The 2025 Canadian federal election is scheduled for April 28, 2025, and residents of the newly established Vernon–Lake Country–Monashee riding will be able to elect their Member of Parliament. This riding was created during the 2022 federal electoral redistribution to better represent the region's growing population.
As of March 27, 2025, five candidates have declared their intention to run in the Vernon–Lake Country–Monashee riding:
Anna Warwick Sears – Liberal Party of Canada
Anna Warwick Sears is the longtime executive director of the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB). Raised in British Columbia, Warwick Sears earned a PhD in population biology from the University of California, Davis. Before returning to Canada in 2006 to lead the OBWB, she was the research director of a watershed NGO in California. Her work includes government relations, leading water science and planning partnerships, attracting funding for climate adaptation, and acting as a spokesperson for public communications. Warwick Sears also serves on the International Osoyoos Lake Board of Control and the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission.
Note: I am endorsing Anna as MP for this year's election.
Scott Anderson – Conservative Party of Canada
Scott Anderson is a businessman and former Vernon city councillor. He served two terms on the Vernon City Council before running for mayor in 2022, where he was defeated by Victor Cumming. Anderson has also been a military officer and leader of the BC Conservatives.
Leah Main – New Democratic Party (NDP)
Leah Main has been a dedicated public servant with over 15 years in local government. According to the Vernon Morning Star, she was "most recently as a director on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (2015–2024), where she worked directly with Ottawa to fight for infrastructure funding, rural healthcare access, and sustainable local economies."
Blair Visscher – Green Party of Canada
Blair Visscher is a master's student in sustainability at the University of British Columbia Okanagan and works with the Living with Wildfires in the Okanagan research group.
Arsh Dhillon – People's Party of Canada (PPC)
Arsh Dhillon is currently the owner of GroundCrafters, which provides landscaping services in Kelowna.
All candidates debate
To provide voters with an opportunity to learn more about these candidates and their platforms, the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is hosting an all-candidates forum on April 17, 2025, at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a meet and greet session. Admission is free, and a live stream will be available for those who wish to attend virtually.
This forum will include opening remarks from each candidate, moderated questions, and, if time permits, a Q&A portion with submissions from the audience. It's an excellent opportunity for residents to engage with the candidates and make informed decisions ahead of the federal election on April 28.
As the election approaches, it's crucial for voters in Vernon–Lake Country–Monashee to stay informed about the candidates and their positions on key issues affecting the community. Participating in events like the all-candidates forum and reviewing party platforms can help ensure that your vote reflects your values and priorities.
Voting in the 2025 Canadian federal election in Vernon, BC
Advanced polls will be open from April 18 to 21, providing additional opportunities for residents to cast their votes.
Election day is April 28.
