John Kwasnica, a 59-year-old Oliver, B.C. resident of 25 years and long-time Community Living worker, is the Green Party of BC candidate for the Boundary-Similkameen riding.
Raised in a Royal Canadian Air Force family in both Ontario and Europe, Kwasnica joined the Canadian Forces out of high school and as a United Nations’ peacekeeper, was assigned to transport supplies across the Gaza Strip following the Arab-Israeli War of 1973.
Honorably discharged in 1976, Kwasnica headed west and worked in the oil patch out of Edmonton before heading to Vancouver where he met his wife, Angela.
The couple has four children – Jason, Cort, Jordan and Alyssa.
Kwasnica’s first political association was as shop steward with the British Columbia Ferry and Marine Worker’s Union.
In 1988 the Kwasnica family settled in Oliver where John has been attached to the South Okanagan Association for Integrated Community Living. He has lately served as chair of his union local where he acquainted himself with party politics as practiced by the BC NDP.
Of his work in the community living movement, Kwasnica affirms the importance of helping adults with developmental disabilities and their families build good lives, enjoy full citizenship and productive relationships in inclusive, supportive communities.
He has backed the Green Party in provincial general elections in 2001, 2005 and 2009.
“Being selected to run for the Green Party this time further deepens my commitment to Green principles and policies,” says Kwasnica. “I am ready to serve the families of the Southern Interior region as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Boundary-Similkameen.”
– Contributed