SAANICH – The BC NDP’s candidate in Saanich South is Richard Zussman.

Richard has spent his career telling the stories of British Columbians as an award-winning journalist. As a legislative reporter for Global BC and CBC, he spent more than a decade covering the issues that matter to people across the province, including the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires and elections at all levels. A six-time Jack Webster Award recipient, Richard has built a career connecting British Columbians to the decisions being made at the legislature. Richard is a strong community advocate and serves on the boards of the Lakehill Baseball and Fastball Association and the Victoria Curling Club, where he helps bring people and families together through sport and activity.

“Things are tough for people right now, and Donald Trump’s trade war is making things harder. He is threatening B.C. jobs and putting pressure on families and businesses,” said Zussman. “After spending my career interviewing leaders across all parties, I’m joining the BC NDP because I know they’ll stand up for B.C. and Canada by supporting workers and businesses, opening new markets beyond the United States, bringing down costs and strengthening health-care.”

Richard is proud to be joining a team that has a plan to keep moving forward: to protect and create good jobs, build more homes, recruit more healthcare workers and support our farmers and agriculture industry. While the Conservative parties would put B.C.’s progress at risk by increasing costs for working people, weakening environmental protections and taking a softer approach to Donald Trump, the BC NDP will keep fighting for British Columbians.

“Richard is deeply committed to his community and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team,” said David Eby, Leader of the BC NDP. “Richard joins a growing team of candidates who will champion our plan to free our economy from the U.S. control and lower costs for British Columbians."

The BC NDP says it will continue working with the federal government to respond to Trump’s trade war, support Canadian businesses and workers, and open new markets beyond the United States.

British Columbians go to the polls on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

BIOGRAPHY (Headshot)

Richard Zussman is an award-winning journalist, who has spent his career covering every corner of this province, telling the stories of British Columbians and leading discussions on issues that matter most to people. As a legislative reporter for Global BC and CBC, as well as the President of the B.C. Legislative Press Gallery, Richard became a familiar voice to British Columbians through his coverage of some of the province’s most consequential moments, including the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires and provincial elections. He has won six Jack Webster Awards, B.C.’s top journalism honour, including awards for breaking news and best news reporting. He is the co-author of the bestselling book, A Matter of Confidence.

Richard has also been deeply involved in his community. He serves on the board of the Lakehill Baseball and Fastball Association and the Victoria Curling Club, where he is an avid curler and coordinates the Wednesday Night Men’s League. He has also served as Lieutenant Governor of the B.C. Youth Parliament, supporting a program that brings young British Columbians together to learn about democracy, public service and civic engagement.

Richard, his wife and two children have proudly called the South Island home for more than a decade.