Tag: Elections and Civic Life
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We Voted Together. Now It’s Your Turn, Kamloops: Polls Close at 8 PM
This year Mama and I voted by mail ballot. We sat together and I read every candidate’s answers to Mama, all sixteen of them. We looked at the candidates’ profiles and photos, talked them through, made our decisions and voted. Then we took our envelopes to City Hall. A mail ballot made it possible for…
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Stand with Ukraine: October 17, 2026 Update. Voting Day and Saturday #243
Day 1,696 since February 24th, 2022 (1 696 день повномасштабної війни: Day 1,696 of the full-scale war)Day 4,622 since February 20th, 2014, Temporary Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation Thank you to all who #StandWithUkraine Greetings from Kamloops! Dobryi den (good day), dear friends, Today is our 243rd Saturday near Kamloops City Hall since…
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Asking Kamloops Candidates Where They Stand: 2026 Answers and Report
Every Saturday at 3:00 PM since February 24, 2022, we have stood together near Kamloops City Hall in solidarity with Ukraine. Before every election since 2022, I have also asked every candidate the same questions, so residents can read candidates’ own words and decide for themselves. This year, all 51 candidates for Mayor, City Council…
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Ask Your Candidates: 2026 Election Questionnaires for Kamloops, British Columbia and Stand with Ukraine Communities
[Photo: Voting in the 2024 BC provincial election, October 19, 2024, Kamloops.] Every Saturday at 3:00 PM since February 24, 2022, residents of Kamloops have gathered peacefully near City Hall in solidarity with Ukraine. We have stood through an entire council term, and we will keep standing no matter who is elected. This fall, British…
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A Canadian Corruption Story? How the Conservatives’ Byelection Maneuver Exposes Systemic Vulnerabilities
In most democracies, political defeat brings consequences. Leaders who lose their seats in an election are typically replaced, or they step aside gracefully. But in Canada’s uniquely malleable parliamentary system, losing an election doesn’t necessarily mean losing power. The Conservative Party’s latest maneuver—having Battle River–Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek resign to allow leader Pierre Poilievre to…
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Canadian Political Parties and Ukraine: Where They Stand and Why Your Vote Matters
In these critical times for global democracy, understanding where Canadian political parties stand on international issues is essential for informed voting. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) recently conducted a comprehensive survey of major political parties regarding their positions on supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. As Canadians prepare for upcoming elections, these positions…
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Trudeau’s Misstep: Undermining Freeland and Alienating Loyalty
Photo Credit: Chat GPT Chrystia Freeland’s resignation from her dual roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister reveals a profound miscalculation by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Freeland, a stalwart of the Liberal Party, is not just a competent policymaker but a symbol of perseverance, loyalty, and competence. Her departure, driven by Trudeau’s decision to…
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The Price of Populism: Reflections on Leadership, Accountability, and National Identity in the Elections of Trump, Yanukovych, and Zelensky
Preamble: As Donald Trump is re-elected President of the United States, the world is once again facing a pivotal moment in the evolution of populist leadership and its impact on national identity, governance, and global alliances. Trump’s return to power reawakens questions about the influence of outsider candidates who challenge traditional political systems. This moment…
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A Tale of Two Europes: Today’s US Election Through European Eyes
Fascinating polling data reveals a striking pattern across Europe ahead of today’s US election. The continent appears deeply divided – but not randomly. Nordic countries and Western Europe overwhelmingly favour Harris (90%+), while support for Trump grows stronger as you move east, peaking in Russia (78%). Ukraine was not included in the data. Here’s what’s…
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Watching the US Election from North of the Border
As close neighbours and friends, Canadians are deeply invested in today’s US election. Our recent national poll shows how much this matters to us: 70% of Canadians are closely following this historic election, and it’s easy to understand why. What happens in the US deeply affects our shared economy, environment, and security. The poll numbers…
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2024 BC Election: Every Voice Matters in British Columbia’s Democratic Process
The 2024 British Columbia provincial election has made history with a record 2,107,152 voters participating, achieving a 58.3% turnout – a significant increase from 53.9% in 2020 (Elections BC, 2024). This remarkable civic engagement demonstrates the strength of our democratic process and the importance of every voice in shaping our province’s future. We extend our…
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The Engaged Voters of Kamloops
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…