VICTORIA — Today, the BC NDP announced six more candidates joining the team to fight for their communities.

Adila Shaukat will run in Chilliwack North, Ian McMahon in Prince George-Mackenzie, Bruce Kong in Richmond-Steveston, Erin Osborne in Langley-Abbotsford, Denice Bardua in Prince George-North Cariboo and Miriam Rycroft in Kelowna-Mission.

“These candidates are ready to fight for their communities and protect the jobs and services their neighbours count on,” said David Eby, Leader of the BC NDP. “Our team has a plan to create good jobs, strengthen health care and lower costs for families across B.C.”

The BC NDP is announcing action to protect families from rising grocery and gas costs and save them money. The grocery plan would cap the retail markups large grocery chains can charge on essentials such as milk, eggs, butter, cheese, chicken and turkey. The plan also includes clear per-unit pricing, a ban on property deals that block grocery competition, rules against unfair use of personal data to set prices, and a new independent wholesale food terminal in the Lower Mainland. The margin cap would apply to large corporate retailers, with rules to stop them from passing its cost back to farmers.

These plans support the BC NDP’s commitment to protect people from rising costs. The conservative parties would cozy up to Trump, cut health care and drive up costs for working people.

Adila Shaukat — Chilliwack North

“I was raised by a single mother who was a school teacher, and I’m now a proud mother of three. Through my public service and work with local non-profits, I’ve seen how affordability, homelessness and access to healthcare affect people in Chilliwack North. I’m running with the BC NDP to be a strong local voice and help build good jobs, strengthen healthcare and lower costs for families.”

Ian McMahon — Prince George-Mackenzie

“People in Prince George-Mackenzie want a government that is in their corner, creating good union forestry jobs, strengthening healthcare and keeping communities strong. I’ve spent my career working on the issues that matter to people here, from forestry and economic development to healthcare and public services. I’m running because I want to put that experience to work for our region and make sure people have a strong voice in Victoria.”

Bruce Kong — Richmond-Steveston

“People in my community are working hard to get ahead, and they deserve a government that fights just as hard for them. The BC NDP is fighting to bring down everyday costs, protect services like healthcare, and create more jobs for workers here in B.C.”

Erin Osborne — Langley-Abbotsford

“David Eby and the BC NDP have a plan to bring down everyday costs, protect the jobs people rely on, and recruit more doctors and nurses for a stronger healthcare system. The conservatives and their cuts to services are a risk we can’t afford.”

Miriam Rycroft — Kelowna-Mission

“We need to build B.C. strong by creating good jobs, strengthening healthcare and protecting people from rising costs. We can’t afford Conservative cuts to healthcare and education or plans that would drive up costs for families when people need stability most.”

Denice Bardua – Prince George-North Cariboo

“Families in the North are working hard to build a good life and they deserve a government that has their backs. We need to make life more affordable and invest in healthcare and education. I want to make life better for families today while building stronger communities for future generations.”

BIOS:

Adila Shaukat (headshot here)

Adila Shaukat has lived in Chilliwack North since 2019 and has served the community through public service, including as a constituency assistant in MLA Dan Coulter’s office and as a voter contact organizer in the riding’s 2024 campaign. Since 2025, she has been building relationships with community leaders, labour unions and industry partners. She holds a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from Imperial College London and has worked in research and higher education in Pakistan and the United Kingdom. A proud mother of three, her priorities include affordability, homelessness and access to health care.

Ian McMahon (headshot here)

Ian McMahon is a seasoned public servant with three decades of experience in provincial, federal and international politics, including senior roles in B.C. government, Parliament Hill and the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. He has worked to strengthen B.C.’s forestry sector, taught political science, and managed campaigns and government relations work at every level. A cancer survivor and mental health advocate, Ian is guided by a belief in strong healthcare, good jobs and a government that is in people’s corner.

Bruce Kong (headshot here)

Bruce Kong understands the challenges of running a small business and raising a family today. After immigrating to B.C. as a child, Bruce saw how his parents worked hard to build a good life here. Now owning his own auto body shop and raising his own family, Bruce is dedicated to making his community an even better place for families to grow and thrive.

Erin Osborne (headshot here)

Erin Osborne is dedicated to making life better for British Columbians. Growing up in a military family, Erin gained an early understanding of what it means to serve one’s community. While working as a manager at local independent shop The Book Man, Erin got to know many of the concerns of consumers and small businesses in the Fraser Valley. As a public servant, Erin has worked on issues of importance to British Columbians, including reconciliation.

Miriam Rycroft

Miriam Rycroft is a proud British Columbian with extensive experience in public service, working previously in Ottawa and in Alberta for the Notley government, as well as advocating for small businesses in the private sector.

Denice Bardua (headshot here)

Denice Bardua has worked in Aboriginal education with School District 28 and has spent more than a decade as President of CUPE 4990. She has served on the Bouchie Lake Fire Commission and Recreation Commission, coordinated Bouchie Lake slow pitch and coached local teams. Denice has also served two terms as President of CUPE’s Northern Area District Council.