The Surrey Now-Leader reached out to all the local candidates in the B.C. provincial election with a questionnaire allowing them to introduce themselves to voters. Candidates were all given the same questions, word counts and deadlines.
Below are the responses as received, with questions in bold, followed by candidate answers in their own words.
Here are the responses we received for the candidates in Surrey City Centre.
CANDIDATE: Ryan Abbott, Communist Party of B.C.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?: Whalley, Surrey
ONE-SENTENCE BIO (30 words maximum): I'm an industrial painter and sandblaster with eight years experience in the trades. I am active in my union local, my church and the Communist Party.
WHY SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED? (175 words maximum): On Oct. 19, voters will elect a new B.C government. For many, the ballot will be disappointing at best, or terrifying at worst: a choice between four more years of achingly limited reforms from politicians who pour billions into the fossil fuel industry, or far-right politicians who promote bigotry, scapegoating and corporate profiteering. But in Surrey, as in Vancouver and Victoria, socialism is on the ballot.
The Communist Party fights for expanded health care, real solutions to the housing crisis, better public education, democratic rights and full equality for women and 2SLGBTQ people. We stand in proud solidarity with the struggles for labour rights, justice for Indigenous peoples, climate justice and global peace and solidarity.
Socialism is the future! The profit-driven capitalist system is killing the planet. We fight for socialism – a world without poverty and war, where working people democratically own and control the economy.
TOP 3 PRIORITY ISSUES (15 words maximum):
1. End housing speculation.
2. Expand public healthcare.
3. Remove corporate tax breaks.
CANDIDATE: Colin Boyd, B.C. Green Party
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?: Surrey/Whalley.
ONE-SENTENCE BIO (30 words maximum): I've lived in Surrey my whole life, worked at Canadian Tire while attending SFU and later studied Business Analytics at BCIT to enhance my skills in data-driven decision-making.
WHY SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED? (175 words maximum): Voters should elect me because I bring both local experience and a data-driven approach to solving Surrey’s key issues. Based on feedback from people and what I've witnessed, I understand the unique challenges our community faces. My focus is on making Surrey a place where everyone can thrive. I will work to ensure that our policies prioritize sustainable growth, affordable housing and equitable access to healthcare. By electing me, you’re choosing a representative who listens, acts transparently and puts the community first. Together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for Surrey – where every resident’s needs are met.
TOP 3 PRIORITY ISSUES (15 words maximum):
1. Implement vacancy controls to stop renovictions.
2. Decrease doctor wait times.
3. Fast, frequent and free transit
CANDIDATE: Saeed Naguib, Independent
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?: Surrey, Newton
ONE-SENTENCE BIO (30 words maximum): I’m Saeed Naguib, the only independent candidate for Surrey City Centre. I’m committed to putting Surrey’s needs first – unlike the political parties that treat Surrey as an afterthought.
WHY SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED? (175 words maximum): The political parties in our province are corrupt and part of the problem. They prioritize their party interests and big donors over the needs of communities like Surrey. When there’s a conflict between Surrey’s needs and the interests of party donors – especially developers – the donors always win. Parties focus on Vancouver and Victoria, where their biggest donors reside, leaving Surrey as an afterthought.
“Pay to play” politics has become the norm. The needs of regular people in Surrey are ignored, while wealthy donors can buy access to politicians at expensive fundraisers. Meanwhile, people in Surrey are struggling – whether it’s the housing crisis, lack of healthcare, or crippling traffic – and they deserve an independent voice to hold these corrupt parties to account.
As an independent MLA, I will not be beholden to party politics or the corrupting influence of big donors. I can truly prioritize Surrey’s needs, like building new hospitals, schools, affordable housing and improving transit. Surrey deserves better, and I’m here to fight for the investment and attention our city has long been denied.
TOP 3 PRIORITY ISSUES (15 words maximum):
1. Build a third hospital.
2. Build two schools per year.
3. Expand transit to Newton (Light rail/SkyTrain).
CANDIDATE: Amna Shah, B.C. NDP
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?: Surrey
ONE-SENTENCE BIO (30 words maximum): I’m running to be the MLA for Surrey City Centre. I’ve lived in the great city of Surrey for 20 years and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
WHY SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED? (175 words maximum): Growing up, I was taught about the importance of compassion, public service and standing up for your community. It’s why I’ve spent my professional life fighting for the people of Surrey, through my work moving forward affordable housing policies and projects, and by expanding distribution services at the Surrey Food Bank.
But there’s so much more to do – people in our community are having a tough time making ends meet, it’s expensive. That’s why I’m running to be your MLA for Surrey City Centre. Like David Eby and the B.C. NDP, I believe in Surrey’s potential and working to make people’s lives better and more affordable.
The B.C. NDP is our hope for a better future. John Rustad and the Conservatives would bring back bridge tolls, cut healthcare funding and cancel the B.C. NDP plan to get 300,000 more homes into the province. John Rustad and the Conservatives are a risk no one can afford. Only the B.C. NDP is offering real action for people.
TOP 3 PRIORITY ISSUES (15 words maximum):
1. Delivering more middle-class homes
2. Hiring more nurses and doctors at Surrey Memorial Hospital
3. Building more schools
CANDIDATE: Zeeshan Wahla, Conservative Party of B.C.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?: Surrey
ONE-SENTENCE BIO (30 words maximum): I am professional engineer dedicated to making impactful changes in B.C., with a focus on supporting the common man and committed to driving positive change through leadership and innovation.
WHY SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED? (175 words maximum): Zeeshan Wahla should be elected because of his deep commitment to improving the lives of everyday citizens in B.C. As a professional engineer, he brings a strong foundation of problem-solving, innovation and leadership to address key issues such as affordable housing, infrastructure development and economic growth. His focus on inclusivity ensures that his policies will uplift all communities, and his drive to support the common man reflects his dedication to creating a fairer, more equitable society for everyone.
TOP 3 PRIORITY ISSUES (15 words maximum):
1. Healthcare system
2. Education system.
3. Drugs/crime.
4. Affordability.