CAMPAIGN 2026
CANDIDATE NOMINATION
The primary goal of the New Westminster Progressive Coalition is to seek out and promote community minded individuals who want to serve on the New Westminster City Council and School Board. These individuals are committed to making life better for residents and businesses, and help make New Westminster more affordable and an even better place to live, work, learn and play.
Established in 2017, the NWP has a proven track record of producing winning candidates, running effective campaigns, generating significant local and province-wide media coverage and raising the funds necessary to be competitive on election night.
In 2024, we ran a very successful campaign and defeated ‘the machine’ in a school board by-election. In 2026, we are aiming to win a majority on both council and the school board.
We currently have four elected officials within our city and school board caucus. They include Councillors Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas and Trustees Kathleen Carlsen and Danielle Connelly.
The NWP provides our candidates with a well-known and respected brand name and the necessary political tools and resources you’ll need to win. Once elected, candidates are expected to serve without political interference from the NWP or any provincial|federal political party or its elected members.
The next municipal election will be held October 17, 2026. There will be one position for mayor, six positions for municipal council and seven positions for school board. The term of office is four years.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q. If I’d like to run with the NWP team, when should I submit my application to the Nominations Committee?
A. Please note the following:
Mayor
Applicants seeking the nomination for the NWP Mayor position must have their finalized application submitted by no later than the close of business on June 30, 2025.
Council | School Board
Applicants seeking the nomination for the NWP Councillor or School Trustee positions must have their finalized application submitted by no later than the close of business on September 29, 2025
Q. Who do I contact to get more information about the nomination process before I submit my application?
A. All prospective candidates should contact Brian Goss, Chair of the Nominations Committee at 778-227-2124 or by email at briangoss@telus.net.
Q. Is there a formal application and deposit I need to provide?
A. Yes, there is a formal application you will need to complete to get the process started. Upon request the chair of the nominations committee can provide you with any further information you require regarding additional conditions pertaining to the nominations process.
Q. Do I need to conduct a criminal record check before I get the process started?
A. No. However, you will need to conduct a criminal record check as part of the candidate review process prior to being accepted as a candidate.
Q. When will the NWP start nominating candidates?
A. While the final cutoff dates for application have been established, the NWP Nominations Committee has already commenced reviewing and recommending candidates to the Board. Given the limited number of spots available for both Council and School Board, all prospective candidates are asked to apply as soon as possible. An early application helps to ensure that the Nominations Committee can review your application prior to the slate being determined this fall.
Q. Is there a chance that if I wait until late September 2025 to apply for a Council position all of the positions may already be spoken for prior to the cutoff date?
A. Yes. Candidate applications are currently being considered by the Nominations Committee. They are currently moving forward with recommending qualified candidates to the Board for approval. The September 29th cutoff date is simply the latest date you can submit your application.
For example, if a total of six qualified candidates have applied prior to the posted cutoff date and the Board has approved their candidacies, the window for new applications may close early.
Q. When will the NWP start announcing who is running in the October 2026 election on their slate?
A. Subject to Board approval, it is anticipated the Mayoral candidate will be announced early this fall, with the Council and School Board candidates announced in the months that follow. The entire process should be complete by no later than March 31, 2026.
Q. Do I need to be a voting member of the New West Progressive Electors Coalition Society to become a candidate?
A. No. It is not required that you are a member of the NWPECS to become a candidate. However, all accepted candidates are required to become voting members of the NWPECS within 30 days of their approved candidacy.
Q. Do I need to be a member of a provincial or federal political party to become a candidate?
A. No. Unlike other civic organizations, we do not require you to belong to a provincial or federal party to run as a NWP candidate. In fact, we welcome everyone of all political affiliations (or lack thereof) to join our team – as long as they are committed to putting the needs of our city and school board first and foremost.
Q. If I’m elected, am I expected to vote according to the wishes of the Board?
A. No. Elected officials vote independently of the Board. However, all candidates will be required to develop a campaign platform (Council + School) and commit to voters that they will work with their NWP colleagues to implement that platform over the 4-year term.
Q. Is there any other core criteria I should keep in mind?
A. Yes. In order to run under the NWP banner you need to be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age and prove you have resided in New Westminster for at least 3 months prior to your application being submitted. Candidates must not be disqualified under the Local Government Act, or any other enactment from voting in local elections or be otherwise disqualified by law.
SUMMARY
The NWP is committed to the principles of inclusivity, diversity and equity. We are also committed to pulling together a team of candidates that represent as many distinct neighbourhoods within our city as possible.
The NWP wants to nominate the best candidates to be productive leaders for the future success and prosperity of New Westminster.
While we appreciate your interest in running with the NWP, it should be noted that we’ve already received a significant number of candidate applications. As such, there is a very good likelihood we will have more candidates than we have open positions.
That’s why it is critical you not only get your application in as soon as possible, but that it is thorough, contains all the vital information required by the Nominations Committee and puts your best foot forward!
We thank you in advance for your interest in the NWP and strengthening our city and school board.