Decision BC: Kamloops-South Thompson

In 2009: Longtime Liberal Kevin Krueger hopped over from Kamloops-North Thompson to run in South Thompson, and defeated NDP candidate Tom Friedman by over 4000 votes, 54-35%.

History & Geography: The ultimate swing riding, Kamloops-South Thompson and its descendent, the old Kamloops riding, have voted for the winning party in every election since its inception in 1903. It’s been home to a number of famous Social Credit and Liberal politicians, including Kevin Krueger to Phil Gaglardi. The riding has comprised the southern half of Kamloops, and spans from Savona in the west to Chase and Shuswap Lake in the east.

Basic Stats:

• Population: 54355 (42nd)

• Size: 2384 km (27th)

• Density: 22.8 people/km (59th)

Candidates

Liberals-Todd Stone: A businessman, Stone founded iCompass Technologies, which employs over 30 people and works with businesses across Canada. Stone was vice-chair of the Thompson Rivers University board for six years, and has also served as vice-chair of the Kamloops Ventures Fund Inc. and an ICBC director. He was Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year in 2012.

NDP-Tom Friedman: A teacher at Thompson Rivers University, Friedman has been a faculty member in English and Modern Languages for 18 years. He was head of the Faculty Association from 2000 to 2007, and was also head of its bargaining unit. He is chair of the Kamloops Film Society’s board, and President of the Kamloops Jewish community group.  

Conservatives-Peter Sharp: An RCMP officer for 30 years, Sharp was a detachment commander before retiring. He was a city councillor in Kamloops from 1999 to 2005, but lost election bids in 2008 and 2011.

Independent-Brian Alexander: A self-described freeman, Alexander has ran to be Mayor of Kamloops in 2011 and 2008, losing both times. He owns a chimney sweep company, and has been arrested on multiple occasions for obstruction of police officers.