In Kamloops-Centre, a clear frontrunner had emerged when it came to supporting Ukraine. Randy Sundermann, the BC Greens candidate, had consistently shown up to stand in solidarity with the local Ukrainian community. Randy had joined multiple peaceful gathering, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights in the face of Russian aggression.
Randy’s dedication to community engagement and his advocacy for choice and open discussion in BC elections had not gone unnoticed. His actions spoke volumes, making him easily identifiable as the most responsive candidate on the issue of Ukraine in Kamloops-Centre. Many Kamloops stand with Ukraine members appreciated his level of engagement and compassion, seeing it as a refreshing contrast to the silence from other candidates in the riding.
Inspired by Randy’s example, Sasha sat at his desk, fingers hovering over his keyboard. While the situation in Kamloops-Centre seemed clear, Sasha felt a deep responsibility to inform his fellow voters about the candidates’ stances on supporting Ukraine in his own riding of Kamloops-North Thompson.
He had recently sent out emails to all the local candidates, hoping for thoughtful responses before election day. As he refreshed his inbox, a notification popped up. It was from Ward Stamer, one of the candidates for Kamloops-North Thompson. Sasha opened the email eagerly, scanning its contents. (please see below the copy of the original and e-mail response)
Ward began by acknowledging the short notice but expressed a willingness to share his position. He explained that while immigration was primarily a federal matter, he personally supported Ukrainian immigrants and refugees. Ward mentioned a recent visit to Vernon where he met new arrivals from Ukraine who were adjusting well to their new home.
On the topic of sanctions against Russia, Ward noted it was mainly a federal responsibility but suggested there might be ways to discourage trade at the provincial level. He expressed interest in focusing on international trade opportunities with Ukraine, particularly in rebuilding efforts after the war.
Ward emphasized the importance of reaching out to Ukrainian communities and learning more about how he could assist as their potential MLA. He stressed his open-door policy and willingness to engage in further discussions.
As Sasha finished reading, he leaned back in his chair, contemplating Ward’s response. While it didn’t address all his questions in depth, it provided some insight into the candidate’s stance. However, Sasha was still eager to hear from the other candidates in Kamloops-North Thompson.
Inspired by both Randy’s active involvement and Ward’s willingness to respond, Sasha decided to redouble his efforts to engage all candidates in his riding. He drafted a post for his blog, highlighting the importance of candidate engagement on the Ukraine issue. (Engaging BC Election Candidates on Their Stance on Ukraine: A Guide for Voters) He invited the remaining Kamloops-North Thompson candidates to share their stances, hoping to provide voters with a comprehensive view of where each candidate stood.
Sasha also encouraged fellow community members to send him questions for the candidates, promising to reach out and share their answers, just as he had done during the municipal elections (Kamloops Stand with Ukraine and More: Municipal Election Questionnaire). He was determined to facilitate an informed voting process in his riding, much like what was happening in Kamloops-Centre with Randy Sundermann’s clear stance.
As he worked, Sasha reflected on the varied levels of engagement across the two ridings. While Randy Sundermann had set a high bar in Kamloops-Centre, the picture in Kamloops-North Thompson was still developing. Ward Stamer had responded, but Sasha was eager to hear from the other candidates to provide a balanced view to the voters.
As Sasha refreshed his email on election day morning, he was pleasantly surprised to see a response from Maddi Genn, the BC NDP candidate for Kamloops-North Thompson. Despite the last-minute timing, Maddi had taken the time to address Sasha’s concerns about supporting Ukraine. In her email, Maddi emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine and Ukrainians, sharing a personal anecdote about meeting a refugee from the war in Kamloops. She highlighted her past experience supporting Syrian refugees and acknowledged the challenges faced by families adjusting to a new culture. While Maddi didn’t make specific promises, she mentioned the BC NDP’s current support for Ukrainian refugees through income assistance and expressed her personal dedication to fighting for refugee support in BC. Her response, though arriving on election day itself, provided voters with additional insight into her stance on the issue.
Unfortunately, no response was received by the BC Green Party candidate from Kamloops North Thompson on how they stand with Ukraine.
Sasha updated his blog post and hit publish. The path to supporting Ukraine from British Columbia might not be straightforward, but engaged citizens like himself and responsive politicians were taking important steps in the right direction. As the election approached, Sasha felt hopeful that their efforts would lead to more informed voting and stronger support for Ukraine in their community, both in Kamloops-Centre and Kamloops-North Thompson.
Here is the response from Ward Stamer:
Good morning Sasha first let me thank you for contacting myself for feedback on your specific questions. Just a few days before the election isnt really enough time to be able to answer all your questions with the depth of understanding on how a BC Conservative govt would support your concerns. However I will explain my position if I’m to represent you as your MLA.
As you mentioned immigration is a Federal responsibility however our party has concerns on the unsustainable levels particularly with unskilled labour entering our province and contributing to our housing shortage. Personally I support the people of Ukraine who have already come here and will continue to support future immigration from Ukraine. I have met new arrivals on a recent visit to Vernon and I’m happy they have found employment and seem to be adjusting to their new home. I will continue to support welcoming people from Ukraine and our govt will as well.
With regards to Russian sanctions again that is mainly a Federal responsibility however there may be ways to discourage trade with Russia I am unaware if we have a specific policy on that . International trade and opportunities for Business and University students is important to BCs economy and Ukraine would be a focus of mine if elected. That includes opportunities in Ukraines rebuilding after the war with materials technology and trade. Twinning cities strengthens our communities and I would support a concerted effort to do this.
I would like to be able to reach out to our Ukrainian communities in the near future to learn more and how I would be able to assist in any way as their MLA. My door is always open so to speak and I’m always a phone call away. Thats how I have been my entire career as a elected official and especially as a mayor for the last 6 years .Thank you for this opportunity and lets talk soon cheers Ward
Here is the response from Maddi Genn:
Thank you so much Oleksandr for these questions. It is essential that we all do everything we can to support Ukraine and Ukrainians during this time and continuing into the future.
I recently had the opportunity to meet someone who came to Kamloops to escape the war and it was an honour to hear her stories. It was tragic to learn about her history and her family members who are not just still there, but fighting in the war. I know on a personal level how important it is to give as many supports as possible as years ago, I was very involved in supporting refugees from Syria and I have seen how challenging it can be for families to adjust to such a different culture – especially while they have family members spread across the globe.
I think there are many things that our provincial and federal government should be doing, but the last thing I want to do in this election is make promises or commitments that I can’t keep. Currently, the BC NDP is supporting Ukrainian refugees by offering income assistance and I sincerely hope to see more support in the future. I personally am dedicated to continuing to fight to support refugees in BC and continuing to welcome them with open arms. I hope I get the opportunity to work with the provincial and federal government to get the kind of supports that are essential for Ukrainian families to escape the conflict and thrive here in BC.
Thank you again for these questions, and Happy Election Day!
Maddi
The original e-mail Sasha sent to all candidates in Kamloops-Thompson North Riding
Dear Tristan Cavers, Maddi Genn, and Ward Stamer
I am writing to you as a concerned voter in Kamloops-North Thompson about an important issue to me and many in our community: support for Ukraine. As you campaign to represent our riding in the BC Legislature, I would like to understand your position on how our province can support Ukraine and Ukrainians during this challenging time.
Specifically, I would appreciate your thoughts on the following questions:
- How do you believe BC can support Ukraine at a provincial level?
- What are your thoughts on welcoming and supporting Ukrainian refugees in BC?
- How would you work with the federal government to align BC’s policies with Canada’s support for Ukraine?
Your stance on these issues will be a significant factor in my voting decision, and I believe many in our community share these concerns. I would greatly appreciate a detailed response outlining your views and any specific actions you plan to take if elected. If you can share your views before Friday morning, I will share them with 700 members who stand with Ukraine in Kamloops and post them on my blog before election day:
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this important matter.
With respect
Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov
Westsyde, Kamloops