In 2009: Liberal Norm Letnick became the third Liberal to win this riding its three elections, defeating NDP candidate Matthew Reed by over 5000 votes, 52-26%.
History & Geography: One of three ridings centred in Kelowna, the Kelowna-Lake Country spans the northern half of Kelowna east of Glenmore Drive, and the entire area between Kelowna and Vernon. It has changed in size and name as the Okanagan has grown, but has solidly voted for the Social Credit and Liberal parties for decades, never once voting NDP. Inside Kelowna-Lake Country is the old Okanagan South riding, which former premiers W.A.C. and Bill Bennett held between them for 45 years.
Basic Stats:
Population: 58785 (15th)
Size: 1166 km (31st)
Density: 50.4 people/km (55th)
Candidates
Liberals-Norm Letnick: The Minister of Agriculture, Letnick was a councillor in Banff and Kelowna before running for the Liberals for the first time in 2009. Before entering politics he was a businessman, teacher, and housing expert.
NDP-Mike Nuyens: A longtime labour leader a gravel excavator, Nuyens is a member of the BCGEU’s provincial executive. He’s a machine operator, and started his own excavation business over 30 years ago. He’s a former hockey coach and volunteer firefighter.
Conservatives-Graeme James: Described on his website as “A businessperson, land use consultant, and farmer”, James was elected to Kelowna council in 2008, but was defeated in his reelection bid in 2011, finishing 10th, two short of election. He has gone against his party and criticized the Enbridge pipeline, saying there are “too many unanswered questions”.
Greens-Gary Adams: A retired teacher, Adams has never ran for public office before.
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