As Canada’s federal election draws near, get to know your local NDP candidate for the Columbia–Kootenay–Southern Rockies riding: Kallee Lins.
Who is Kallee Lins?
Kallee Lins grew up in Castlegar and developed an interest in federal politics at a young age.
“It was so interesting when I was growing up how quickly I saw the effects of political decisions that were made about our region.”
Lins studied political science at McGill University and began working in the non-profit sector in Toronto not long after.
She has been involved in grassroots politics across Canada for 15 years, first serving as Co-President of NDP McGill and later as a member of the riding association executive in Jack Layton’s former riding of Toronto–Danforth.
“I was really focused on national organizations within the non-profit sector. My career has largely centred around arts and culture, but I also worked with Imagine Canada, which is sort of the umbrella organization for all charities and non-profits in the country.”
At Imagine Canada, Lins served on the public policy team, where she learned how to work with the federal government to ensure the work of non-profits could be more impactful in their communities, with fewer barriers.
“I really cut my teeth on lobbying and policy advocacy while I was serving in that role, especially during COVID. We were working really hard to make sure that the sector wasn’t left behind. We were able to really shape the eligibility for things. It was great. We had a direct line into government.”
Through this work, Lins says she learned a great deal about navigating Parliament Hill—skills she now hopes to bring back to her constituents.
She is currently the Executive Director of the West Kootenay Arts Council and also supports cultural development across the Columbia Basin.
Additionally, Lins consults for cultural non-profits, provides pro bono facilitation for local organizations, and serves as Board Chair for the Dance West Network and an inaugural board member of the Black & Rural Arts and Culture Society.
What voters are saying
Conservation, sustainability, and tariffs are just a few of the concerns Lins has heard from constituents throughout her campaign.
Lins has been engaging with voters since January and says there seems to be a lot of uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
“There are a lot of concerns about how this area is going to be taken care of in light of the tariffs, in light of uncertainty around the Columbia River. And there’s a real concern about conserving our natural resources and finding a balance that ensures industries are thriving and can provide family-sustaining jobs, while also protecting what we have here for generations to come.”
While U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats are top of mind in the region, Lins says constituents are equally focused on local priorities and practical ways the federal government could better support the region.
“I think a lot of things in the world feel really overwhelming right now, but as long as we’re focusing on those one-on-one conversations, we can move forward together.”
Tariffs, trade wars, and the local economy
While the trade war has united Canadians across the country, Lins says her party has several pragmatic proposals to help lessen the impacts.
Her party has proposed removing GST from essential items and expanding Employment Insurance (EI).
“Some estimates say that only a third of workers have access to EI right now. I’ve certainly spent a lot of my time working from contract to contract, and I think it’s really important that any worker—no matter where you work, what your schedule looks like, or what your employment structure is—has access to those supports, especially given the kind of instability we’re facing now.”
Mitigating the impact of trade tension locally
When asked which issue should be prioritized, Lins says mitigating the impacts of counter-tariffs is essential.
“Tackling the immediate economic impacts right here in the region is top of mind. I was chatting with the head of Steelworkers 480 in Trail, and he was telling me about what an impact the counter-tariffs can have on their industry because they get their feed from Alaska and from areas down in the U.S., and in order to do that, they need to make sure that those impacts are mitigated.”
Lins vows to use her voice in Parliament, if elected, to advocate for addressing the local impacts of Canada’s counter-tariffs.
That said, she’s also hopeful that something positive can come out of the trade war, particularly around tourism.
“One thing that might happen—which I’m really excited about fostering—is an increase in local tourism. What can we capitalize on to increase the sustainability of businesses right here?”
Tackling housing and rising costs
According to Lins, her party is ready to deliver practical solutions to address the housing crisis and cost of living.
“The NDP’s policy proposals include a real commitment to working with non-profits that are on the ground in these communities—groups that know their communities and populations really well. We’ve also proposed fast-tracking financing into these organizations to help them put shovels in the ground and build more housing faster.”
Lins would also like to see these commitments extended to supportive housing for those struggling to maintain their housing.
“We know from research coming out of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation that a growing proportion of the homeless population has recently lost their rental housing due to financial constraints. So it’s not just about building more housing; it’s also about helping people afford to stay in their homes.”
When it comes to affordability, Lins has a few ideas for long-term solutions.
She points to the 2021 one-time windfall profits tax as a missed opportunity and believes it should be reintroduced as a permanent measure to discourage corporate profiteering during times of instability.
“We saw evidence of price gouging—particularly in the grocery sector—during COVID, and since then, grocery prices have risen on average 25 per cent. They haven’t gone back down. While inflation plays a role, those price increases far exceed inflation. There are definitely corporations taking advantage of the cost of living crisis.”
Lins says that if elected, she will be pushing Parliament to revisit policies like the windfall tax to protect consumers.
Final words
Lins believes she is the “clear vote” to keep the Conservative Party out of office.
“I am really committed to unifying people who don’t see themselves reflected in the current representative. Quite frankly, the Conservatives have not put forward solutions that benefit many in this community. Their policies are really focused on helping the wealthy retain and grow their wealth.”
Lins is dedicated to restoring strong representation for this riding. And while she acknowledges many constituents support the Liberal Party, she says the NDP best reflects the riding’s progressive values.
“The NDP is the clear vote to keep the Conservatives out of office. Now is the time to stand up for the values we believe in. I’m committed to having conversations with those who may not be perfectly aligned with the NDP but who recognize the need for values-based, progressive leadership—leadership that is committed to dialogue and building a Canada that reflects who we are.”
Canada’s federal election will be held on April 28.
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