For the first time in history, Penticton is represented by a woman both in the provincial legislative assembly and the federal parliament.

In November 2024, Amelia Boultbee, candidate for the BC Conservatives, was elected MLA for the riding of Penticton- Summerland and in April 2025 Helena Konanz won her seat as MP for Similkameen-South Okanagan-West Kootenay for the Conservative Party of Canada.

“I thought it was very cool—so many years until now without a woman representing this area,” Boultbee said.

Konanz stresses the importance of women becoming involved in local politics which can lead to positions in higher levels of government.

Both she and Boutlbee served on Penticton city council—Konanz for 10 years and Boultbee for two.

“More and more women are taking leadership roles,” Kon

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