Meet the Federal Election Candidates
Mel Arnold, Conservative Party
John Michael Henry, People’s Party
Phaedra Idzan, New Democratic Party
Owen Madden, Green Party
Kennith Robertson, Liberal Party
By Jo Boxwell
April’s federal election will see Shuswap residents vote for a representative for the new riding of Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies. Five candidates have been confirmed. All candidates responded to questions from the Scoop, and you can read their responses in full below.
The Candidates (alphabetical order)
Mel Arnold, Conservative Party: MP Mel Arnold has been representing Shuswap residents under the former riding of North Okanagan-Shuswap since 2015. Mel grew up in Notch Hill and was a business owner in Salmon Arm. melarnoldmp.ca.
John Michael Henry, People’s Party: Michael describes himself as a “fourth-generation Revelstokian” who moved to the Lower Mainland in the 1980s to develop his career in industrial trades. He lives in Langley but stated in an email that he is running his campaign from Salmon Arm and plans to relocate to the riding if successful. onejohnhenry.com.
Phaedra Idzan, New Democratic Party: Phaedra was born and raised in the Shuswap, and her leadership experience includes work with the BC Ministry of Justice, the Yukon Ministry of Justice and a non-profit housing society. phaedraidzan.ndp.ca.
Owen Madden, Green Party: Owen runs a farming and food supply business in Grindrod called Nature Delivered that he owns with his wife, Emily. voteowenmadden.ca.
Kennith Robertson, Liberal Party: Ken has deep roots in the region as a member of the Neskonlith Indian Band. He is a small business owner and an advocate for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. kenrobertson.liberal.ca.
Candidate Responses to Scoop Questions
What do you think is the most important federal issue for Shuswap voters?
Michael Henry: Shared a copy of PPC’s priorities, which can be found on the PPC website: peoplespartyofcanada.ca.
Phaedra Idzan: “The rising cost of living is making it harder for everyone to get by. As someone who has worked in various jobs just to make ends meet, I understand the daily struggles that so many of us face. Housing prices are through the roof, and groceries have never been more expensive. If you vote for me and the NDP, we will make it easier to find an affordable place to call home. We’ll build more homes that people can actually afford—and we’ll do it faster. The NDP will end renovictions and fight to lower your rent. We’ll create a housing market for working people, not for corporate landlords looking to profit off our communities. We’ll ban corporations from buying up homes that should remain affordable and put a stop to renovictions and fixed-term leases. The NDP will also scrap the GST on essentials like groceries, restaurant meals, diapers, kids' clothing, phone and internet bills, and home heating. It’s time to put people first and take action on the issues that matter most.”
Owen Madden: “The climate crisis is the biggest issue affecting our communities. Wildfires, droughts, and extreme weather are already hitting us hard, threatening our homes, farms, and economy. We need real investment in climate resilience, support for farmers, and a transition to sustainable industries that create good local jobs. At the same time, affordability is a major concern—housing, groceries, and basic necessities are out of reach for too many. The government must take action to protect both our environment and our quality of life.”
Ken Robertson: “The top federal issue facing all voters is President Trump’s unjust tariffs and his 51st state talk. I hear it in every conversation with voters. A close second issue is affordability. I’m excited about the Liberal plan to make life more affordable and save Canadians thousands of dollars every year. A Mark Carney led government will cut our taxes and help people in the Shuswap afford a home, access dental care, and secure reliable child care.
“I’m Neskonlith with deep roots in this area. I’m ready to take Shuswap concerns to Ottawa and work with Mark Carney to fight for and protect Canada’s sovereignty. We will invest in our middle class, build the strongest economy in the G7, and keep Canada strong.”
Mel Arnold: “As I have spoken with residents at their doorsteps, affordability and the cost of housing have consistently been raised as major concerns. High inflation over the past four years has put even living essentials out of reach for many resulting in exponential increases in food bank usage and young families not being able to afford a home.
“A Conservative government will reduce taxes, inflation and wasteful government spending to restore affordability of living in Canada.”
Why should voters elect you as their MP for Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies?
Phaedra Idzan: “I was born and raised in this beautiful area, and then, like so many, left to pursue work and education in Vancouver. But I returned home to raise my family and be closer to loved ones. Over the years, I’ve been deeply involved in my community through various volunteer roles. I served as the President of Shuswap Youth Soccer, was a founding member of Shuswap Women’s Recreation Soccer, and contributed to organizations like the Salmon Arm Legion, Shuswap Paws Rescue Society, Celebrate Shuswap, and Emergency Support Services. I’ve always tried to give back to my community. If I become your MP, I would continue to work for my community as hard as I always have, staying accessible and engaged with others. You can count on me to be approachable and present—not someone who hides away from the people I serve. My experience spans several areas, including senior’s healthcare, justice, and housing, all of which have shaped my commitment to serving others. The time for change in our riding is now. It's time for progressive ideas and real solutions to the challenges we face. It's time for me and the NDP to stand up and represent you.”
Owen Madden: “I understand the challenges our rural communities face because I live them every day. As a small business and farm owner, I know the struggles of rising costs, unpredictable weather, and limited access to essential services. I will push for real solutions—affordable housing, better rural infrastructure, and economic policies that benefit local people, not just big corporations. I’m committed to building long-term Green support in this riding, ensuring that our voices are heard in Ottawa.”
Ken Robertson: “As a small business owner, I am deeply committed to creating good-paying jobs and investing in the middle class. My leadership is focused on ensuring that no one is left behind and that families in Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies have the tools they need to thrive. A Mark Carney-led government will cut our taxes and help Canadians afford a home, access dental care, and secure reliable child care.”
Mel Arnold: “As a lifelong resident of the Kamloops- Shuswap- Central Rockies riding, I understand both the challenges of representing such a vast area and the great opportunities that are here to be developed. The natural resources and incredible human resources of our region hold great potential for creating jobs and opportunities across many sectors of our economy.
“I will build on my years of experience advocating in Ottawa for the needs and priorities of our region and fight for laws and policies that will secure opportunities and a brighter future for constituents.”
Michael Henry: “My work in energy efficiency and project management took me across Canada and the U.S. overseeing major energy savings performance contracts, including one at the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops. In 2007, my team was honored with the Presidential Award for Leadership in Federal Energy Management at the White House.
“I’ve spent my career solving problems, leading projects, and managing contracts & budgets—always with a focus on efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. I have held senior roles such as Program & Project Manager, Program Operations Manager, and Project Management Office - Department Manager.
“When elected, I am ready to fight for the freedom, prosperity, and accountability that Canadians deserve. I refuse to stand by as career politicians erode our freedoms, economic stability, and national sovereignty. Two consecutive minority governments have pushed reckless policies that hurt Canadians, and it’s time to put principles over politics. There is an old saying that goes, ‘We are not from the left and we are not from the right. We are from the bottom, and we are intent on fixing things at the top!’”
Is there anything else that voters should know about your campaign?
Owen Madden: “This election is about more than just one moment—it’s about the future we want to build together. Whether you vote Green now or in the future, I want to be part of a movement that brings real representation to this riding. I’m here for the long haul, and I hope you’ll join me.”
Ken Robertson: “I’m Neskonlith with deep roots in this area. I’m ready to take Shuswap concerns to Ottawa and work with Mark Carney to fight for and protect Canada’s sovereignty. A Mark Carney-led government will fight, protect, and build. We will fight for the economic security of Canadians, protect their incomes and savings, and build the economic conditions for resiliency and recovery.”
Mel Arnold: “Another term for the Liberal government will only bring more of the same out-of-control deficit spending and increasing inflation. It is time to put Canada first and Canadians first for a change.
“My campaign offices are open in Salmon Arm and Kamloops, and I am traveling the highways and backroads, community to community, knocking on doors to hear concerns from citizens and I will continue to listen to citizens and work for them if I am re-elected.”
Michael Henry: “The Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies electoral area stretches from Kamloops to the Alberta border, from Armstrong and Trout Lake in the south to the North Shuswap and beyond Mica Creek in the North. The riding has 2 time zones, 3 National Parks and is a transportation corridor with rail and inter provincial highway infrastructures. The riding is home to approximately 109,000 people and a year-round recreational hub.
“While vast in size, since the writ dropped on March 23, I have managed to get around to approximately 80% of the area speaking with constituents. Challenges the riding faces coincide with our natural and man-made assets. The challenges include maintaining transportation infrastructure, minimizing pollution and environmental impacts, addressing forest fire response and building on park management systems. These challenges require the Federal Government working with our Provincial partners to find cost effective ways to protect and continuously improve these natural and man-made assets.”
“Check out our party at peoplespartyofcanada.ca and onejohnhenry.com. Consider becoming a member. We bring together the best of populism, classical conservatism, and libertarianism to face the unique challenges of the 21st century with bold, practical solutions rooted in principle. Our foundation is built on four timeless values: Freedom, Responsibility, Fairness, and Respect.”
Phaedra Idzan: “I am your LOCAL candidate. I’ve lived here for most of my life and am proud to call this area home. I’ve raised my family here and worked in various roles, both in the private and public sectors. My experience spans justice, healthcare, and senior care, and I’ve dealt with a range of government organizations throughout my career. I’m honest, approachable, empathetic, and kind—and I’m ready to work hard for the residents of our riding. I belong to a party that stands for working people, not billionaires, bankers, or big corporations. I want to be the voice for rural communities, and I understand the issues we face. With me and the NDP, you can trust that we will be working tirelessly on your behalf!”
All-Candidates Forum
Salmon Arm - April 15 at Song Sparrow Hall. Doors open at 6pm; starts at 6:30pm. Hosted by Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce. Space limited to the first 180 attendees. Radio station Voice of the Shuswap CKVS-FM 93.7 will stream the event live and make a recording available.
Voting
The federal election will be held on April 28, 2025, with advance voting available April 18 - 21. At the time of writing, polling locations are still being confirmed, but more information can be found as it becomes available on the Elections Canada website (https://www.elections.ca).
