CapU chancellor Conservative Party of BC candidate for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky

Chancellor of Capilano University and Chairman of Fulmer & Company, Yuri Fulmer, O.B.C., has been appointed as the Conservative Party of BC Candidate for the riding of West Vancouver–Sea to Sky.

“I’m running because I have an immense love for this province. I came to BC 33 years ago, planning to stay for three weeks, and instead, I stayed for the rest of my life. But I’m worried. People can’t afford rent, let alone afford a home. Our healthcare system, which was the best in the world 30 years ago, is now one of the worst. Kids are going to school in portables with no end in sight. We have a massive deficit that is mortgaging our kids’ futures. 36% of British Columbians are seriously considering leaving the province. I want to bring back the prosperous British Columbia I fell in love with when I arrived. That’s why I’m running.”

Fulmer’s extensive business career started modestly as a drive-thru attendant at a North Shore A&W. He became manager, eventually earning the opportunity and raising funds to purchase a franchise in New Westminster. Since then, he has grown that single A&W franchise into dozens and managed, developed, and invested in several other businesses, including Mr. Mike’s Steakhouse and Pizza Hut franchises across Western Canada. In 2010, Fulmer founded Fulmer & Company to invest in and mentor small and mid-sized businesses. Over the last decade and a half, Fulmer & Company has invested in various businesses in technology, manufacturing, and consumer packaged goods. Fulmer is committed to leveraging his experience to support the growth and innovation of small businesses across the Sea-to-Sky corridor and West Vancouver.

Before becoming Chair of the Board of United Way Centraide Canada in 2017, Fulmer served as General Campaign Chair for United Way of the Lower Mainland, raising over 30 million dollars for the charity in his first year (2008).

As the Chair of the Board of United Way, Fulmer has guided their work in tackling complex social issues such as homelessness and drug use across Canada.

By entering provincial politics, Fulmer wants to take United Way’s mission of “moving people from poverty to possibility” to Victoria by championing affordability for British Columbians.

“Half of British Columbians aged 1835 are considering leaving the Province because of affordability issues. That’s awful. Parents have to make choices at the grocery store because of high prices. The carbon tax has strained families and the cost of goods. Young British Columbians need the promise of good-paying jobs and the hope of buying a home they can be proud of. That’s the Province I want to live in.”

Fulmer has made numerous professional contributions to the riding and the North Shore. He is Past Chair of the Board of B.C. Ferries and, in 2020 was appointed Chancellor of Capilano University, making him the youngest University Chancellor in Canada. In 2023, he was reappointed to a second term as Chancellor.

Fulmer’s has been recognized by several awards, including the Order of British Columbia (O.B.C.), the BC Community Achievement Award, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, Canada’s Top Forty Under 40, The Spirit of Vancouver Award, The Joseph and Rosalie Segal Community Vision Award, the André Mailhot Award as the largest honour in United Way volunteerism, and in 2021 was named a “Living Legend” by Business in Vancouver.

Fulmer has made listening first a priority of his professional career and intends to bring this attitude to running for office.

“I’ve heard serious concerns about fires from constituents in Pemberton and Whistler. They have justifiable fear. Fear for their safety. Fear for their homes. From West Vancouverites, I hear about the skyrocketing cost of the wastewater treatment plant and the lack of accountability to taxpayers. I hear constantly about safety on the Sea to Sky Highway and what we can do to keep our families safe as they drive along the most beautiful roadway in the province. But most loudly, I hear about the desperate state of healthcare. How our once amazing system is now in shambles. ERs closed. Wait times are measured in years and months instead of days and weeks. I hear people who can’t find doctors. Who can’t access cancer care.”