LOCAL

Darrell Jones: From Grocery Clerk to Leadership Contender in British Columbia

Published

7 months ago

March 8, 2026

Current News Room – Chad Dashly

British Columbia has long been shaped by leaders who built their careers outside of politics before stepping into public life. Few embody that tradition more clearly than Darrell Jones, a longtime business executive who rose from humble beginnings in a small B.C. town to become one of the province’s most recognizable corporate leaders.

Jones grew up in Cranbrook, British Columbia, a community in the East Kootenay region known for its strong work ethic and resource-driven economy. Like many young people in smaller B.C. communities, his first job came early. As a teenager, Jones began working as a grocery clerk at a local Overwaitea Foods store—bagging groceries, stocking shelves, and helping customers.

What started as a part-time job soon turned into a career.

Jones steadily worked his way through the ranks of the company, learning every aspect of the grocery business along the way. His ability to connect with employees and understand the needs of customers helped him rise quickly through management roles across British Columbia. Over time, he held leadership positions in multiple stores and regional operations, gaining experience in everything from logistics and supply chains to team leadership.

Eventually, Jones was appointed President of Save-On-Foods, one of Western Canada’s largest grocery chains. The company, part of the Jim Pattison Group, operates dozens of stores across the province and employs tens of thousands of workers. As president, Jones oversaw an organization with more than 30,000 team members and served millions of customers every year.

During his tenure, the company expanded its store network, strengthened its supply chain, and navigated major shifts in the grocery industry, including the rise of online ordering and home delivery. The experience gave Jones a reputation as a practical, operations-focused leader who values efficiency, customer service, and strong workplace culture.

Supporters often point to Jones’s background as a key strength. Unlike many politicians who spend their careers in government or party organizations, Jones built his reputation in the private sector. His supporters argue that this experience brings a results-oriented approach to leadership—one focused on solving problems, managing large organizations, and delivering measurable outcomes.

That perspective has become central to his public message. Jones frequently frames his leadership style around accountability and fiscal discipline, emphasizing the importance of making every dollar count and ensuring government programs deliver real value to taxpayers.

In recent years, Jones has stepped more directly into the political arena. His entry into provincial politics reflects a broader trend in British Columbia, where voters increasingly look for leaders with experience managing complex organizations and navigating economic challenges.

As a leadership contender within the Conservative Party of British Columbia, Jones has positioned himself as a candidate focused on economic growth, responsible government spending, and improving affordability for families across the province.

His message often resonates with voters concerned about rising living costs, housing affordability, and the long-term economic direction of the province.

Regardless of the outcome of the leadership race, Jones’s story—from grocery clerk to corporate executive to political contender—reflects a classic British Columbia narrative: a career built through hard work, steady advancement, and a deep connection to the communities that shaped him.

For many observers, that journey may prove to be his most compelling political credential.

LOCAL

Where Provincial Jobless Rates Stood in September

Canada’s national unemployment rate reached 6.5 per cent in September. Explore the full provincial breakdown and regional employment figures from Statistics Canada.

Published

2 days ago

October 9, 2026

Current Editor

National and Provincial Jobless Figures

Canada recorded a national unemployment rate of 6.5 per cent in September, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Oct. 9, 2026.

Across Western Canada, British Columbia’s jobless rate shifted to 6.4 per cent from 6.5 per cent in August. Alberta recorded a rate of 6.4 per cent, down from 6.8 per cent the previous month, while Saskatchewan dropped to 5.4 per cent from 6.0 per cent. Manitoba’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.0 per cent.

In Central Canada, Ontario’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 7.0 per cent from 6.9 per cent in August, while Quebec’s rate reached 6.0 per cent, up from 5.6 per cent.

Atlantic Canada and Regional City Data

In Atlantic Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador reported the highest provincial figure at 9.1 per cent, up from 8.6 per cent in August. New Brunswick saw a minor increase to 7.4 per cent from 7.3 per cent, and Nova Scotia rose to 6.3 per cent from 6.1 per cent. Prince Edward Island experienced a decline, moving to 7.3 per cent from 7.9 per cent.

Statistics Canada also tracked seasonally adjusted, three-month moving average rates for major urban areas. However, the agency cautioned that these municipal figures are subject to wide fluctuations due to smaller statistical sample sizes.

LOCAL

Who Is Running in Your Riding for the 2026 BC Election?

Check the full list of official candidates who have filed nomination papers for Kamloops, Fraser-Nicola, Cariboo-Chilcotin, and Salmon Arm-Shuswap ridings.

Published

2 days ago

October 9, 2026

Current Editor

Candidates Confirmed Across Five Regional Ridings

Nomination papers have been officially submitted by individuals seeking election as local Members of the Legislative Assembly in the upcoming 2026 BC election.

In Kamloops Centre, voters will see a five-candidate field consisting of incumbent Peter Milobar for the BC Conservatives, Annelise Beach representing the BC Greens, Rocky McAfee for OneBC, Thaelo Proctor running as an Independent, and Mike Wisla representing the BC NDP.

To the north, the Kamloops-North Thompson constituency features incumbent Ward Stamer of the BC Conservatives, alongside Kory Clark running for the BC NDP and Deborah Friesen for OneBC.

Contests Set for Fraser-Nicola, Cariboo-Chilcotin, and Salmon Arm-Shuswap

In the Fraser-Nicola riding, incumbent Conservative Tony Luck faces challenges from Jason Leboe of the BC NDP and Patrick Mitchell of the BC Greens.

The Cariboo-Chilcotin ballot includes incumbent Lorne Doerkson running for the BC Conservatives, Kathryn Askew representing the BC NDP, and Douglas Gook representing the BC Greens.

Meanwhile, five candidates are contesting the Salmon Arm-Shuswap riding. Incumbent David Williams represents the BC Conservatives, joined on the ballot by Gloria Morgan for the BC NDP, Barbara Presch for OneBC, Denise Reimer for CentreBC, and Jed Wiebe for the BC Greens.

COMMUNITY

How Central Okanagan Residents Can Avoid Costly Household Plumbing Damage This Thanksgiving

RDCO warns Central Okanagan residents to dispose of Thanksgiving cooking fats in the garbage to avoid costly sewer blockages and plumbing damage.

Published

2 days ago

October 9, 2026

Current Editor

Preventing Sewer Overflows During Holiday Gatherings

As Central Okanagan families come together for Thanksgiving between Oct. 10 and Oct. 12, regional officials are offering guidance to keep home plumbing systems safe. Disposing of fats, oils and cooking grease improperly remains the primary reason sewer lines block and overflow throughout the community.

Kit Caufield, Manager of Engineering Services for the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO), explained that grease accumulation inside pipe infrastructure restricts wastewater flow over time. Caufield noted that “Over time, grease builds up inside pipes, restricting wastewater flow and creating problems not only for homeowners, but across the entire sewer system. These blockages can damage household plumbing, result in costly repairs and interfere with critical wastewater infrastructure, including sewer lift stations,”

Proper Waste Disposal Guidelines

To prevent damage to both private plumbing and public infrastructure like sewer lift stations, the RDCO recommends catching leftover food particles using a drain basket or strainer. Residents should pour warm cooking fats into a covered tin container, which can be lined with a cooking bag if intended for reuse. After the grease cools and hardens, the container should be sealed and discarded in the trash.

Additionally, fatty foods such as salad dressings, mayonnaise, and other sauces must be thrown into the garbage rather than rinsed down sinks. For larger quantities of used cooking oil, individuals can take up to two 20-litre pails to the Glenmore Landfill for recycling, though commercial amounts are prohibited. Further details can be found on the RDCO website.