As voters in the Elk Valley and the greater Columbia–Kootenay–Southern Rockies riding prepare for the upcoming federal election on April 28, a familiar question emerges: will progressive voters unite or split their support, potentially ensuring another victory for incumbent Conservative MP Rob Morrison?
Morrison, who has represented the riding since 2019, is seeking another term. Historically a Conservative stronghold—aside from a brief NDP term from 2015 to 2019—the region has consistently elected Conservative representatives, most recently with Morrison securing 43.62% of the vote in 2021.
With a complete slate of candidates now running, including the entry of Liberal candidate Reggie Goldsbury, voters have clear choices. Joining Morrison and Goldsbury in the race are Kallee Lins (NDP), Steven Maffioli (Green Party), Jim Weidrick (Independent), and Laurie Baird (People’s Party).
These candidates gathered last night at the Park Place Lodge for the Fernie All-Candidates Forum, offering voters a valuable opportunity to hear directly from those seeking their support. Candidates attending the forum included:
– Rob Morrison: Conservative Candidate & Incumbent MP – Jim Weidrick: Independent Candidate – Kallee Lins: NDP Candidate– Reggie Goldsbury: Liberal Candidate – Steven Maffioli: Green Party Candidate
This election cycle presents voters with distinct paths: continuity with Morrison representing stability within the Conservative opposition, or potentially stronger direct representation in Ottawa with Goldsbury aligned with the poll leading ruling Liberal party. NDP and Green candidates offer alternative progressive perspectives, appealing to voters prioritizing specific values and policies.
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair recently highlighted the importance of strategic voting nationally, acknowledging the pragmatic necessity for progressives to evaluate local dynamics and priorities carefully. “If you can’t seriously say you’re going to form a government that can take on Trump, then get out of the way,” Mulcair former NDP leader wrote for Bloomberg. Mulcair continues: “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not taking anything away from the NDP, the Green Party, the Bloc, or their supporters. They work hard, have their own base and promote their vision and ideals. But in a time of existential crisis for Canada as a whole, they’re an afterthought.
For Fernie and the wider region, issues such as infrastructure investment, climate policy, housing affordability, and economic stability are central. The choice before voters extends beyond party lines—it’s about selecting the candidate best positioned to represent the riding’s interests and effectively secure federal support.
Ultimately, voters must assess their own values and objectives. Strategic considerations should inform individual choices rather than override them. Fernie’s electorate now faces the critical decision of determining whether continuity or change best serves the community’s long-term interests.
Important Voting Information:
Advance Voting: April 18–21, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Fernie Senior Citizens Drop-In Centre, 562 3rd Avenue.
Election Day: Monday, April 28, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the same location.
Register or verify voter registration at elections.ca by April 22 at 6 p.m.
Source: March 24 op-ed for Bloomberg News, by Tom Mulcair
