As Canada’s federal election draws near, get to know your local Peoples Party of Canada candidate for the Similkameen-South Okanagan-West Kootenay riding: Barry Dewar.
Who is Barry Dewar?
Barry Dewar has deep roots in the South Okanagan and brings a legacy of over four decades as a distinguished local businessman.
Dewar has lived in Osoyoos since 1982 and has worn many hats throughout his career, including financial consulting and land development.
He is also the former owner of the Osoyoos Storm junior hockey team, which he later relocated to Kamloops.
“I moved the team to Kamloops. We’re the only team in this riding that I think has ever won the Western Canadian Championship. And I’m very proud of that.”
His involvement in hockey has allowed him to develop connections throughout the region, which he feels confident will be reflected in the polls on election night.
“I do expect to win the riding because I know a lot of people. I am 71 years of age. I don’t plan on doing this for a long time. I plan on getting things turned around in the next four years and then turning it over to someone younger and probably smarter than me.”
Dewar says his values align with the PPC party principles, as he believes in meaningful change and is dedicated to working diligently for his constituency.
“I believe that my role will be to ask the right questions when I’m in Parliament.”
What voters are saying
Dewar has conducted an extensive door-knocking campaign in recent weeks, where he says he’s learned that the carbon tax and the US-Canada trade war appear to be primary concerns for his riding.
“Our riding is very dependent on trade and tourism with the United States, and of course, my personal belief is that tariffs are just a way to make the people pay more, and then carbon taxes are the two biggest issues.”
Dewar says although Prime Minister Mark Carney removed the consumer carbon tax in April, he and many of his constituents remain skeptical.
“The temporary pause hasn’t happened. That’s the point. If you cannot trust the powers that are in government now… my belief is we must ask the right questions, and I don’t think we do. And that is what I promise to bring to my constituents—asking the right questions.”
Tariffs, trade wars, and the local economy
Dewar is “totally against” the ongoing trade war but has concerns surrounding Canada’s counter-tariffs, saying the implications will be detrimental to the local economy.
“I think retaliatory tariffs make it just more expensive for us, and that will make it harder for American tourists to come up here.”
“When you poke the bear, all you’re going to do is get scratched, and that’s what the main parties are doing-they’re poking the bear. There’s a better way to negotiate a better deal than increasing tariffs on our end to make it even.”
Tackling housing and rising costs
During his time as a developer, Dewar saw firsthand the layers of bureaucracy impacting new developments, something he vows to help remove if elected.
“The Liberal government is planning to introduce another level of bureaucracy for housing, a department of housing. How is that going to help get boots on the ground and houses built? They’re saying they’re going to streamline things, but every time you hire a bureaucrat, it’s more red tape and slows the process down.”
On the topic of affordability, Dewar says it’s time the federal government starts taking care of its own- more specifically, its seniors and veterans.
“The government of Canada wastes so much money sending it to other places. We don’t spend money on our senior citizens, who are below the poverty line, and our veterans—people who died for our freedoms—are living on the streets. We don’t give them the medical care they need, but they also don’t get enough money to be able to do things.”
Dewar reiterates that if elected, he will ask the right questions in Ottawa to find solutions to the unique needs and priorities of this riding.
“I believe we must ask the right questions, and I believe that we need to take a stand. I’m in this because of my grandchildren; I want them to have a good life, and I’ve already had a great life.”
Final Words
While he knows the PPC party won’t form government in this election, Dewar says it’s important the party has a voice in Parliament, which he believes he can offer constituents.
Additionally, he says a vote for him is a vote for change.
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result. We vote Liberal, Conservative, NDP, and why do we expect these parties to come up with a different plan than what they’ve been doing for the last 50 years? The bigger thing is, if you vote for me, I’m going to ask those questions that need to be asked.”
Dewar says he might not “be the smartest guy in the room,” but he isn’t afraid to talk to the “smartest guy” and get the right answers so government can make informed decisions.
“I believe we [the people] are the government. I believe that we own this country. I believe that we need to change the way we think so that people can get the answers they deserve and that their money is being spent.”
Canada’s federal election is on April 28.
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