Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Michael Reeve

BC Votes

Conservatives Milobar, Stamer win Kamloops ridings as provincial picture takes shape

Oct 19, 2024 | 11:34 PM

KAMLOOPS — It was an early celebration and then a whole lot of ‘wait and see’ for the two newly-elected Kamloops MLAs.

While no stranger to campaigns, this one was far different for the Kamloops Centre victor after switching parties just a few weeks ago.

“It’s been a pretty tumultuous six or seven weeks here, especially with the changeover and the merging of two parties, in a way. But it’s nice to see the people of Kamloops still put their faith in me,” said Peter Milobar. “I know I heard that a lot that they were a little unsure but they were going to put there faith in me and I take that very seriously, and it’s very humbling in a way.”

Both Milobar and Ward Stamer, elected in Kamloops-North Thompson, were declared winners within the first 45 minutes after polls closed on Saturday night (Oct. 19). The only question that remains in what benches they will call home, government or opposition.

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“We will find out tonight whether we will be government or not. If we’re not, we are going to be pushing for everybody in the region. And sure, we have already talked about some scenarios and some of the procedures and some of the committees that I will have to be a part of. Not that much different than some of the TNRD stuff but a little but more involved, and I’m ready for it, I’m ready for the challenge,” said Stamer.

“One thing I do know is that just seven weeks ago this was supposed to be a cakewalk for David Eby, and (tonight) he was clinging for his life. He never stepped foot in Kamloops once in this campaign. It’s astonishing to me. It’s the first time, I think, a sitting premier has never campaigned in Kamloops, even for a whistle stop tour,” said Milobar.

Both candidates addressed the need for healthcare improvements as a first step for when they arrive at the legislature.

“That is in terms of getting the [cardiac catheterization] lab actually approved and get that project actually going and but also getting the cancer centre redesigned. There is no reason that adding one extra floor to that building should take an extra four-to-five years of design work that is still just happening anyway. We need it built properly so that it functions wells for the next 30-to-40 years in this community,” said Milobar.

Along with being elected, Stamer will also now be resigning his seat as the Barriere mayor.

“[My father asked me,] ‘Can’t you continue to advocate as the mayor and keep doing what you’re doing?’ and I said, ‘Unfortunately, I can’t, Dad, because what I want to change is not at the municipal level, it’s at the provincial level. I have lived there a long time, so to answer your question, it is tough (to leave),” said Stamer.

Milobar also enters the legislature as a three-term MLA and a veteran presence inside a caucus that will be filled with rookie politicians.

“This will be interesting to see that process go through, the reality is that on both sides of the house there is going to be over a third of that chamber that is going to be brand new — probably even higher, looking at some of the incumbents losing tonight for the NDP, as well,” said Milobar. “It’s going to be a role that will be interesting and certainly moving forward trying to help those newer MLAs navigate their way through all the procedural quirks. I look forward to that.”