As the April 28 federal election draws closer, Fernie and the surrounding region remain without a Liberal Party candidate — at least for now. The deadline for parties to nominate candidates or for Independent candidates to put their names forward is April 7 at 2 p.m. Voters will be able to look up the complete list of candidates in their riding by Wednesday, April 9 at the latest.
Conservative MP Rob Morrison is seeking re-election in the newly renamed Columbia–Kootenay–Southern Rockies riding, facing off against a mix of fresh contenders representing a range of political perspectives. As of now, Morrison is set to appear on the ballot alongside:
Kallee Lins – New Democratic Party (NDP)
Steven Maffioli – Green Party
Jim Wiedrick – Independent
Andrew Skinner – People’s Party of Canada (PPC)
A Liberal Party riding spokesperson confirmed that an announcement is expected soon, but no official candidate has been named to date.
Formerly known as Kootenay–Columbia, the riding has long been considered a Conservative stronghold, with a brief exception from 2015 to 2019, when the NDP held the seat. Morrison was first elected in 2019 and won re-election in 2021, securing 43.62% of the vote.
With the race now underway and campaigning expected to ramp up across the region, the Liberal Party’s absence from the ballot — at least for now — is being closely watched by voters, political observers, and local media.
Stay tuned for updates on candidate announcements and election coverage leading up to April 28.
When does voter registration close?
You can register in advance online until April 22 at 6 p.m. After that, you’ll have to register on arrival when you go to vote or in person at an Elections Canada office. Registering in advance will streamline the process when you visit a voting station.
You can find out more about how to register as a voter or to check your voter registration online here. If you need assistance registering, you can also call 1-800-463-6868.
When does advance voting start?
Advance voting will take place from April 18 to 21, during a Friday-to-Monday period. Advance voting stations will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fernie’s voting venue will be announced shortly.
