Stephen Fuhr
- Born
- May 27, 1969 — Edmonton, Alberta
- Family
- Father of one
- Education
- Diploma in aviation technology from Trinity Western University
- Career
- Retired air force officer, aviation executive
- Political Experience
- MP for Kelowna—Lake Country (2015-2019), MP for Kelowna (2025-present), Secretary of State for Defence Procurement (2025-present)
- Notable
- Served for 20 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), retiring with the rank of Major. Home in West Kelowna was destroyed in the McDougall Creek fire in August 2023.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering politics, Stephen Fuhr had a career in aviation. He served for 20 years with the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he was a CF-18 fighter pilot. After his military service, he worked as a commercial pilot for several companies. Fuhr was also an entrepreneur, co-founding a technology company called The Hangar, which focused on the aviation industry.
Key Relationships & Connections
As a Member of Parliament, Stephen Fuhr served as the Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence. In this role, he worked closely with the Minister of National Defence at the time, Harjit Sajjan, on military and security issues. He was also a vocal advocate for the economic potential of the cannabis industry in his Okanagan-based riding, which brought him into contact with various industry stakeholders.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
In 2018, the federal Ethics Commissioner investigated Stephen Fuhr following allegations that he used his position to benefit a cannabis company. The complaint related to a letter Fuhr sent to a municipal official in support of the company, The Hydropothecary Corporation (now HEXO Corp.), which had a consulting contract with a firm owned by his then-spouse. The Ethics Commissioner's report concluded that Fuhr had not breached the Conflict of Interest Act, clearing him of wrongdoing, but noted the situation could create a perception of a conflict.
Public Controversies
Stephen Fuhr faced a public controversy in 2016 after he was secretly recorded at a town hall meeting discussing electoral reform. In the recording, Fuhr suggested that the Liberal party's promise to change the voting system was made with the assumption they would not win a majority government and that the commitment might not be followed through on. The comments were widely criticized as cynical. Fuhr later publicly apologized for his remarks, stating they did not reflect the views of the government or the Prime Minister.
Where Stephen falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
Tracy Gray won with 27,620 votes (46.9%)
Total votes cast: 58,841
moved that the bill, as amended, be concurred in at report stage.