Kelowna mayor and council disavow councillor's column opining on global and local politics

Councillors in Kelowna, B.C., are distancing themselves from a fellow council member in response to his recent opinion piece in a local publication that addresses contentious issues ranging from wars abroad to the anti-SOGI movement at home.

Ron Cannan, a former Conservative MP who was elected to council in 2022, makes numerous predictions about global and local events for the new year in a religion-tinged Jan. 2 column for Kelowna Now.

Acting Mayor Loyal Wooldridge told CBC that the column "doesn't promote the inclusivity that the City of Kelowna continues to strive for," and doesn't make it clear enough that these are Cannan's personal opinions and not the views of council.

He said he's received a significant amount of feedback about it.

"I think the public is fair to feel upset, disappointment and anger, frankly, about some of the statements that have been made," Wooldridge said.

"As leaders, we have to take a strong position and make it known that this isn't our view and stand with our most marginalized and under-represented voices that feel attacked at this time."

The city says the matter will be considered under the code of conduct governing councillors' behaviour.

Column calls for readers to download Bible app

Cannan's column begins by predicting a difficult year for Ukraine because "public opinion is not buying what the regime is selling," then suggests Donald Trump will be called upon to broker a peace deal after he is re-elected as U.S. president.

Cannan goes on to opine about the Israel-Gaza war and the future of Justin Trudeau's Liberals.

He predicts more "socialist" policies from the federal government, "as NDP leader Jagmeet Singh won't break up with his 'man-friend' Justin" — language that some have interpreted as homophobic.

He also suggests the local school board will face more pushback from community members "who are joining together with valued concerns regarding the SOGI [B.C.'s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity resource] policy and transgender movement within our public schools."

Cannan ends by stating that only God can predict the year ahead.

"If you really want hope for the future and to better understand the truth of what the future holds, I would encourage you to download a Bible in a year reading app and make it a part of your daily routine," he writes.

The city has released a statement saying that Cannan's opinions are personal and do not represent the views of council.

"Members of council and the public have shared their concerns with me regarding Councillor Cannan's viewpoints and we are disappointed that he has used his elected position as a city councillor in this way," Mayor Tom Dyas said.

"Many of the issues he has expressed opinions about are outside the jurisdiction of local government."

Kelowna city hall is pictured in 2022. (Tom Popyk/CBC)

Cannan defended the opinion piece in a series of text messages to CBC, saying he respects the code of conduct, and pointed out a disclaimer at the top of the column that says opinion writers' views are their own.

"I respect that some may not agree with my opinion and I am sorry if some may be offended," Cannan said.

He said his prediction of Trump's re-election should not be interpreted as support for the former U.S. president, and that he loves Ukrainians and does not support Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Cannan added that his predictions about school board pushback related to SOGI resources is solely based on what he has heard from members of the public.

"I find it interesting in that some of the greatest opponents to my column of predictions is … from people who are strong advocates for SOGI and don't appreciate my Christian biblical beliefs," he said.

"SOGI is supposed to be teaching students all about diversity and respect of others' truths and yet they attack me personally for stating a prediction. Does that seem inclusive?"