Okanagan Stops Highlight Key Platforms

With campaign momentum building ahead of the Oct. 24 provincial election, B.C. NDP Leader David Eby and B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson made separate campaign stops in Vernon over the weekend to connect with voters in a highly competitive riding.

Eby arrived on 30th Avenue on Saturday with a campaign bus to support local NDP candidate Harwinder Sandhu and several other area candidates, including Loyal Woolridge, Kory Clark, Gloria Morgan, and Binny Boparai. Speaking to roughly 80 attendees, Eby emphasized his party’s commitments to manage living costs, highlighting plans to temporarily suspend the 10-cent provincial motor fuel tax and place controls on gas prices. He also detailed a grocery proposal aimed at permitting new competing stores near established ones, which he stated can reduce annual household bills by an average of $700. In his remarks, Eby pointed to international factors as well, attributing current economic strains partly to impacts from U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies.

Conservatives Outline Policies and Address Election Timing

Doerkson hosted a meet-and-greet on Friday, Oct. 2, drawing over 100 people to Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery alongside local Conservative candidate Kevin Acton. Earlier that morning in Summerland, Doerkson announced a half-billion-dollar wildfire initiative that includes purchasing a fleet of water bombers. Discussing economic measures, Doerkson highlighted a proposal to eliminate the 10 per cent PST on Canadian alcohol and focus on reducing interprovincial trade barriers as strategies to counter U.S. tariffs. He noted that health care, employment, and the economy remain the primary concerns raised by residents. Expressing frustration over the timing of the election call, Doerkson affirmed that his party remains focused on the upcoming vote.

Focus on the Local Contest

Both leaders used their appearances to rally support for their local representatives in the Vernon-Lumby contest. Eby praised Sandhu’s record of community-focused advocacy, noting her past electoral success in the area. Meanwhile, Doerkson commended Acton—who is also seeking re-election as mayor of Lumby—for his ongoing local leadership. Acton has committed to vacating his municipal seat and funding a municipal by-election should he be elected to provincial office.

Free Microchip Events Address Summer Separation Risks

A total of 123 pets were implanted with identification devices during recent free BC SPCA clinics hosted in Kamloops, Kelowna, and Penticton. The society launched the initiative to help ensure families can be reunited with lost animals, following an overwhelming turnout from local residents.

Kahlee Demers, senior manager of animal triage and flow, noted that recent natural disasters highlighted the need for permanent identification. “We saw countless pets and families affected by wildfires this summer, and many of them were tragically separated from their pets,” Demers said. “It becomes challenging to identify and reunite pets if they don’t have ID, so our goal with these clinics was to help alleviate any future potential stress and offer free microchips for pet owners.”

Comparing Pet Identification Methods

The microchipping procedure involves injecting a tiny device between the animal’s shoulder blades at the small of the neck. According to the SPCA, most animals show no reaction to the quick injection, and the service was open to rabbits, kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs.

Demers explained that microchips provide a more dependable form of identification than traditional alternatives. “Tattoos can fade over time and tattoo registry records can be outdated or lost. ID tags or collars are great indicating that an animal has a home, but they can fall off or be removed,” Demers said. “With microchips, as long as the pet guardian’s contact information is up to date, any vet or animal shelter can scan for a chip and identify the pet’s family.”

Community Response Reflects Fire Concerns

The recent wildfire threat directly influenced attendees. One local pet parent who brought in her dog acknowledged that emergency risks were not initially on her mind. “We weren’t thinking about wildfires or floods or anything like that when we got her,” she said, “but with the Summerland fire last month, I’m really glad we’re getting it done now, because you just never know.”