Kelowna

Liberals taking pulse of Kelowna riding

With talk swirling of a federal election this spring, Kelowna-Lake Country Liberals are wasting no time looking for a candidate.



Liberal party members will select a new federal candidate at a selection meeting next month.



The Kelowna-Lake Country riding is currently held by Conservative MP, Ron Cannan.



Shan Lavell and Kris Stewart, both registered nurses, are contesting the nomination.



"I really love this community and I want to serve this community. I've served it in the past and I want to continue to serve it," says Stewart of her decision to seek the federal nomination.



"I've lived here for about a dozen years and I've grown quite a strong attachment to it."



Stewart is a Clinical Manager with an ISO-Certified home health company in Kelowna and also owns and operates a bed and breakfast.



She says she chose the Liberal Party because it's the party which best represents her core values.



"I think it's time for a change. This Conservative government has the largest deficit we've ever had. Ten out of the last 14 budget deficits in history were under conservative governments," says Stewart.



"I'd like to be part of a government that is fiscally responsible and I want to be part of the plan that shows support to struggling families, shows support for the elderly and access to post secondary education."



Lavell, a former manager with Interior Health, says she is seeking the nomination because she is a fierce advocate for Canadian families.



She says families need ground under their feet for a number of issues.



"Early childhood learning and childcare, post secondary education, job security now and in the future, for pensions and support for families in times of illness and crisis," says Lavell.



"The biggest personal piece for me is understanding and investing in the early years. There is a business case for investing in the social sector. If the business leaders actually listened to the social sector and some economists, there is a big return on investing strategically in programs that support families."



Kelowna-Lake Country has traditionally been a Conservative/Reform riding.



If she receives the nomination, Lavell says she is optimistic she can get people engaged in the democratic process.



Only members of the Kelowna-Lake Country Federal Riding Association as of January 31, 2011 will be allowed to vote.



The Candidate Selection Meeting will be held Tuesday, February 15 at Raymer Elementary School.