Fehr cites access to doctors as impetus to run in election

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A semi-retired former miner, contractor and baker is set to challenge B.C. Liberal MLA Terry Lake and B.C. NDP candidate Kathy Kendall in Kamloops-North Thompson.

Ed Fehr, president of the B.C. Conservative Kamloops-North Thompson riding association, was announced as the party’s candidate this week via Twitter.

Fehr said he decided to get involved in politics after his wife, Naomi, suffered from serious back problems and needed an operation she couldn’t seem to get.

“Nothing was being done. I’d gone to [Premier] Christy Clark, I’d gone to Terry Lake, I’d gone to the opposition, a number of different people, and I had no response whatsoever,” he said.

“I thought they could at least acknowledge that I’d tried to contact them in regards to my wife.”

Fehr sees increasing access to doctors as a major priority for the next provincial government, but isn’t sure of the specifics of the Conservatives' plan to do so.

“I know we have things in the policy that would speak into that. I would have to go back over that,” he said.

“But, we need to have more doctors and the health-care system needs to be completely revamped.”

Fehr said he was attracted to the Conservative cause because of the party’s integrity.

“I’ve really checked these people out and I’ll tell you what, they just come up with flying colours,” he said.

“[B.C. Conservative Leader] John Cummins speaks to me of integrity, honesty, whereas I don’t see that with the other parties.

“Every time I listen to the news, I’m hearing some real nasty stories coming out about both the NDP and the Liberals.”

Fehr said his goal, if elected, is to be an advocate for Kamloops-North Thompson residents.

He said he is inspired by Cyril Shelford, the former Skeena and Omineca Social Credit MLA he met as a young man, who impressed Fehr with his dedication to his constituents.

“When I say that to the people in Kamloops-North Thompson, they say, ‘Yes, Ed, that’s the kind of a guy we need representing us here,’” Fehr said.

“A guy that’s willing to have boots on the ground, go door-to-door and talk to people and bring their issues back to Victoria.

“They feel they’re not being listened to.”