By Tom Shypitka

Op-Ed Commentary

On January 8, I had the pleasure of showing Yuri Fulmer, one of the first declared candidates for the leadership of the Conservative Party of BC, around our incredible community.

He grabbed coffees at Hot Shots Café, had lunch with the Rotary Club at the Heritage Inn Hotel, and he held a campaign event at the Fire Hall Kitchen and Tap.

It wasn’t Fulmer’s first time in our region, he owns A&W franchises throughout the Interior, but it was his first visit as a candidate, and the very first stop in his province-wide tour for the leadership campaign.

It’s no coincidence that Fulmer (pictured above) decided to kick-off his campaign here in the sunniest city in British Columbia, because his message was focused on brighter days ahead for our province. One could seriously question the state of our province, with a record deficit that has no sign of ever shrinking, unprecedented crime, homelessness, and addiction in our towns, and a crumbling healthcare system. Many folks I talk to are looking for change, and any sign of hope on the horizon.

As the former MLA for Kootenay East, I was pleased to see Mr. Fulmer talking about important issues like the emergencies facing our province in public safety, affordability, healthcare, and property rights.

He spoke about the need to crack down on prolific offenders and put the rights of British Columbians to safe streets above the rights of criminals to re-offend. He spoke on the need for tax reform to decrease the financial burden on our families, and a focus on growing the economy through the type of natural resource development that I had supported during my time as the Energy and Mines Shadow Minister.

He also directly addressed the need to repeal DRIPA and enshrine property rights here in British Columbia. Tough messages to deliver but I was impressed with his refreshing candour.

The following day, he was off to campaign stops on Vancouver Island, followed by Fort St. John and the North Peace region.

With a list of other candidates now announcing that they’ll be running for the Conservative Leadership I hope they follow Mr. Fulmer’s example, visit the Kootenays and don’t simply spend their time with big business donors in and around Metro Vancouver.

Mr. Fulmer has sent a powerful message to the rest of the field that British Columbians outside of the Lower Mainland can, and will, have a strong influence on this race and future direction of the Conservative Party of B.C.

For showing up, talking sense, and giving folks some healthy hope and optimism, I know the people of Cranbrook thank you, Mr. Fulmer.

The BC Conservatives have some serious work to do to become a seriously credible party to the majority of B.C. voters, after a rather shaky first year. Mr. Fulmer offers that necessary clean slate.

Although I may not necessarily agree with everything brought forward during the entirety of this 2026 Leadership campaign, I will continue to host, assess and report back objectively on the numerous candidates who come to the greatest riding in B.C. – Kootenay Rockies.

– Tom Shypitka was Kootenay Rockies (Kootenay East) MLA from 2017 to 2024