LOCAL

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

Published

5 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.

BC STORIES

New Seahorse Species Named After UBC Conservationist Amanda Vincent

A new seahorse species, Hippocampus amandavincentae, has been named after UBC professor and Project Seahorse co-founder Amanda Vincent.

Published

11 hours ago

August 8, 2026

Current News Room

Recognition for Decades of Marine Conservation

A newly identified seahorse species from the Indian Ocean has been named in honour of a University of British Columbia professor. Amanda Vincent, co-founder of UBC’s Project Seahorse, was recognized after scientists analyzed specimens gathered from the region. The newly designated species has been named Hippocampus amandavincentae.

Vincent expressed her excitement upon learning about the discovery via email. “I’m thrilled. It’s pretty wonderful to wake up and open your email and discover just two days ago that there’s a creature on the side of the world that is beautiful and wonderful and special and has your name on it,” Vincent said.

Physical Traits and Future Research

Measuring roughly 16 centimetres in length, the marine creature features a short snout, spines along its torso, and a small crown atop its head. Beyond its primary geographical location, little is currently known about the creature because researchers have not yet studied it in its natural habitat.

Vincent hopes to conduct field research to study the creature directly. “Which is to get in the field, with my glorious seahorse and actually learn about its ecology and its vulnerabilities, and its conservation possibilities and try to make sure that all is well,” Vincent said.

Global Efforts to Protect Seahorse Populations

For decades, Vincent has led research, policy, and conservation efforts aimed at preventing the overharvesting of seahorses for traditional medicine, the souvenir market, and aquarium displays. Her work spans multiple political levels, extending from local communities to United Nations Conventions. “Fishing is necessary, fishing is vital, but it has got to be done in sustainable and sensible ways,” Vincent said.

Although approximately one-third of known seahorse species are currently threatened, ongoing research continues to expand scientific understanding. “We’ve got new approaches, new tools, new colleagues involved,” Vincent said. “So, it’s very exciting to see that we are changing the trajectory by the passion and hard work of a lot of people.”

BC STORIES

Evacuation Orders Issued for Over 20,000 Okanagan Residents as Wildfire Surges

Over 20,000 Okanagan residents evacuated as the 9,500-hectare Bald Range wildfire forces closures of Highway 97 and Summerland community operations.

Published

20 hours ago

August 8, 2026

Current News Room

Emergency Evacuations Ordered Across Central Okanagan

More than 20,000 residents have been directed to leave their homes as the out-of-control Bald Range wildfire ballooned to 9,500 hectares Saturday morning. Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) joined forces with the RCMP early Saturday to assist in evacuating the entire community of Summerland, successfully clearing several hundred homes during the overnight hours. Thousands of residents in nearby Peachland are also under evacuation orders or alerts.

Evacuee Support and Travel Warnings

Reception facilities have been set up to assist fleeing residents at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre (273 Power Street), 550 Eckhardt Avenue W in Penticton, and the Westbank Lions Community Hall (2466 Main Street) in West Kelowna. Emergency crews faced additional hazards when navigation software attempted to route drivers around the Highway 97 closure. “A significant concern arose when a COSAR member stopped several people from driving into the fire. With Highway 97 closed, Google Maps was routing drivers onto the Summerland/Peachland Forest Service Road — directly into the fire area — in an attempt to reach Penticton,” COSAR stated, urging travelers to rely strictly on DriveBC for official road updates.

Highway Closures and Community Disruptions

The wildfire, which originated roughly 15 kilometres west of Summerland late in the afternoon of August 7, has severed key transportation corridors. Highway 97 is shut down in both directions from Peachland to Kickininee Provincial Park, though Highway 97C remains open. The emergency response has disrupted local events, forcing the cancellation of Penticton’s downtown Saturday markets and the Peachfest Parade.

Extreme Fire Behaviour and Firefighting Response

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) crews, structural protection personnel, and a night vision helicopter continue to battle the blaze, which displayed Rank 5 aggressive behavior overnight as southwest winds pushed flames northeast. “Airtankers worked to drop retardant along the fire’s east flank in effort to protect structures and slow the fire’s spread to the east. Winds accelerated and fire behaviour became volatile and eventually compromised the safety and efficiency of airtanker objectives,” reported BCWS. The blaze is one of five official wildfires of note across British Columbia, and its cause remains under investigation. Official evacuation notices and updates can be reviewed at Summerland Public Notices.

COMMUNITY

BC Residents Urged to Check Surveillance Footage as Police Probe Suspicious Park and Roadside Fires

B.C. RCMP launch arson investigations into suspicious fires in Kelowna, the Shuswap region, and near Coquitlam. Police request dashcam and security video.

Published

2 days ago

August 7, 2026

Current News Room

Multiple Fire Investigations Underway Across B.C.

Police departments in British Columbia have opened arson inquiries after several suspicious blazes were reported in various parts of the province.

In the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, Mounties are looking into three roadside ditch fires along Squilax Anglemont Road. The blazes, reported around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, were spaced approximately 100 metres apart. Emergency crews responding to the scene faced additional calls as two more fires emerged in the Anglemont Estates area. While firefighters brought the flames under control with no damage reported, the incident led to two homes being placed under an evacuation order and another 35 under an evacuation alert.

Police Request Video Footage in Anmore and Belcarra Areas

Coquitlam RCMP are searching for video evidence to assist an ongoing investigation into a fire cause. Investigators are focusing on footage gathered between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Aug. 5, asking anyone with dashcam, mobile phone, or residential security video from areas in and around Anmore and Belcarra to step forward.

“Anmore and Belcarra are strong beautiful communities that take a great pride in maintaining their regional park,” said Const. Ashleigh Daniels, media relations officer for the Coquitlam RCMP, in a release. “We are asking anyone who was in the area, witnessed anything suspicious, or may have video footage or information related to this investigation to contact police.” Members of the public can reach Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 using file number 2026-20259.

Kelowna Park Fires Extinguished by Alert Locals

In Kelowna, Mounties are probing a series of fires at Gopher Creek Linear Park that appear to have been intentionally started around 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 5. Quick action by nearby residents and park visitors helped extinguish the small fires before the local fire department was contacted, according to police.

Kelowna RCMP are asking anyone who noticed unusual activity near the park, Gallagher Road, or Lynrick Road on the afternoon of Aug. 5 to come forward. Drivers in those areas between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. who may have dashcam footage are requested to call Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and reference file number 2026-50091.