The BC Election will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24.
MyFortNelsonNow reached out to incumbent MLA of Peace River North Jordan Kealy regarding his response to the following seven questions:
- Can you tell us a little bit about your background, your experience and what led you to run as an independent MLA?
- What do you see as the biggest issues facing people in the Peace River region especially Peace River North right now?
- If elected, what would be your number one priority for the riding, and what main goal would you want to accomplish during your next term?
- How do you see the province supporting economic development here while addressing local concerns?
- Why should voters choose you to represent Peace River North, and what do you bring to the role?
- What advice do you have for young people looking to get involved in politics or run for office one day?
- Is there anything else you would like to add?
Jordan Kealy:
Jordan Kealy owns a farm just outside Fort St. John and works as a farmer and mechanic, with more than 25 years of experience in the local oil patch. He met his wife in the North, loves the region and entered politics four years ago, serving two years as a Peace River Regional District director before becoming MLA for the Peace region. After leaving the Conservative Party, Kealy spent the past year and a half as an independent, believing party politics failed to prioritize the North and rural B.C. As an independent, he has his own legislative staff, a larger budget and has spoken more than 170 times in the legislature while bringing forward bills. He is running again as an independent because he believes he can be a stronger voice for the region without party constraints.
Jordan Kealy’s website can be found here.
2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing people in the Peace River region especially Peace River North right now?
Our region is an economic powerhouse that contributes huge tax revenues to the provincial budget, yet our infrastructure is crumbling and falling apart. I’ve brought up the Taylor Bridge in the legislature over five times during question period.
Healthcare is another massive issue. Our healthcare system is in shambles, which is personal to me because I lost my father in our healthcare system. The government also canceled the Peace Villa expansion.
Additionally, seniors are being put last they are taxed the most while living on fixed pensions that haven’t kept up with the cost of living. Quality of life and mental health are declining, and we need an elected official who will speak up as a strong voice rather than just being another party member.
3. If elected, what would be your number one priority for the riding, and what main goal would you want to accomplish during your next term?
If there’s a close election, my first priority would be to explore a coalition option with the Conservative Party or others to help get the NDP out. Through a coalition agreement or by holding a key swing vote, an independent holds a lot of leverage to bargain for major regional needs like the Taylor Bridge or the Peace Villa expansion.
I also have legislation I want to present, including a bill to recall the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) to help create a better structure to treat healthcare professionals better and attract needed workers to rural B.C.
4. How do you see the province supporting economic development here while addressing local concerns?
Our region should have a resource allocation sharing program so we receive a kickback from the immense wealth we contribute to the province. We produce over 38% of B.C.’s hydroelectric energy, along with agriculture, forestry, LNG and oil and gas.
The NDP is even looking at possibly building another dam here. We need someone at the table who is willing to push and bargain hard so our resources aren’t just taken away without our region receiving its fair share back.
5. Why should voters choose you to represent Peace River North, and what do you bring to the role?
Over the past two years, I’ve brought morals, integrity, and passion to helping my constituents. I’m available 24/7 and always answer my phone. Voters should know there is no “split vote” scenario here the NDP is not winning this riding. The choice is about which person you want representing the region and who will be most effective.
I keep constituents informed through video updates, have a near-perfect attendance record in Victoria, and don’t care about a political pension or salary I could make more money as a mechanic.
Furthermore, as an independent, I can bring a constituent’s concern directly to the legislature and ask ministers immediately, whereas party members must navigate whips, house leaders, party leaders, and party bureaucracy just to get permission to speak on local issues.
6. What advice do you have for young people looking to get involved in politics or run for office one day?
I got into politics to fix things, not to play politics. It is great for youth to get involved, but politicians need lived experience so they actually know what they are fixing and who they are speaking for. Starting in local government or as a regional director is a great stepping stone before taking on provincial politics. To be a good politician, you have to know your people and be in it for the right reasons not as a career politician caring about pay, benefits or political games.
7. Is there anything else you would like to add?
As an independent, I can bring local concerns directly to the floor of the legislature without party gatekeeping. We have a campaign office open for constituents to visit, ask questions, and engage directly. My goal remains centered on fixing the system and ensuring rural B.C. gets the strong representation it deserves.
MyFortNelsonNow would like to thank Jordan Kealy for taking the time to respond to our questions. Reading his responses should better prepare each voter for the candidate of their choice.
Voting stations will be open from 8 AM to 8 PM on Saturday, Oct. 24, at these locations:
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Advance Voting:
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Northern Rockies Regional Recreation Centre (Community Hall) — 5500 Alaska Highway, Fort Nelson, BC
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Final Voting Day (October 24):
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Northern Rockies Regional Recreation Centre (Fitness Room / Community Hall) — 5500 Alaska Highway, Fort Nelson, BC
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Advance polls will open from Friday, Oct. 16 through Wednesday, Oct. 21.
