Description

Hear directly from the candidates seeking to represent Abbotsford-Mission.

With a provincial by-election called in the Abbotsford-Mission electoral district for September 26, 2026, the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is bringing candidates together for a focused conversation about the issues shaping the future of our community and local economy. 

Moderated by Dr. Hamish Telford, the 90-minute debate will put the spotlight on the priorities that matter to local businesses and residents, from economic competitiveness and affordability to infrastructure, growth and the opportunities and challenges facing Abbotsford-Mission. 

This professionally produced, non-partisan debate will give candidates an opportunity to make their case, respond to the issues and share their vision for the riding ahead of Election Day on September 26. 

Watch the debate live and get informed before you cast your vote. All candidates registered with Elections BC will be invited. This page will continue to be updated as candidates RSVP.

Meet the Moderator:

Hamish Telford is an associate professor of political science at the University of the Fraser Valley. He is the author of Engaging Canadian Politics, second edition (Northrose, 2026). He is a past president of the BC Political Studies Association, and he twice served on the board of the Canadian Political Science Association. He is a frequent commentator on BC and Canadian politics in the local, national, and international media.

Meet the Candidates: 

Pam Alexis is a well known community leader who has served as Mayor of Mission, MLA for Abbotsford–Mission, and Minister of Agriculture and Food. With nearly 20 years of public service, she knows our communities and understands how to get things done. Pam is ready to bring people together, deliver results on healthcare, housing, affordability and infrastructure, and return to Victoria to work for you in Abbotsford–Mission.

Kerry-Lynne Findlay is the Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia and the party’s candidate in the Abbotsford–Mission by-election.

A lawyer, former human rights tribunal judge, senior federal cabinet minister, and parliamentarian, Kerry-Lynne brings decades of experience in public service, law, and community leadership. She has served Canadians at both the judicial and political levels, earning a reputation for thoughtful leadership, passionate advocacy, and a compassionate commitment to public service.

During her three terms in Ottawa, Kerry-Lynne served as Minister of National Revenue and Associate Minister of National Defence. She also served as Chief Opposition Whip, helping lead and organize the Conservative caucus in Parliament.

Before entering elected politics, Kerry-Lynne practised law and served as a judge of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. She was appointed King’s Counsel in recognition of her contributions to the legal profession and public service.

As leader of the Conservative Party of BC, Kerry-Lynne is focused on getting government back to basics by making it work for Abbotsford-Mission as well as all of BC.. Her priorities include government efficiency, improving health care delivery, restoring public safety, strengthening the economy, supporting families, and making BC the best place to run a small business in Canada.

Kerry-Lynne is running in Abbotsford–Mission to bring experienced, compassionate leadership to the community and to give local residents a strong voice in the Legislature. She believes the government should listen, spend responsibly, deliver services well, and remain accountable to the people it serves.

Stephen Fowler - For 30 years, Stephen has been inspiring young people to make a difference in the world. He teaches students at Rick Hansen Secondary that to make an impact, you have to be engaged and determined. In a world where change for the better feels more and more out of reach, Stephen is running to help secure a brighter future for them and all British Columbians.

Before teaching, Stephen worked at the local mill in Maple Ridge for four years. He recalls being struck by how well he was paid at such a young age. A lifelong resident of the Fraser Valley, he watched years later as the opportunity he had as a young adult - a job you could start a family on - get shipped away in raw logs.

Stephen is running with the B.C. Greens because the job of government is to actually make people’s lives better. Staying on the same path that brought us here will not solve the related cost of living, healthcare and housing crises. A brighter future depends on building a fair and climate-safe economy that asks us to believe that better is possible.

Lakhwinder Jhaj is a community advocate, volunteer leader, businessperson and former reporter with decades of experience bringing people together across the Fraser Valley.

Her community work has supported youth, seniors, newcomers and culturally diverse communities, with an emphasis on helping people participate fully in community life. Her family also has longstanding agricultural and business ties to the region, including a farm in Abbotsford and involvement in automobile sales and the construction industry.

Lakhwinder’s leadership experience spans nonprofit organizations, community development, multicultural services and local advisory bodies. She has served as VicePresident of Apna Homes Society, volunteered with the Abbotsford Hospice Society, represented the United Way, and sat on the provincial board of the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Services Agencies of BC. She has also contributed to initiatives involving settlement services, multiculturalism, community safety, local development, agriculture, parks and recreation, and services for women and seniors.

Her community service has been recognized with a citizenship award from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the B.C. Community Achievement Award, and a Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year Award. Regional publications have also recognized her community leadership and public service.

Through her business, nonprofit and volunteer work, Lakhwinder has developed a practical understanding of the issues affecting families, farmers, seniors, newcomers and small business owners. She remains focused on listening, finding common ground and supporting strong, connected communities throughout the Fraser Valley. Her approach is grounded in service, respectful collaboration and a longstanding commitment to creating opportunities for people and organizations. 

The page will be updated as candidate bios are received by the Chamber.