VICTORIA – The BC NDP is announcing more candidates running in the provincial election to stand up for B.C., lower costs for families, strengthen healthcare and build a stronger economy that is less dependent on the United States.

Norma Blissett will run in Kootenay-Rockies, Hudson Campbell in Maple Ridge East, Jodie Wickens in Coquitlam-Burke Mountain, Sikander Kang in Surrey-Serpentine River and Linda Li in Richmond-Bridgeport.

The candidates’ experience range from local government and education to healthcare and they have a track record of being strong advocates for their communities. They are running for the BC NDP at a critical time for the province, as Donald Trump’s trade war threatens B.C. jobs and livelihoods.

“With so much at stake in this election, British Columbians know we have to stand up for B.C., protect our economy and the public services people rely on,” said David Eby, Leader of the BC NDP. “Instead of Conservative cuts and chaos, our BC NDP candidates are focused on supporting workers and businesses, building the homes and infrastructure our communities need, and making sure everyone has the opportunity to build a good life here.”

In recent days Eby has proposed new Built in B.C. and Canada procurement rules for public infrastructure projects, action to turn more empty condos into homes people can afford, and an expansion of B.C.’s recruitment of healthcare workers from the United States.

The BC Conservatives have taken a different approach, with candidates pushing to lift restrictions on American liquor. The Conservatives would also make deep cuts to healthcare to balance the budget.

QUOTES

Norma Blissett -

“People in Cranbrook and across the Kootenays deserve access to quality healthcare close to home. The Conservatives have said healthcare and education would have to take the brunt of their spending cuts, and that would put the care families rely on at risk. I’m proud to stand with the BC NDP to keep investing in healthcare and make sure people in our region can get the care they need when they need it.”

Hudson Campbell –

"Families in our community are seeing real progress on schools, housing and healthcare, but Conservative cuts and chaos would put all of that at risk. We have more to do, and I'm ready to keep fighting for our community alongside the BC NDP team to bring down costs for working families, protect the services people rely on, and build an economy with new markets and good jobs, so everyone can build a good life here."

Jodie Wickens –

“People in Coquitlam want to know who is going to stand up for them during these challenging times. The BC NDP is the only party with a plan to free our economy from the US, recruit more healthcare workers in B.C., and bring down costs for families.”

Sikander Kang –

“As a physiotherapist, I see how healthcare and support close to home affect people’s lives. I’m running to bring that focus on listening and care to Surrey-Serpentine River. I’m proud to join a BC NDP team that is recruiting more healthcare workers, building homes, and standing up for B.C. jobs during these challenging times.”

Linda Li -

“People in Richmond know what’s at stake in this election. During uncertain times, we need stability and a government that will continue recruiting more doctors and nurses, expanding schools and childcare, and making homes more affordable. I’m running to join David’s BC NDP team to help Richmond families build a good life and a stronger future in our community.”

BIOGRAPHIES

Norma Blissett (Headshot)

Norma Blissett has served on Cranbrook City Council for the past 12
years and has represented Cranbrook on the Regional District of East
Kootenay for the past four years. A former high school teacher and
forester, Norma is a longtime Cranbrook resident and proud parent of
three adult children and grandparent of three grandchildren, all of
whom live in the area. Outside of public service, Norma is an avid
curler and downhill skier.



Hudson Campbell (Headshot)

Hudson Campbell is a School Trustee for School District 42, but his community involvement began long before that. He was a founding member of UPlan with the City of Maple Ridge, served as President of the Maple Ridge Climate Hub, and was Director of Protocol for the 2024 BC Summer Games. Growing up attending local schools, he also chaired the District Student Advisory Council. Hudson knows government choices directly shape the lives of British Columbians, from public education and healthcare to creating good jobs here in B.C. He is running to be a strong voice for his neighbours in Maple Ridge East, and to build a sustainable community where every senior, young person, and family can afford to live, work and build a good life.

Jodie Wickens (Headshot)

Jodie Wickens was elected MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain in 2016 and again in 2024. She has served as the Minister of State for Child Care and Children and Youth with Support Needs, and most recently the Minister of Children and Family Development. Jodie played a key role in securing important investments in her community, including a new Urgent and Primary Care Centre to improve access to healthcare.

Outside of the legislature she has been a strong advocate for children and families, including as the Director of Programs and Services at SHARE Family & Community Services Society. Jodie has lived in Coquitlam for over 20 years, where she and her husband are raising two children.

Sikander Kang (Headshot)

Sikander Kang is the BC NDP candidate for Surrey-Serpentine River. He has served as a member-at-large on the board of the PICS Society, which supports South Asian communities across B.C. A registered physiotherapist, he holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physiotherapy and established and manages five clinics in the Lower Mainland. He has also been active in BC NDP organizing. He is married and has two young children, a son and a daughter.

Linda Li (Headshot)

Linda Li has been a pillar of the community in Richmond for three decades. She has served as President of the Richmond Chinese Community Society and as Fundraising Ambassador for the Richmond Hospital Foundation. Linda serves on the SFU Board of Governors, is a dedicated volunteer for her local Sea Scouts group, and is the managing broker at Metrohome Realty Ltd.

Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, she is committed to advancing economic opportunity, education, and accessible healthcare within diverse communities. A devoted mother of three, Linda understands that Richmond families need a government that is in their corner, working to make life better.