Unsure who to vote for? Want to know more about your local candidates? Black Press Media has asked candidates to provide a short biography as well as answer key questions to help readers understand more about who is running in their ridings in the upcoming federal election. Be sure to check back for updates and videos.

Trevor McAleese - New Democratic Party - Kelowna

Bio

Trevor McAleese is a lifelong resident of the Okanagan who has built a career as a video game developer. While his academic background is in business, Trevor has worked in restaurant kitchens, in packing houses, and as an educator at his alma mater Okanagan College.
 
With direct experience in many of Kelowna's key industries, Trevor has firsthand insight into this community's unique challenges and opportunities. As owner and operator of his own studio, Trevor recognizes the importance of technological innovation and sees enormous potential in Kelowna as a hub for entertainment media production.

Trevor's vision for Kelowna is one of homegrown, innovative, and sustainable industries fuelled by the world-class talent and spirit of the Okanagan's people. As your MP, Trevor will work for lasting economic prosperity in Kelowna, and for this city香蕉视频直播檚 young professionals to have local careers in the world's most exciting industries and a livable world.

Questions

Crime: According to Statistics Canada, Kelowna's property crime rate decreased by 2 per cent in 2024, and the crime severity index dropped by 7 per cent. Despite these declines, a recent city survey found residents are still feeling 香蕉视频直播渓ess safe.香蕉视频直播� Over the past several months, media stories also report that Kelowna business owners are fed up with repeated break-ins and vandalism. What specific measures need to be taken to address residents and business owners香蕉视频直播� concerns.

Being a victim of crime is distressing, and no one in Kelowna should live in fear of what they might come home to or find at their business. While property crime rates have declined, the feeling of insecurity remains real. Tough-on-crime policies focus on harsher penalties but ignore the root causes香蕉视频直播攑overty, addiction, and mental health struggles. Many offenders are not hardened criminals but people in crisis, often victims of crime themselves. If we truly want safer streets, we must invest in solutions that prevent crime before it happens.

Decades of underfunding have fuelled today香蕉视频直播檚 homelessness, addiction, and mental health crises. Expanding the housing-first model at McCurdy Place is a proven way to restore dignity and stability. By addressing the conditions that drive crime, we can build a safer, more compassionate Kelowna.

Agriculture: If elected, how would you advocate for Okanagan farmers who are being impacted by both sides of the trade war? Famers are having difficulty accessing affordable inputs that are largely produced in the USA, like fertilizer, and are fearful that they will be unable to sell products south of the border at a profitable price.

Okanagan farmers are caught in the middle of a trade war, facing rising costs for essential imports like fertilizer while struggling to sell their products profitably across the border. We must prioritize Canadian agriculture by ensuring potash producers meet domestic demand before exporting abroad. Limiting potash sales to the U.S. could also be Canada香蕉视频直播檚 strongest bargaining chip in trade negotiations.

There is huge potential for expanding interprovincial trade to create new markets for Okanagan fruit producers. I have personally discussed these challenges with BC Jobs Minister Diana Gibson, who is working to remove barriers like trucking regulations.

Additionally, increasing our local capacity for value-added processing would allow us to better utilize what we grow. As MP, I would push for federal support to strengthen Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 agricultural sector and ensure our farmers can thrive.

Health: Kelowna has a significant senior population at 144,575, with 31,000 people over 65. Health Canada's "What We Heard Report from Engagement on the Safe Long-Term Care Act香蕉视频直播� found that most people would prefer to age at home with necessary supports. The Canadian Federation of Nurses, and several national labour groups, say that the Act must be mandatory and enforceable. What are your thoughts on this stance? 

Making the Safe Long-Term Care Act mandatory and enforceable is crucial to ensuring seniors receive quality care. Most people want to age at home, and we must provide the necessary supports to make that possible.

People spend their lives turning their homes into places of comfort and pride. We should help seniors stay in them by making renovations for medical accessibility more affordable. At the same time, we must ensure healthcare workers have safe working conditions, especially for in-home care.

Public healthcare is underfunded and understaffed, and investing in the people who deliver life-changing care is essential. Many seniors on fixed incomes struggle to afford modifications like stair lifts and accessible tubs. Expanding existing BC funding with federal support would make aging in place a viable option for more people.

Combatting Hate & Discrimination: In light of rising levels of hate comments and actions targeting marginalized people 香蕉视频直播� as reported by members of Kelowna's 2SLGBTQIA+ community 香蕉视频直播� how would you ensure all Kelowna residents are safe from hate speech, bullying and harassment both physically and online?

 I am a fierce advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and will always stand with marginalized communities. The Kelowna NDP are a mainstay at Pride because we don香蕉视频直播檛 just show up香蕉视频直播攚e fight for meaningful change.

As MP, my constituency office will be a safe and welcoming space. Anyone facing discrimination will find support and connections to local nonprofits and advocacy groups. Strength comes in numbers, and no one should feel alone in the face of hate.

The NDP has always stood against discrimination, and in me, Kelowna will have a representative who is unapologetically committed to equality and justice.

Representing Kelowna in Opposition: If elected and your party doesn香蕉视频直播檛 form as government, how will you best represent your riding?

Even in opposition, an MP can bring real change by fighting for local issues. A strong NDP caucus can amplify concerns that affect communities nationwide, ensuring they receive national attention.

Strategic use of petitions can elevate Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 priorities to Parliament, and well-crafted private members香蕉视频直播� bills can translate local concerns into national policy.

As MP, I will be a highly visible advocate, using media attention to shine a spotlight on Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 needs. Our community deserves a representative who is engaged, vocal, and unafraid to push for meaningful action.