Cannings' Political Career and Legislative Impact
The political journey of Cannings is marked by a transition from provincial aspirations to a significant role in federal governance. Entering the political arena at age 58, Cannings has spent over a decade advocating for environmental protections, sustainable resource use, and educational oversight within the New Democratic Party (NDP).
Entry into Politics and Provincial Beginnings
Cannings first sought public office in 2012, pursuing the British Columbia New Democratic Party nomination in Penticton. After winning the nomination over Summerland councillor David Finnis, Cannings contested the 2013 election. However, the seat was won by Penticton mayor Dan Ashton of the BC Liberal Party, which subsequently formed a majority government, leaving the BC NDP as the official opposition.
Transition to Federal Governance
Following the provincial election, Cannings shifted his focus to federal politics by seeking the NDP nomination for the riding of South Okanagan—West Kootenay. He successfully won the nomination over Margaret Maximenko of Christina Lake. In the 2015 federal election, Cannings secured the seat with 37% of the vote. While the Liberal Party formed a majority government nationally, the NDP placed third.
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Parliamentary Roles and Responsibilities
During the 42nd Parliament, NDP leader Thomas Mulcair appointed Cannings as the critic for post-secondary education issues and the deputy critic for natural resources under Carol Hughes. By 2016, Cannings ascended to the role of critic for natural resources after Carol Hughes became the Assistant Deputy Speaker. Throughout his tenure in this Parliament, he served on the Standing Committee on Natural Resources.
Legislative Contributions and Private Member Bills
Cannings utilized his position to sponsor three distinct private member bills, focusing on sustainability and transparency.
- Bill C-354: Introduced on April 13, 2017, this bill aimed to amend the Public Works and Government Services Act to promote the use of wood in federal public works projects. While it passed the House of Commons with multi-party support (excluding the Conservative Party), it was blocked in the Senate by the Conservatives.
- Bill C-360: This bill sought to restore several water bodies to the Navigable Waters Protection Act in response to the Jobs and Growth Act. The targeted bodies included Skaha Lake, Vaseux Lake, Tuc-el-nuit Lake, Osoyoos Lake, Christina Lake, the Okanagan River, Slocan River, Kettle River, and Granby River. The bill did not pass the first reading because government bill C-69 was simultaneously redefining navigable waters.
- Bill C-363: Introduced on September 22, 2017, this bill addressed the practice of the 28th Canadian Ministry (2011–2015) of avoiding the listing of species in the Species at Risk Public Registry. Although the bill did not advance, its core requirement—that the Minister notify the Governor in Council and recommend whether to list a species—was adopted as an operational policy by the Ministry of Environment.
Election Success and Retirement
Cannings maintained his seat in the 2019 Canadian federal election, narrowly defeating Conservative candidate and Penticton city councillor Helena Konanz. He was successfully re-elected again in the 2021 federal election.
In September 2023, Cannings announced that he would not seek re-election in the 2025 federal election. Looking toward the future of his party, he endorsed Alberta MP Heather McPherson in the 2026 NDP leadership election.
Key Facts
- First Political Run: 2012 (BC NDP nomination in Penticton).
- Federal Victory: Won South Okanagan—West Kootenay in 2015 with 37% of the vote.
- Key Roles: Critic for Natural Resources and Critic for Post-Secondary Education.
- Legislative Focus: Wood use in public works, navigable water protection, and endangered species registry transparency.
- Retirement: Announced in September 2023 that he will not run in 2025.
| Bill | Primary Objective | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Bill C-354 | Promote wood use in federal public works | Passed House; blocked by Senate |
| Bill C-360 | Restore lakes/rivers to Navigable Waters Protection Act | Did not advance past first reading |
| Bill C-363 | Mandate notification for Species at Risk listing | Did not advance; adopted as operational policy |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Cannings first enter politics?
Cannings entered politics in 2012 when he sought the British Columbia New Democratic Party nomination in Penticton.
Which federal riding did Cannings represent?
Cannings represented the riding of South Okanagan—West Kootenay, winning the seat first in 2015 and subsequently in 2019 and 2021.
What was the purpose of Bill C-354?
Bill C-354 was designed to amend the Public Works and Government Services Act to encourage the use of wood in federal public works projects.
How did Bill C-363 impact the Ministry of Environment?
Although Bill C-363 did not become law, its proposal to require the Minister to notify the Governor in Council regarding species listing was adopted as an operational policy by the Ministry of Environment.
Will Cannings run in the 2025 federal election?
No, Cannings announced in September 2023 that he would not seek re-election in 2025.