VICTORIA – More BC NDP candidates are joining David Eby to stand up for British Columbians and serve their communities by making life more affordable and strengthening public services.

Sara Lopez will run in North Island, Kala Bryson in Saanich North and the Islands, Jules Côté in Abbotsford West, Kathryn Askew in Cariboo-Chilcotin, George Morgan in West Kelowna-Peachland and Jason Leboe in Fraser-Nicola.

The candidates are stepping forward at a critical time for B.C., bringing local experience and a commitment to serving their communities as an escalating trade war with the United States puts jobs, businesses and families under pressure.

“British Columbians are looking for leaders who understand what’s happening in their communities and will fight for the things that matter most,” said David Eby, Leader of the BC NDP. “These candidates know their communities, they know the challenges people are facing, and they’re ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.”

These candidates bring deep local experience and a strong commitment to the people they want to represent. They’re joining the BC NDP to support workers and businesses, strengthen healthcare and make life more affordable. Earlier today, David Eby announced a plan to cut gas prices by 30 cents a litre and crack down on corporate price gouging.

B.C. is facing a period of real uncertainty, with American tariffs putting pressure on workers and businesses across the province. The BC NDP will continue working to protect British Columbians from the impacts of the trade war, open new markets for B.C. businesses and build an economy that is less dependent on the United States.

Sara Lopez —

“North Island families deserve good jobs, strong health care and a fair shot at an affordable life and a future in the communities they love. I’m proud to call Campbell River home, and I’m ready to stand up for the people of North Island. David Eby and the BC NDP have a plan to build B.C. strong and create more opportunity for families across our province.”

Kala Bryson —

“People deserve to know that the institutions they rely on will be there when they need them. I’m proud to stand with David Eby and the BC NDP to build a stronger B.C. with good jobs, strong public health care and support for families facing rising costs. I’m ready to bring my experience and my belief in community to stand up for the people of Saanich North and the Islands.”

Jules Côté —

“Last year, I knocked on doors and heard how affordability was shaping people’s lives. I’m proud to run again with the BC NDP and work for a future where people can afford to live, build homes, and get the health care they need. I grew up in Abbotsford, and I want families and young people to be able to build their future here.”

Kathryn Askew –

“I’ve spent my career standing up for students, working families and strong public services, and I’m proud to bring that commitment to Cariboo-Chilcotin. I saw the damage caused by cuts to schools and public services under the previous government, and I know there is more work to do. I’m running with the BC NDP because I believe in David Eby’s leadership and in building a B.C. where people can find good jobs, afford a home and count on quality healthcare and education.”

George Morgan –

“People across B.C. are feeling the pressure of higher costs, and they want to know their communities are safe and their families can get ahead. The BC NDP is focused on making life more affordable, strengthening healthcare and investing in the services that keep communities strong and vibrant. That means working together to build safe, healthy communities where people can afford to live, work and raise a family.”

Jason Leboe –

“Public services are the lifeblood of rural communities. We can’t have good jobs, new investment and strong local economies without the public services and infrastructure that make them possible. That means supporting our workers, investing in our communities and building a future where rural B.C. can thrive.”

BIOS:

Sara Lopez (headshot here)

Sara Lopez has called Campbell River home for more than a decade, choosing to raise her children close to their Kwakwaka’wakw and Nuu-chah-nulth community, culture and family. Her career in nonprofits, arts and culture, social justice and community service has always been about standing up for people who too often don’t have a voice. As Executive Director of the Campbell River Art Gallery, Sara stood her ground when the City Council moved to remove the Gallery’s tax-exempt status, fighting back with broad community support and winning that fight.

Today, through her work with Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North, she continues to advocate for affordable housing and stronger communities.

Kala Bryson (headshot here)

Kala Bryson is a lawyer and community advocate dedicated to strengthening public institutions and improving access to justice. Raised in co-op housing, Kala grew up with a strong sense of community, collaboration and care for each other. She earned her JD from the University of Victoria and has dedicated her career and volunteer work around making systems work better for the people who rely on them

Jules Côté (headshot here)

Jules Côté was born and raised in Abbotsford and is a political science student at the University of the Fraser Valley. She is a member of the National Farmers Union and has volunteered with the local food bank and the Starfish Pack Program. In 2025, she was the NDP candidate for Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford in the federal election.

Kathryn Askew (headshot here)

Kathryn Askew is a retired public school teacher with 32 years of experience in education and a long record of union and community service. She served in leadership roles with the BCTF and her local teachers’ union, including as local president and bargaining chair, and received a national award for innovative teaching. Now living at Canim Lake, Kathryn volunteers with the Hawkins Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Forest Grove Legion and Canim Lake Community Club, and is a proud mother, grandmother and community advocate.

George Morgan (headshot here)

George Morgan is a West Kelowna resident and UBC Okanagan master’s student in mechanical engineering who is deeply involved in his community. He is a Rotary member, swimming instructor at Johnson Bentley Pool, volunteer at KGH and director with Regional Crime Stoppers, and has previously served as an Air Cadet flight sergeant.

Jason Leboe (headshot here)

Jason Leboe works as a utilities operator for the District of Hope and serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the Fraser Valley Labour Council. An active member of CUPE BC and CUPE Local 458, Jason has spent years advocating for workers and strong public services. He has made Hope his home for years and is a proud father of two, avid hiker and triathlete.