my activities.
While in Ottawa, I started and co-chair the all-party Cancer Caucus, collaborating with MPs across party lines to address this devastating disease and improve our healthcare system. I encourage citizens to visit the 鈥淥pen Parliament鈥� website to review the work of all Members of Parliament.
My track record of promoting, recognizing, and defending Okanagan interests is well documented, and it would be a tremendous honour to continue this important work on your behalf.
