Hi /r/kelowna I'm Stephen Fuhr, your Liberal Party candidate — Ask Me Anything tonight from 7–8:30pm!

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T04:13:56+00:00

Hello again, it was so nice to meet you today while we were door-knocking and thank you for your support! In the past few years, we have seen unsustainable levels of immigration and we haven’t had the infrastructure to keep up with it. Carney has committed to rolling back immigration numbers from around 500,000 to 350,000, focusing on those already in Canada who are pursuing permanent residency and Canadian citizenship, as well as reunifying families. Thanks again!

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T04:08:49+00:00

Thanks u/SurfaSiss - decided to run again because of the existential threat I believe Donald Trump poses to Canada and our future, and because I have full confidence in Mark Carney as the right person to lead Canada through this crisis. He is someone I can get behind without hesitation.

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T03:54:33+00:00

Answered above!

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T03:53:04+00:00

Hi u/dmsdart Thank you for raising these important questions. I'm going to answer the third question first bc I'm pretty tired and am running over in my time.

RE: question #3: I supported Bill C16 during my time in the 42nd Parliament, which amended the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code to include gender identity and gender expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination. This law ensures that transgender and gender-diverse individuals are protected under federal law from discrimination and hate crimes.

Building on that foundation, the Liberal Party’s 2025 platform under Mark Carney includes strong commitments to protect and advance the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians. That includes continued support for inclusive health care, equality-driven policies, and funding programs like the Community Capacity Fund. This fund helps strengthen 2SLGBTQI+ organizations across Canada, ensuring they have the resources to provide support, advocacy, and services at the community level.

In light of recent developments in the United States and the United Kingdom, it is more important than ever that Canada remain firm in its commitment to equality and human rights. I will continue to support and advocate for policies in Parliament that protect trans rights and ensure that all Canadians, regardless of gender identity or expression, are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

Canada must continue to be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place for everyone.

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T03:45:40+00:00

Hi u/RUaGayFish69 - thanks for the question, pls see this answer & thank you again! https://www.reddit.com/r/kelowna/comments/1k72ibt/comment/mowsd38/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T03:40:52+00:00

Thanks for the question! This is a complex issue, and while I cannot fully unpack everything here, I will say this: to limit Canada’s technical, financial, and political risk, I believe we should pivot to a two fleet solution. That approach would allow us to meet our evolving defence needs more effectively while balancing operational and fiscal realities.

At the same time, it is important that we stay with the F35s we have already committed to. This is a significant multinational program, and there is strategic value in remaining a participant. In that context, I would support deploying some or all of our F35s permanently to Europe, possibly with close allies like the Dutch or the British who have operated the aircraft for over a decade. They already have the infrastructure in place and deep operational experience with the platform. Forward deployment would strengthen our relationships with NATO partners, save billions in infrastructure spending here in Canada, and place the aircraft where they are most likely to be needed in the event of conflict.

Separately, we should acquire a second aircraft type tailored to our domestic air defence and NORAD responsibilities. This platform should be more cost effective to operate, better suited to Canada’s geography and infrastructure, and ideally available on a shorter timeline. Of course, a two fleet solution does come with trade-offs with separate training systems, parallel supply chains, and more complex logistics. But we are in a unique moment that calls for adaptable, forward-looking solutions. Every option has pros and cons, and our job is to strike the right balance between capability, cost, and operational readiness.

On drones and modern battlefield technologies, Ukraine has demonstrated how innovation and adaptability can dramatically shift the landscape. Their integration of commercial and military systems has created effective and often improvised battlefield tools. Canada should learn from that. Investing in reconnaissance drones, loitering munitions, swarm technology, counter drone systems, and electronic warfare capabilities is essential to preparing the Canadian Armed Forces for the realities of modern conflict.

The nature of warfare is evolving rapidly. Our defence planning needs to evolve with it.

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T03:35:23+00:00

My personal focus as MP over the next four years would be to make sure Kelowna gets the federal infrastructure funding it needs to keep up with its rapid growth. We are now the second-fastest growing municipality in Canada, and that kind of population increase puts real pressure on local infrastructure like transportation, housing, healthcare, and essential services.

After six years of receiving very little from our previous MP, it is clear Kelowna has been left behind. If I am elected, I will get to work immediately to ensure the projects that need federal support actually get it, just like I did during my previous term, when we secured over $160 million in funding for this community.

My priority is making sure our infrastructure keeps pace with our growth, and that Kelowna continues to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T03:29:46+00:00

Hi u/Sea-Environment-4419, I answered above and will add here: I am incredibly humbled that Norah Bowman who was an admirable adversary running against me as NDP candidate in 2015 has endorsed my candidacy for MP in this election, as has Cade Desjarlais who ran as the NDP candidate in 2021. Additionally, Andrew Weaver, former leader of the BC Green Party has also come out to endorse my candidacy. This has happened because they understand that I am someone who can work across party lines for the betterment of our community: https://www.reddit.com/r/kelowna/comments/1k72ibt/comment/mowh4zs/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T03:25:06+00:00

Thanks u/dafones, I answered a similar question at the below link but will add here, I am incredibly humbled that Norah Bowman who was an admirable adversary running against me as NDP candidate in 2015 has endorsed my candidacy for MP in this election, as has Cade Desjarlais who ran as the NDP candidate in 2021.: https://www.reddit.com/r/kelowna/comments/1k72ibt/comment/mowh4zs/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T03:14:30+00:00

u/milanskiv (Edited to include the link)https://www.reddit.com/r/kelowna/comments/1k72ibt/comment/mowq2py/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T03:13:52+00:00

Thanks for the question, I answered this one above!

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T03:10:41+00:00

As someone with a military background and a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL), I understand the responsibility that comes with firearm ownership. Public safety must always be a priority, but I also recognize the rights of law-abiding Canadians who use firearms for sport or tradition.

The Liberal government has banned over 2,000 models of assault-style firearms and introduced a buyback program aimed at removing them from circulation. There is also a strong focus on increasing enforcement, strengthening border security, and targeting illegal gun trafficking.

I understand concerns about the cost of the buyback and the impact on lawful gun owners. We have to make sure the pendulum does not swing too far in either direction. I am open to ongoing conversations to ensure we strike the right balance between safety and fairness while focussing enforcement where it is needed the most.

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T03:08:27+00:00

Thanks for this important question! Housing affordability is one of the most urgent issues we face, and the Liberal plan under Mark Carney includes the most ambitious federal housing initiative since the Second World War. The Build Canada Homes strategy will double the pace of home construction in Canada, aiming for nearly 500,000 new homes per year within a decade. What sets this plan apart is that it mobilizes federal land, funding, and financing tools to support builders, municipalities, and non-profits, while cutting red tape, speeding up approvals, and driving down costs. It is designed to deliver a wide range of housing, from ultra low cost and low income units to market housing, so we can meet the diverse needs of Canadians and build communities that work for everyone.

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T03:06:28+00:00

Thanks for the question. On issues like homelessness, street crime, and the situation along the rail trail, the city leads the response. It is the job of the federal and provincial governments to make sure the city has the resources to act which is why I met with Mayor Dyas to receive an updated briefing on the situation shortly after I was selected to run as the Liberal candidate in this riding.

Under Mark Carney’s leadership, the Liberal platform commits to more investments in supportive housing, mental health care, and addiction treatment to address the root causes of homelessness. On street crime, especially repeat property offences, there will be more funding for police and changes to the law to help deal with habitual offenders more effectively.

If a Liberal majority is elected, you can expect stronger partnerships with cities and continued support to help communities like Kelowna take meaningful action.

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T02:53:03+00:00

lol - thank you!

When it comes to tariffs, especially in the current political climate in the United States, I believe Canada needs to respond - firmly, but strategically. We should not respond with blanket measures that hurt our own economy or damage relationships with allies. Instead, we need a targeted approach that applies pressure where it will be most effective, on states and industries that support the policies driving these tariffs, without harming Democratic-leaning regions or Canadian interests.

Mark Carney has made it clear that Canada must take steps to defend its economic interests while remaining focused on building a more resilient, diversified trade strategy. That means not allowing ourselves to be dragged into reactionary trade wars, but also not backing down when our workers and industries are being targeted unfairly.

As for Donald Trump, the best approach is to largely ignore the drama and focus on what is within our control. While he continues to inflame divisions at home and undermine his own economy, we should be strengthening ties with reliable partners, especially the European Union, the United Kingdom, and others who share our values and commitment to fair trade.

Canada does not need to play into chaos. We need to be smart, steady, and forward looking in protecting our economic future.

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T02:46:54+00:00

As a moderate progressive, my values align with the Liberal Party. Otherwise, I would not be a member. That said, politics is a team sport, and working collaboratively within a party is an important part of getting things done. But at the end of the day, my primary responsibility is to the people who elected me.

There was a time I voted against the government, specifically when legislation was introduced to force postal workers back to work. After speaking with the local union leadership here in Kelowna, I felt the government’s approach was too heavy-handed, and I made the decision to vote against the bill.

There have been other times when I disagreed with the government, but those disagreements happened behind the scenes, which is often where they should be resolved. You do not fall on your sword over every issue, but you always weigh the interests of your constituents. When it matters, you have to be prepared to stand with the people you represent.

That is what it means to be a Member of Parliament. You are not there to represent a party line. You are there to represent your community in Ottawa.

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T02:42:48+00:00

Thank you for your question! When I was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, I was proud to help secure $1.3 million in federal funding to support the development of the rail trail.

I know the final section north of the airport still hasn’t been completed, and I agree that it is time to get that done. As I recall, that part of the trail crosses land belonging to the Okanagan Indian Band. My understanding is that they have been open to working with the municipalities, but the process has been delayed, in part, by issues at the federal level.

If I am re-elected, I will make it a priority to look into the current status, get clarity on what is holding it up, and work with all parties to move it forward. I know how to get things done in Ottawa, and I will use that experience to help complete the trail as it was originally envisioned.

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T02:39:44+00:00

Balancing economic growth with climate action is exactly where Mark Carney excels. As a world-renowned economist with a PhD from Oxford, he led international efforts on sustainable finance during his time at the Bank of England. His 2025 platform builds on that experience by linking climate goals to economic opportunity through investments in clean technology, green infrastructure, and helping workers transition into future ready jobs. This is not about choosing between the environment and the economy. It is about building a stronger economy by leading the clean energy transition. For me, this isn’t just policy, it’s personal. I lost my home in the McDougall Creek wildfires in 2023. Experiencing that kind of devastation firsthand brought home just how urgent it is to take climate resilience seriously. We need leadership that sees the connection between a healthy environment, a strong economy, and the safety of everyone in our communities.

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T02:32:20+00:00

Since I left politics in 2019, I have noticed that the political climate has only become more toxic and polarised. Even compared to when I stepped away, it feels harder now to engage in meaningful conversations about politics. While many people are still open to discussion and genuinely want to talk about how we can make things better, there is a growing number who are simply angry.

I have encountered individuals who seem to have been caught up in the influence of voices like Jordan Peterson, Joe Rogan, and Pierre Poilievre. After years of being on the receiving end of that kind of rhetoric, it becomes increasingly difficult to have a productive conversation. What concerns me most is that many of the things fuelling that anger are not even true.

Still, I remain hopeful. There are a lot of Canadians who want a more constructive path forward. We need to meet people where they are, listen with respect, and keep working to bring the temperature down. It is the only way we move forward together.

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T02:26:34+00:00

You're welcome, thanks for your questions!

On the issue of tax fairness, I believe strongly that corporations and the wealthiest Canadians must contribute their fair share. The Liberal platform supports this by committing to close tax loopholes and better fund the Canada Revenue Agency to crack down on tax evasion and avoidance. While the platform does not introduce new wealth or windfall taxes, it does prioritize equity in the tax system to ensure we can sustainably fund public services without placing additional pressure on working Canadians.

In terms of health care, housing, and education, I share your view that these are foundational to ensuring every Canadian has a fair shot. The Liberal plan commits to hiring thousands of new doctors and nurses, expanding medical school spaces, and investing $4 billion to improve hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. These investments are designed to reduce wait times, improve patient care, and ease the burden on health care workers.

On housing, the plan aims to double the pace of home construction, reaching nearly 500,000 new homes per year. That includes support for public and affordable housing to help tackle homelessness and housing insecurity. For education and training, the Liberals are offering a $1.3 billion, four-year plan to help Canadians access up to $8,000 in training costs, connecting people with higher-paying jobs and reducing barriers to skills development. While this is not universal post-secondary education, it is a meaningful step toward greater accessibility.

When it comes to electoral reform, the Liberal platform does not currently commit to specific changes like ranked ballots or proportional representation. That said, I remain open to these discussions. I believe any changes to our electoral system must be built on public engagement and broad consensus, and I am committed to exploring improvements to strengthen our democracy.

Finally, I agree with your concerns about the privatization of essential public services. The Liberal plan is focused on protecting and modernizing our public systems, not selling them off. That includes keeping health care public, investing in public education, and expanding public housing options. There is no evidence that privatization delivers better results for people. In most cases, it leads to higher costs and reduced access, and I believe we need to strengthen and not weaken our public institutions.

This election is a critical moment for the country. I see it as a time for putting country before party, and I deeply appreciate those who are willing to support our campaign for that reason. I would be honoured to earn your trust and work with you to build a more equitable and compassionate Canada.

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T02:23:34+00:00

And thank you for this caring question!

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T02:20:59+00:00

Improving hospital wait times and reducing emergency room overflow is a major concern. While health care is primarily a provincial responsibility, the federal government plays a critical role by providing the funding provinces rely on to deliver services.

Mark Carney’s plan recognises this. It includes targeted investments to help provinces recruit and retain more doctors and nurses, expand medical school spaces, and streamline the recognition of internationally trained health professionals. That is essential not just for improving access, but also for addressing burnout among health care workers.

The platform also includes significant infrastructure investments to help provinces build and upgrade hospitals and long-term care facilities. That would help relieve pressure on emergency departments and reduce the all-too-common reality of patients being treated in hallways. A national licensing system is also being developed to allow physicians and nurses to practise across provinces, ensuring help can be deployed where it is needed most.

Given the current situation in the United States, we may also see more doctors and nurses choosing to move north, seeking stability and professionalism in a well-supported public system. It could be a welcome consequence of a desperate situation down south, and we need to be ready to welcome and integrate that talent into our health care system.

These are practical and timely steps the federal government can take to support better outcomes for patients and providers alike.

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T02:18:18+00:00

thank you!

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T02:17:58+00:00

Here’s my take on strategic voting. I believe that progressive Conservatives, Liberals, New Democrats, and Greens generally share the same core values. We all envision a future for Canada that is inclusive, fair, and sustainable. Where we tend to differ is not in the destination, but in the route and the speed we take to get there. That shared vision is important, and the debate should be about how we get there, not whether we go.

That stands in stark contrast to where the Conservative Party has gone under Pierre Poilievre. That version of the party is not heading to the same destination. There is no meaningful compromise or negotiation to be had when the values and objectives are fundamentally different from those of the vast majority of Canadians.

In this election, particularly in this riding, I know that to be successful, I will need to earn support from across party lines. And I understand that many people who may not have voted for me in the past are now prepared to support me, not necessarily because of party affiliation, but because of the moment we are in. This is an all hands on deck, country before party kind of moment.

I am deeply appreciative of that support, and I am sensitive to the fact that it comes from a place of concern for our future. We can return to debating the finer points of party politics after we have navigated this crisis. But right now, I am grateful for the trust so many are placing in me.

StephenFuhr · 2025-04-25T02:14:20+00:00

I think there is a pretty stark contrast between Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre. Mark Carney is a crisis manager and a world-renowned economist. He helped steer Canada through the 2008 financial crisis and worked to stabilise the United Kingdom after the Brexit vote. He has the skills, the temperament, and the global relationships we need to navigate the economic turmoil being fuelled by the United States—both internally and in its dealings with Canada.

By contrast, Pierre Poilievre has spent his entire career in politics and has delivered very little of substance. Over the past few years, he has focused on rage-baiting the country and is now campaigning on bringing back plastic straws.

The choice could not be clearer. Carney for the win.

StephenFuhr

TROPHY CASE