Why the Conservative Candidate Promises Not to Use Taxpayer Funds for Penticton By-Election if Elected

If Helena Konanz from the Federal Conservative Party wins her upcoming election for the Similkameen-South Okanagan-West Kootenay riding, she won’t be funding a new candidate to fill her current seat on the Penticton council.

This decision follows the Conservative Party’s announcement that Konanz would be their representative. Notably, she wasn’t among the initial group of candidates who had expressed interest, which included former MLA Dan Ashton and others like Gary Johal and Chris Pequin.

Pequin took to social media to voice his disappointment, stating that the party had bypassed local members in favor of appointing Konanz directly. He wrote, "The Conservative Party of Canada has denied the Similkameen-South Okanagan-West Kootenay members their vote."

When asked directly about her selection process, Konanz emphasized her gratitude for the opportunity. Her words reflected energy and determination: "I will be working hard to earn the votes of the good people…to axe the tax, build the homes, fix the budget, stop the crime, and put Canada first."

On the question of funding a by-election for her Penticton seat, Konanz clarified she would not be providing any financial support. "I will be taking an unpaid leave of absence from city council during the federal election," she said, highlighting her focus on the campaign in Ottawa.

Currently, Penticton is handling another by-election due to the departure of MLA Amelia Boultbee. The budget for that by-election is $85,000, a significant sum approved earlier by the council. This puts additional pressure on the council, which is already reduced by one vote after Councillor James Miller took leave due to serious legal issues.

Historically, candidates running for higher office have sometimes funded by-elections for their vacant positions. For example, when Ashton ran for a bigger role back in 2013, he contributed $35,000 from his own pocket for the by-election to fill his mayoral spot.

As Konanz navigates this pivotal moment, her actions and decisions will resonate not only within the council but also among voters who are watching closely. The next municipal election is set for October 17, 2026, which means these political moves will shape the landscape in the coming years.

In an era where the electorate is becoming increasingly vocal, social media has become a battleground for opinions and reactions to political candidacies. User reactions on platforms like Twitter and Facebook can influence public perception, making transparency in political processes more important than ever.

As the race begins to heat up, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics evolve, particularly as other candidates respond to this unusual selection process. The ripple effects of political decisions like these often extend beyond immediate elections, shaping future electoral strategies and party dynamics.

For more insight into Canadian federal elections, check out the official Government of Canada website here.

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Penticton|Canada Votes 2025