VICTORIA – Seven more BC NDP MLAs will seek re-election, standing with Premier David Eby and the BC NDP to protect the province as the trade war escalates.

Garry Begg will run again in Surrey-Guildford, Jagrup Brar in Surrey-Fleetwood, Dana Lajeunesse in Juan de Fuca-Malahat, Randene Neill in Powell River-Sunshine Coast, Amna Shah in Surrey-City Centre, Jessie Sunner in Surrey-Newton, and Debra Toporowski in Cowichan Valley.

The trade war is creating uncertainty for workers and businesses. The BC NDP is expanding support for workers and businesses, keeping U.S. alcohol off liquor store shelves, and protecting the public services that British Columbians rely on.

“We’ve been through a lot lately, and Donald Trump is making things harder by threatening Canadian jobs and driving up costs,” said David Eby, BC NDP Leader. “The choice for British Columbians is clear: a government that stands up for our industries, protects the investments we’ve made and keeps building for the future, or one that gives in to Trump and puts those investments at risk.”

The Conservatives would put American liquor back on the shelves without any concessions and have admitted that healthcare and education “are going to have to take the brunt” of their spending cuts.

QUOTES

Garry Begg, BC NDP candidate for Surrey-Guildford -

“Surrey is growing quickly, and after 38 years in policing I know that keeping people safe starts with making sure our investments in policing, public safety and community services keep pace with that growth. I’m proud to stand with the BC NDP because our team has a real plan to tackle crime, improve healthcare and address the transportation needs of Surrey and the region South of the Fraser.”

Jagrup Brar, BC NDP candidate for Surrey-Fleetwood –

“Surrey is home to people who work hard, start businesses and build opportunities for their families, and I know how important it is that we keep creating those opportunities. As Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, I’ve seen first-hand the potential B.C. has to create good jobs and build new markets beyond the United States. I’m running again because I want to keep building an economy where people can succeed right here at home.”

Dana Lajeunesse, BC NDP candidate for Juan de Fuca-Malahat –

“People in Juan de Fuca-Malahat deserve a strong voice in Victoria: one that understands the pressures they face, how the decisions made at the provincial level affect people here at home, and how to deliver results for our community. That means even more access to healthcare, safer and more reliable transportation, action on affordability and support for local businesses and workers. I’ve spent this last term listening, learning and getting to work, and I’m ready to hit the ground running in the next term as your MLA. With the Trump administration putting jobs and our economy at risk through its trade war, we must work together to protect our communities and build a more secure future.”

Randene Neill, BC NDP candidate in Powell River-Sunshine Coast –

“Now more than ever, British Columbians need leaders who will stand up for our province, protect the people who call it home and defend what makes B.C. such a special place. As Donald Trump threatens our economy and our way of life, we need to stand strong for British Columbians while continuing the important work of protecting our environment. We’re fighting for a more resilient B.C. where we are good stewards of the place we call home.”

Amna Shah, BC NDP candidate for Surrey-City Centre –

“B.C. has an opportunity to come out of this trade war stronger by supporting families today and building an economy that can stand on its own. From my work on affordable housing to my time with the Surrey Food Bank, I’ve seen how important it is to make sure people have the support and opportunities they need to get ahead. At a time like this, we can’t afford the Conservative cuts, higher costs, or their chaos.”

Jessie Sunner, BC NDP candidate for Surrey-Newton –

“The world is an uncertain place and people in Surrey-Newton are feeling the pressure of rising costs. I’ve spent my career standing up for workers and making sure people have a voice, and that experience matters now more than ever. I’m running again because I want to keep fighting for working people in Surrey-Newton, protect everything we have built together and make sure our community has a bright future.”

Debra Toporowski, BC NDP candidate for Cowichan Valley –

“Now more than ever, people in the Cowichan Valley need leaders focused on the issues that matter most in their daily lives: making housing more attainable, strengthening healthcare and making life more affordable. At the same time, we must stand up for British Columbians as the Trump administration threatens thousands of jobs, our economy and the way of life that communities across our province depend on. I’m proud to once again put my name forward to fight for the Cowichan Valley and protect the people, places and values that make this province home.”

BIOGRAPHIES

Garry Begg (Headshot)

Garry Begg was first elected as the MLA for Surrey-Guildford in 2017. He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Surrey Infrastructure in July 2025 and previously held roles as Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and as Government Whip.

Before being elected, Garry was a career RCMP Officer serving in various locations and in a wide variety of duties for over 38 years, the last eight in Surrey, where he was a District Commander, Watch Commander, and Operations Support Officer.

Garry is married, with two adult children and two grandchildren.

Jagrup Brar (Headshot)

Jagrup Brar was first elected as the MLA for Surrey-Panorama Ridge in 2004, and served until 2013 and then served as the MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood from 2017 to the present. He was appointed the Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals in November 2024, previously serving as Minister of State for Trade.

Born in India, Jagrup was a member of the Indian National Basketball team and earned a master’s degree in Philosophy. He then moved to Canada to study Public Administration and received an MPA. For over a decade, Jagrup worked in the public and non-profit sectors. As the Executive Director of the Surrey Self Employment and Entrepreneur Development Society, he trained new entrepreneurs to develop and launch successful small business ventures.

Jagrup lives in Surrey with his wife Rajwant and their two children, Noor and Fateh.

Dana Lajeunesse (Headshot)

Dana was elected MLA for Juan de Fuca-Malahat in 2024 and served as Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, working to advance accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities across British Columbia. Before being elected MLA, Dana served on Sooke Council from 2019 to 2024 and was active in the community through the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor's Advisory Panel on Economic Development. A longtime resident of Sooke, Dana spent his childhood in Jordan River. After a life-altering injury ended his path in the forestry industry, he returned to school, earned a diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Camosun College, and built a successful 24-year career in the field.

Randene Neill (Headshot)

First elected as the MLA in 2024, Randene has served as B.C.’s Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. Prior to being elected, she spent nearly 20 years as a journalist for Global BC, reporting and anchoring the Noon Newshour, Newshour Final and the Newshour on the weekends. She also worked as a communications specialist at the B.C. Parks Foundation and the new St. Paul’s Hospital. She, her partner and two dogs live on the Sunshine Coast. She is a step-mom to two wonderful daughters.

Amna Shah (Headshot)

Amna Shah was first elected as the MLA for Surrey-City Centre in 2024 and soon after was appointed Deputy Government Whip and Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Addictions and for Anti-Racism Initiatives.

Growing up, her family taught her about the importance of compassion, public service, and standing up for your community — values that guide her every day. Because she believes that no family should be left behind without enough to eat, she became a dedicated volunteer at the Surrey Food Bank and served on the Board of Directors. Like so many people in Surrey, Amna is also passionate about housing, which is what drove her to work with BC’s Ministry of Housing, where she helped move forward affordable housing policies and projects.

Amna has called Surrey home for nearly 20 years.

Jessie Sunner (Headshot)

Having grown up in Surrey, Jessie knows firsthand what makes this community such a special place to live, work and raise a family. As the MLA for Surrey-Newton, Jessie spent her first term fighting for this community and making sure Surrey has a strong voice at the table.

As Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, Jessie worked to expand opportunities for students and apprentices, and ensure British Columbians are first in line for the jobs of the future. She has also fought to bring the investments Surrey deserves, including a new SFU Medical School, the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension, more than 15,000 new student spaces, and the infrastructure needed to support our growing community. Before entering politics, Jessie was a labour and human rights lawyer and trade unionist, where she fought for everyday working people. She has brought that same determination to public life.

Jessie is running for re-election to continue delivering for Surrey and she is committed to taking action with David Eby and the BC NDP to fight for all who call our vibrant and diverse community of Surrey-Newton home.

Debra Toporowski (Headshot)

First elected in 2024 to represent Cowichan Valley, Debra has served as the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. A member of the Cowichan nation, Debra was previously a two term elected Councillor in the municipality of North Cowichan and a five time Councillor of Cowichan Tribes — the first elected female to hold both positions on two councils at the same time. A champion for Indigenous watersheds and the services people count on, Debra is focused on ensuring people can build a good life in the Cowichan Valley.