Nine more BC NDP candidates to run in election
VICTORIA – The BC NDP has nine more candidates seeking election to continue standing up for British Columbians, strengthen B.C.’s economy and protect people from the uncertainty created by Donald Trump and U.S. tariffs.
Jesse Gervais will run in Nechako Lakes, Jason McCormick in Delta South, Todd Schierling in Delta North, Carol Bourque in Prince George-Valemount, Rohini Arora in Burnaby East, Raj Chouhan in Burnaby-New Westminster, Jennifer Whiteside in New Westminster-Coquitlam, Terry Yung in Vancouver-Yaletown, and Paul Choi in Burnaby South-Metrotown.
At a time when Donald Trump is putting B.C. workers, families and businesses under pressure, the BC NDP is focused on building a stronger, more resilient economy here at home – one that is focused on making life more affordable and strengthening healthcare, and less dependent on the United States and better prepared to withstand economic uncertainty.
“Each of these candidates are passionate about their communities, they understand the challenges people are facing, and they have a track record of getting things done,” said David Eby, Leader of the BC NDP. “From improving healthcare and building more homes to making life more affordable and creating good jobs, they will fight for the priorities of working people.”
While the Conservatives look to Donald Trump and his politics for direction, BC NDP candidates are focused on putting B.C. first and making sure local communities have a strong voice in the decisions that affect their future.
The BC NDP’s plan will protect people and businesses facing tariffs, bring down costs for working families and strengthen the healthcare system British Columbians rely on.
The plan will build an economy that is less dependent on the U.S. by opening new markets, building the infrastructure and homes B.C. needs, creating good-paying jobs and training British Columbians for the opportunities ahead.
Election Day is October 24, 2026.
QUOTES
Jesse Gervais, BC NDP candidate for Nechako Lakes –
“Things are tough right now, and Conservative cuts to healthcare and education will only make things harder for everyone. We need a government that will stand up for B.C., protect good local jobs and invest in our communities. I’m proud to call Fraser Lake home, and I’m ready to stand with the BC NDP to protect what matters and build a stronger future for people here.”
Jason McCormick, BC NDP candidate for Delta South –
“Working people in Delta are dealing with higher costs and uncertainty because of the Trump trade war. We need to make it easier for people to get to work, support good local jobs and create more opportunities for young people. I’ve spent my career doing that work in Delta, and I’m ready to take it to the legislature.”
Todd Schierling, BC NDP candidate for Delta North –
“Things are tough right now, and Donald Trump’s trade war is putting more pressure on families and workers in Delta. We need to stand up for Canadian jobs, protect the services people rely on and keep investing in our communities. I’ve spent nearly 30 years serving the community, and I’m ready to keep standing up for the people who call it home.”
Carol Bourque, BC NDP candidate for Prince George-Valemount –
“I’m stepping forward because our communities deserve practical solutions, honest leadership, and a healthcare system that works for everyone. I’ve spent my career inside the system – now I’m ready to help fix it. Together, we can build a future that is safer, healthier and grounded in respect.”
Rohini Arora, BC NDP candidate for Burnaby East –
“Workers in British Columbia need a government that has their back – particularly when Donald Trump’s trade war threatens people’s jobs and drives up costs. As a member of the United Steelworkers, I've seen first hand the impact instability causes families in BC’s resource sectors. I’m proud to be part of a team that has a plan to fight back, to protect people, and to build the economy we need so that everyone can build a good life.”
Raj Chouhan, BC NDP candidate for Burnaby-New Westminster –
“This election is about one thing: who will protect people and families in the middle of a crisis? Our BC NDP team has a plan: to stand up for B.C. and for Canada, to support people facing tariffs and bring down costs, and to build up our economy so we can be free of the United States. I’m proud to be running with David Eby. Our plan is working, and we can’t stop now.”
Jennifer Whiteside, BC NDP candidate for New Westminster-Coquitlam –
“People in our community are worried about paying their rent and putting food on the table. The impact of tariffs is real - for their jobs, for their families, and for the small businesses that call New Westminster-Coquitlam home. I’m proud to be running as part of David Eby’s BC NDP team. We have a plan to fight back: to stand up for BC, to protect the services people count on and support people who need it, and to build a stronger economy for the future.”
Terry Yung, BC NDP candidate for Vancouver-Yaletown–
“Families are facing real challenges due to this trade war, and people in Vancouver-Yaletown need a government that is ready to fight for them. That government is the BC NDP. Our team will stand up for our province, protect people and the services they count on, and build a stronger economy, free from the United States, so everyone can build a good life."
Paul Choi, BC NDP candidate for Burnaby South-Metrotown –
“We hear it every day: families in Burnaby are concerned about the trade war, concerned about costs, and want a government that is ready to fight back. David Eby and the BC NDP have a plan to support families, to build a stronger economy, and to stand against Trump and stand up for people in our province. We can’t afford the chaos that the conservative parties would create in government.”
BIOGRAPHIES
Jesse Gervais (Headshot)
Jesse Gervais works for the Municipality of Fraser Lake and serves on the boards of UNBC and the Fraser Lake Community Foundation. He has spent years working in economic development, helping create good local jobs and build stronger communities. He is deeply involved in his community and passionate about making Nechako Lakes a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Jason McCormick (Headshot)
Jason McCormick has fought for better public and active transportation for more than a decade. A TransLink bus driver and community leader, Jason is active in the B.C. cycling community and the South Delta Basketball Association, where he helped grow the program to more than 400 youth participants. He is ready to take action for young people, families and commuters in Delta South as MLA. Jason is also active in the labour movement, serving as Vice-President of UNIFOR Local 111 and as a job steward with UNIFOR since 2009.
Todd Schierling (Headshot)
Todd Schierling is President of the BC Professional Firefighters’ Association and a Suppression Fire Captain with Surrey Fire Service, where he has served since 1996. A committed community volunteer, Todd helped launch the Surrey FF Goodwill Senior Girls High School Basketball Tournament in 2001, which has provided more than $125,000 in bursaries to female student-athletes. Todd has also served on the BC Municipal Pension Plan, BC Federation of Labour Executive Council, BC First Responders Mental Health Committee, and on national academic working groups focused on firefighter cancer research and early detection.
Carol Bourque (Headshot)
Carol Bourque is a seasoned public-sector professional with over 30 years of service, including 14 years in Health Information Management with Northern Health. She brings deep experience in governance, frontline system knowledge and community-based problem solving, and has deep roots in Prince George, where she was born and raised. As an Indigenous woman, Carol is also deeply connected to the community and her Indigenous heritage. Her commitment to giving back includes bringing the Tampon Tuesday campaign to Prince George in 2018, helping collect essential menstrual products for women in need.
Rohini Arora (Headshot)
Rohini Arora is the candidate for Burnaby East. She was first elected in 2024 and served as Deputy Chair of the BC Government Caucus. Prior to public life, Rohini served as the Director of Organizing and Campaigns at the BC Federation of Labour. She has over a decade of experience lifting up youth across the country, and mentoring them in civic engagement. Growing up in Burnaby East’s Westridge neighbourhood, Rohini saw firsthand what happens when governments refuse to protect people by making deep cuts to important programs and services. She then devoted her energies to standing up for people and workers and making their lives better.
Raj Chouhan (Headshot)
Raj Chouhan moved to Canada in 1973, and has spent his career fighting for regular people. Elected six times as an MLA, Raj is the first South Asian person to serve as Speaker of the House in the BC legislature and has been a champion of social justice for over four decades.
Raj is the founding President of the Canadian Farmworkers’ Union and the founding member of the BC Organization to Fight Racism.
Jennifer Whiteside (Headshot)
Jennifer Whiteside has dedicated her career to fighting for the rights of working people. She has fought for better public healthcare and making sure people are treated fairly -- including leading BC’s first living wage campaign.
A former labour leader and community advocate, Whiteside was elected as the MLA for New Westminster in October 2020, and re-elected in 2024. She is the Minister of Labour and previously served as the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Minister of Education and Child Care. She was born and raised in New Westminster.
Terry Yung (Headshot)
Terry Yung represents Vancouver-Yaletown and served as Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services. Terry entered provincial politics following a career as a senior officer with the Vancouver Police Department, where he held leadership roles spanning operations, administration, diversity, community and Indigenous relations, and financial crime investigations. He also served as an aide-de-camp to the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and participated in national and provincial advisory committees addressing issues including hate crime. Terry has extensive experience in community leadership, including serving as the longest-serving board chair of SUCCESS, where he helped expand its affordable housing portfolio to more than 1,000 units. Terry is a long-time Vancouver resident with strong ties to the community.
Paul Choi (Headshot)
Paul Choi was elected MLA for Burnaby South–Metrotown in 2024. In government, he served as Parliamentary Secretary for Trade in the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth and as First Vice-President of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER), working to strengthen trade relationships, open new markets and reduce reliance on the United States. A former police officer with experience as a small business owner and lawyer, Paul is also a Qualified Mediator and Arbitrator. He is seeking re-election to protect livelihoods, support local businesses and build a stronger, more secure future for Burnaby South–Metrotown.