Liberals looking to pressure Tories in historically blue-orange Kamloops ridings

KAMLOOPS — Federal polling still has the Mark Carney-led Liberals forming the next government after the April 28 election. While the Grits may find themselves back in government for a fourth consecutive term, they still trail in both of the Kamloops ridings to incumbent Conservatives.

Six of the last eight federal elections in Kamloops have been blue-orange, with the Tories battling the NDP for the seat. That may be set to change in 2025, with the Liberals surging and New Democrats struggling in the polls.

“Across the country, the polls are indicating that the voters see this as a race between Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre, and recognizing that we need a leader with a mandate to deal with Donald Trump,” said Iain Currie, Liberal candidate for Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola.

Currie, along with Ken Robertson, are representing the Grits in Kamloops, with similar priorities being relayed to them by constituents.

“Generally, people are also talking about the leadership of the country, so I’m hearing a lot of people who are jumping to the Liberal Party because they see, in Mark Carney, a perfect resume for the situation we are in,” said Currie.

“Affordability has come up. Housing, of course, has come up. But definitely, the threat of tariffs has come up because it also at stake our livelihoods, jobs, careers — especially our forestry sector. But more importantly, health care,” added Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies candidate Robertson.

Robertson is new to the political game, running his first campaign

“We are here with Mark Carney’s vision but also I share those values and vision when it comes to standing up for Canadians… but we need to step up as well, and I will,” Robertson told CFJC News.

Meanwhile, Currie has stepped up before, granted under the Green banner. Now with the Liberal flag in his corner, it represents his best opportunity to reach Ottawa.

“We have talked to hundreds of voters who have indicated that they would, in other elections, vote for the NDP or consider the NDP but they are voting Liberal this time. And so in this riding, really it comes down to a two-way race,” said Currie.

Election day is Monday, April 28.