Chancellor of Capilano University, community businessman, and Order of British Columbia recipient Yuri Fulmer has been nominated as the 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 to be 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 3 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 worked his way up to become manager, eventually earning the opportunity and raising the funds to purchase a franchise in New Westminster. Since then, he has grown that single A&W franchise into dozens, as well as managed, developed, and invested in a number of 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 an array of 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.

Throughout all of Fulmer’s work, one theme becomes clear: an unwavering commitment to philanthropy. Professionally, Fulmer works closely with every business he invests in to ensure they support the needs of the communities they operate in. Philanthropically, he has led in fundraising over $100 million dollar for community-focussed groups including the Vancouver Foundation, the Surrey Food Bank Society, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, the Minerva Foundation, and the Boys & Girls Clubs.

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 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 18 - 35 are considering leaving the Province because of affordability issues. That’s awful. Parents are having to make choices at the grocery store because of high prices. The carbon tax has put a strain on families and on 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 a number of 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."

Party Leader John Rustad said the following on Fulmer’s nomination:

“I am incredibly excited to announce Yuri as the newest high-calibre addition to our Conservative team. Yuri’s reputation as a leader in British Columbia’s financial sector makes him the perfect candidate to bring the concerns of West Vancouver—Sea to Sky to Victoria and help to lead the  Conservative Party of BC's fight for fiscal responsibility and affordability in the province. Yuri has also been recognized for his immense contributions to the good of various communities across our province; I look forward to working side by side with him as he brings this work to Victoria."

Fulmer’s vision for the riding and British Columbia is simple: “Thriving communities for a prosperous future."