Six candidates have been named in the Columbia–Kootenay–Southern Rockies federal riding for the April 28 federal election.
The riding, formerly known as Kootenay–Columbia, has been served by Conservative MP Rob Morrison since 2019.
It encompasses the Regional District of East Kootenay and parts of the Regional Districts of Central Kootenay and Kootenay Boundary, including:
- RDCK Areas A, B, C, D, E, F, and G
- The City of Nelson
- The Town of Creston
- Creston Indian Reserve No. 1
- The City of Trail
- RDKB Areas A
- A portion of RDKB Area B/ Lower Columbia–Old Glory lying east of the City of Trail and Goodeve Creek
Candidates
Conservative Party of Canada
Incumbent Rob Morrison, representing the Conservative Party of Canada, is seeking a second term as the riding’s MP.
Morrison has 35 years of experience serving his country as a public servant.
According to his website, Morrison has held many leadership roles throughout his career, forging strong collaborative relationships within government.
During his tenure as Director General with the Treasury Board Secretariat, he was responsible for an information-sharing environment with all law enforcement agencies and foreign governments.
New Democratic Party (NDP)
Kallee Lins, Executive Director of the West Kootenay Arts Council, will also be on the April 28 election ballot as the NDP candidate.
Lins was chosen as the NDP nominee in a nomination race held in February.
Kallee grew up in Castlegar and now lives in Nelson.
A statement on the federal NDP’s website describes Lins as a champion of community organizations and non-profits, as well as an advocate for progressive political change.
It notes that Lins has too often seen the consequences of government policies that put corporate profits ahead of workers and small businesses.
Green Party of Canada
For the Green Party, Steven Maffioli has entered the race.
Born and raised in Fernie, Maffioli spent his twenties living and working in downtown Calgary, where he began volunteering with both the Green Party of Canada and the Green Party of Alberta.
A statement from the party says Maffioli is deeply passionate about voter reform and has consistently championed the cause, keeping the conversation alive at the doors and on the campaign trail.
If elected, he pledges to work tirelessly to build cross-party support for replacing Canada’s flawed first-past-the-post system with a voting process that better represents the interests of Canadians.
Liberal Party of Canada
The Liberal Party acclaimed Reggie Goldsbury as its candidate for the Columbia–Kootenay–Southern Rockies riding on March 31.
The party describes Goldsbury as a devoted community leader with a deep passion for making life better for families in the riding.
Goldsbury has a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the region, and the Liberal Party believes in his ability to be the local champion the community needs to bring its priorities to Ottawa.
People’s Party of Canada (PPC)
Laurie Baird is the People’s Party of Canada (PPC) candidate for the riding.
The party states that Baird is deeply committed to the community and advocates for essential values such as freedom, personal responsibility, respect, and fairness.
Convinced that Canada can regain its prosperity and empower its people through strong convictions, the PPC adds that Baird is dedicated to making a real difference.
Independent Candidate
The final name voters will see on the ballot is independent candidate Jim Weidrick.
According to his website, Weidrick has spent two decades as an emergency doctor—ten of those years in Nelson—making life-or-death decisions and caring for his community in its most urgent moments.
Weidrick says he offers a vision of a transparent, accountable government that stays connected with the people using today’s technology and is not bound by a political party’s agenda.
Election Date
The 2025 Canada Federal Election is scheduled for April 28.
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