BC United has its candidate for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain.
Today, July 30, the party announced Kash Tayal will be its contender in the Oct. 19, 2024, provincial election.
The Coquitlam resident and entrepreneur will face the BC NDP’s Jodi Wickens and Stephen Frolek for the BC Conservatives on the ballot.
Incumbent MLA Fin Donnelly is not running for re-election.
According to a BC United news release, Tayal started his business from his basement and now manages eCommerce sites and handles warehousing and logistics for the hospitality industry.
Tayal, who emigrated from India in 2007, also mentors business students through the Canada–France Co-op Internship program and served on the board of the Coquitlam Minor Hockey Association.
“I am honoured to be BC United’s candidate for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain,” he said in the release.
“Enough of the skyrocketing cost-of-living, rampant crime, crumbling health care system, shutting doors on small businesses and lack of basic nutrition programs in elementary schools: It’s time for change. Our community deserves better representation in the BC Legislature.”
Excited to announce @kashtayal as our Coquitlam-Burke Mountain candidate! 👏
— BC United (@voteBCUnited) July 30, 2024
A successful entrepreneur & dedicated community leader, Kash is committed to addressing the cost of living, crime, & health care issues. Let's unite for a brighter future!
👀👉: https://t.co/87O0atbz7I pic.twitter.com/b6fU7OsLUX
“Kash Tayal embodies the spirit of resilience, hard work and public service that BC United stands for,” added BC United leader Kevin Falcon, in the release.
“His journey from humble beginnings to entrepreneurial success is truly inspiring. I have no doubt that Kash will be a strong advocate for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain, bringing positive change and a united voice to the BC Legislature.”
The Tri-Cities has five provincial constituencies for the next race:
- Coquitlam–Burke Mountain
- Port Moody–Burquitlam
- New Westminster–Coquitlam
- Coquitlam–Maillardville
- Port Coquitlam
Besides Donnelly, Coquitlam–Maillardville MLA Selina Robinson is not returning to the Legislature after this fall; however, Port Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth and Port Moody–Coquitlam MLA Rick Glumac are candidates. New West MLA Jennifer Whiteside is running in New Westminster–Coquitlam.
So far, the BC Conservatives have four of its five slots filled for the Tri-City vote: Frolek, Kerry Van Aswegen, Ndellie Massey and Hamed Najafi.
There are no local BC Green candidates, as of this publication.
Among the major issues for the fall election are the cost of housing, homelessness, healthcare, toxic drugs and education.
