I'm terrified. 

Many of us are terrified right now.

In the North Island - Powell River riding we have Aaron Gunn as Conservative candidate and he's leading in the polls. As per this article in the Campbell River Mirror, Aaron Gunn is backed by nine political figures in our community, including Mayor Kermit Dahl of the City of Campbell River and Councillor Ben Lanyon of the City of Campbell River.

Remember why I started this petition in the first place? It might refresh your memory reading over this story. Well now I know why I left this petition open. I knew something wasn't right. 

What is incredibly concerning for our community right now, is the potential for a split vote between the NDP and Liberals. While the Liberals haven't won in over 50 years, Jennifer Lash, Liberal candidate, is saying the strategic vote is Liberals, while members of the North Island–Powell River and Courtenay–Alberni communities say that voting for the NDP is the strategic vote.

There is this petition, with 159 signatures, for Don't Split the Vote, and a commitment to consider the history of the NDP in this riding.

Then there is this Lead Now petition with over 16,000 signatures requesting the Conservatives to remove Aaron Gunn from their team.  

There is also a letter from over 60 elected and former elected officials, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, who call on the Conservative party to withdraw Aaron Gunn. 

But the Conservatives won't pull Aaron Gunn. 

If you don't know who Aaron Gunn is, here is a video he produced where he feels the right to speak about First Nations leadership, and that "First Nations need our help." 

Here's another video, which Aaron Gunn says, "Canada is not a racist Country." 

Aaron Gunn uses racism, reverse racism, gaslighting, deflection, weaponizing anti-racism, as a manipulation tactic in his media. 

Aaron Gunn and his supporters are dangerous. Especially for a riding which has over 17 First Nations communities and 12% of the population is Indigenous. Aaron Gunn denies the ongoing genocide of Indigenous people in Canada, and upholds John A. McDonald, all the while Pierre and those 9 others if the forementioned letter, support this (Brennan Day says he did not provide support to use his name in the letter).  

While we knew that the City of Campbell River council had issues with the reestablishment of Lik'wala place names, Aaron Gunn is another issue entirely. 

He is "shaping political discourse" and attracting young men to his platform with the help of Grant Woods. 

He's targeting the Great Bear Marine Protection Plan. 

He's being backed by billionaires. 

There is too much to mention, but do a quick web search and you will find story after story on Aaron Gunn and what we've been experiencing in the North Island - Powell River riding. 

My call out to you, is please spread the word about what we are experiencing in this riding. We need your help! While the Cons won't drop Aaron Gunn, as citizens, we can take our vote elsewhere. Use this Campaigners Field Guide to support the mission. 

Tomorrow we have a rally in Campbell River. Please tell your loved ones and friends who live in the riding that we need their help too! Here is the media release for tomorrow's rally should you like to participate: 

Protest in Campbell River to Unite Against Aaron Gunn and the CPC's Genocide Denial, Hate, and Racist Politics

What: Protest in Campbell River to Unite Against Genocide Denial, Hate, and Racist Politics
When: Saturday, April 12, 2025 – 2:00 PM
Where: Conservative Party Campaign Office – 206-489 S. Dogwood Street, Campbell River, BC

Campbell River, BC – A protest will be held this Saturday, April 12 at 2:00 PM outside the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) campaign office in Campbell River. Organized by Stop the Vote Split North Island–Powell River, North Island Network, qathet Anti-Racist Action, and supported by Lead Now, the Island Solidarity Committee, and 1 Million Voices.

This demonstration responds to CPC candidate Aaron Gunn’s public denial of the ongoing genocide of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and his use of dangerous, racist, and revisionist rhetoric.

This protest is more than a rejection of one candidate’s statements—it is a unified stand against hate, genocide denial, and the erasure of truth. Organizers are calling on all community members to come together in solidarity and in resistance to the growing wave of far-right politics across the country.

“We cannot afford to be divided while candidates who deny genocide and spread hate gain ground,” say organizers.

“This protest is about protecting truth, defending our communities, and ensuring we are not led by those who dehumanize and distort.”

Genocide denial is not a difference of opinion—it is an act of violence. It erases the lived realities of Indigenous survivors, undermines the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2S+ people, and gives cover to ongoing systemic racism.

By framing residential schools as merely “tragic” while refusing to name the genocidal intent behind them, Aaron Gunn and the Conservative Party reject accountability and minimize harm. This rhetoric endangers Indigenous communities and compromises the moral fabric of the country.

At the heart of this protest is a vision for something better:

We are coming together to lift up voices of truth, to celebrate diversity, and to unite for a future where everyone’s rights are protected and celebrated.

A future where truth is honoured, and Indigenous experiences are treated with sacred reverence—not erased or denied.

The demonstration will include drums, signs, speakers, taking the Canadian flag back, and a collective call to action urging all political parties to take a meaningful stand for truth, reconciliation, and justice.

Speakers include:
Andrew Puglas Jr., Land Acknowledgement
Sue Moen, speaking on the vulnerable population
Hereditary Chief Ernest Alfred, N'amgis First Nation
Graham Hughes, 1 Million Voices
Andrea Craddock, past president of CRCD Labour Council
Crystal Smith, Haisla & Ts'ymsenf

The goals of this protest are to:
 • Unite against genocide denial, racism, hate, and historical revisionism
 • Demand political accountability and reject candidates who traffic in harm
 • Promote strategic unity to ensure we are not led by racists
 • Uplift Indigenous voices, truth, and lived experience
 • Defend the future by protecting the truth of the past

Spokespersons & Contacts:
Wendy Morin: wjbmorin@gmail.com
Arzeena Hamir:  arzeenahamir@shaw.ca  

Gilakas'la 
Jamie Bryant