CAMPAIGN 2026
CAMPAIGN 2026 MAYORAL CANDIDATE
The New West Progressives are proud to nominate Councillor Daniel Fontaine, ICD.D as our mayoral candidate for the 2026 civic election.
A long-time resident of New Westminster,
Daniel lives in the Moody Park neighbourhood with his wife and son. First elected to City Council in 2022, he has built a reputation for asking tough questions, standing up for taxpayers, and working to bring balance and accountability back to
City Hall.
Professionally, Daniel is the principal at MICHIFCO Consulting and has held senior leadership roles including Deputy Minister and CEO for Métis Nation BC and CEO of the BC Care Providers Association. He also served as Chair of the Canadian Association for Long-Term Care and as a board member with SafeCare BC and the College of Psychologists of BC.
A graduate of the University of Manitoba
(Political Studies), Daniel also earned the ICD.D designation through the Rothman’s School of Business program at Simon Fraser University.
Daniel’s contributions extend well beyond the workplace. He was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for Public Service and the 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award from the New Westminster Minor Hockey Association. Today, he continues to volunteer on the Board of Hockey Canada and was recently inducted into Canada’s Marketing, Advertising, PR and Communications Hall of Fame.
School Trustee Candidates
The NWP will also nominate seven school trustee candidates in New Westminster. Announcements will begin in early 2026.
About Campaign 2026
The New West Progressives are launching Campaign 2026 with a
clear vision:to restore balance, accountability, and common-sense leadership at City Hall.
Our team is committed to listening to residents, ensuring taxpayer dollars are respected, and keeping New Westminster a safe, vibrant, and inclusive community for everyone.
In 2026, we’re offering voters a strong alternative to the status quo — one that values transparency, neighbourhood voices, and practical solutions to the challenges facing our city.
Council Candidates
The NWP will be nominating six council candidates to run alongside mayoral candidate Daniel Fontaine.
Candidate announcements will be rolled out by the NWP Board of Directors over the coming months leading into spring 2026.
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Paul Minhas
Paul Minhas is a small business owner, an employer, and a downtown New Westminster resident.
In 2005, Paul opened the much-loved Heritage Grill and operated it until a tragic fire destroyed it in 2021. He continues to operate Begbie’s Pub which opened in 2016.
An ardent supporter of arts and culture, Paul not only turned his businesses into destinations and hubs for New Westminster artists and art lovers, but his belief in the city’s potential as an arts forward community led him to spearhead the Annual Pride Week, the popular Show and Shine and the Food Truck Festival.
Paul believes a thriving local economy and healthy small businesses contribute to a safer, more vibrant, and fun-filled New Westminster. Hence crime and safety, revitalizing our business districts, and promoting New West as a destination are his priorities.
Ken Armstrong
I have lived in New Westminster since 2002, and Queensborough since 2008. My wife, Christina, and I have two children, 23 and 18. I am a lawyer, and I work at a small firm in downtown Vancouver, and I have been the managing partner of another small firm. Throughout my adult life I have been actively involved in the community. I have served on the executive of the New Westminster Bar Association, including as President, and I have represented lawyers of New Westminster to the provincial and national councils of the Canadian Bar Association. I was president of the CBA (BC Branch). I was named King’s Counsel in 2020. I have been an active youth sports volunteer in New West for over two decades: as a baseball and soccer coach, elite level baseball umpire, and board member; I was named a Life Member of Little League BC in 2019.
Maryann Morrison
Maryann Morrison is a proud Métis woman and second-generation New Westminster–born resident who has dedicated her life and career to building stronger and more inclusive communities.
With deep family roots in New Westminster and generations of ties to the region, Maryann carries forward a legacy of service, connection, and love for the place she calls home. Guided by a belief that communities thrive when people feel heard, respected and that they belong, she has spent decades bringing people together and creating space for diverse voices.
As Executive Director of the North Fraser Métis Association, she works closely with Elders, youth, families, and partner organizations to advance food security, expand culturally grounded programming, and secure grants that address real community needs.
Maryann has served on public and private boards. Her professional background includes senior leadership roles such as Senior Director at Métis Nation British Columbia, Director of Marketing for the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority and a Vancouver advertising agency CEO. In each role, she has built a reputation for collaboration, integrity and a people-first approach.
Maryann recently completed the UBC Sauder Mini MBA and a postgraduate program in Digital Business, building on earlier studies in interactive arts and communication. She is motivated by gratitude — for her family’s history here, for the people who make New West such a caring and resilient place, and for the opportunity to serve the community she loves.
Maryann is running for New Westminster City Council because she believes in a city where every resident feels included in the decisions that shape their daily lives. She is honoured to stand with the NWP team and mayoral candidate Daniel Fontaine, and ready to work tirelessly to ensure residents feel valued and inspired to reignite what they love about living in New Westminster.
Richard Folka
Rick Folka is a lifelong resident of New Westminster with deep roots in the community. Born and raised in the city, Rick and his wife Joanne, married for 52 years, have raised five children, four of whom still live in New Westminster. His family’s connection to the city dates back to the late 1890s, reflecting a long-standing commitment to its growth and well-being.
With extensive experience in finance, administration, and leadership, Rick has successfully managed complex budgets and organizations. His professional background equips him to analyze priorities and ensure resources are allocated effectively to meet the needs of the community.
In his professional capacity, Rick has worked on a project involving BC Housing, focusing on the financial aspects of developing low-income housing apartments. He has also collaborated with health authorities and other organizations to advocate for improved healthcare services and support for facilities in the region.
Rick believes New Westminster’s current projects often fail to prioritize residents’ needs. He is committed to ensuring financial decisions are made transparently and responsibly, with a focus on infrastructure, housing, and community services that directly impact the lives of citizens. His leadership experience, financial expertise, and dedication to community service make him uniquely qualified to advocate for a balanced approach to development that benefits all members of the city.
Rick Folka is ready to bring his expertise and community-first mindset to serve the people of New Westminster and ensure their voices are heard in shaping the city’s future.
Ray Porcellato
Born and raised in New Westminster, Ray has proudly called New Westminster home for all of his 56 years.
Ray grew up on 2nd Street, attended Herbert Spencer Elementary, and graduated from NWSS. He has stayed connected ever since to the people and spirit that make this community so special.
Professionally, Ray has spent over a decade helping major companies grow responsibly and sustainably across North America. In 2009, he founded Cloud9 Specialty Bakery, a New Westminster-based business that became a nationally recognized brand across Canada.
In 2018, Ray joined Western Foods, where he helped launch and expand new product lines under the Pure Nature Foods brand. Today, Ray is the President and General Manager of the New Westminster Salmonbellies.
At home, Ray is a proud husband of 26 years to his wife Karen, a Surrey school principal, and father to two wonderful young adults, Stella and Oscar.
Ray is running for Council to give back to the city that has given him so much — to protect its heritage, support local families and businesses, and build a stronger, more sustainable future for all.
Karima Budhwani
Karima Budhwani came to Canada from Kenya as a young child and grew up with a deep appreciation for opportunity, resilience, and the support that helps families build their futures. A long-time Queens Park resident, she holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from York University, a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, and was called to the Bar in British Columbia in 1998.
For more than two decades, Karima worked with organizations and institutions across BC to advance access to justice, including environmental justice. She championed partnerships and services that helped communities strengthen fairness, navigate complex systems, and advocate for meaningful change.
A member of the Ismaili Muslim community, Karima has served in various volunteer and leadership roles, including as a Scouter, and is grateful for the sense of purpose and connection that community service has brought to her life. She and her husband are raising their two children in New Westminster, a city they are proud to call home.
Today, Karima is a business owner and a mental fitness and leadership coach who supports professionals to build clarity, resilience, and confidence. She believes that when people are equipped with the tools to thrive, they contribute more fully to their families, workplaces, and neighbourhoods, and that strong communities begin with strong people. She combines neuroscience-informed tools with her lifelong commitment to learning to help people lead with purpose and wellbeing.
For the past three years, Karima has served as President of the NWP. This role has given her deep insight into the needs, priorities, and aspirations of residents across the city. Through this work, she has listened closely to community concerns, built relationships across neighbourhoods, and advocated for practical, resident-focused solutions to strengthen New Westminster.
Karima is running for New Westminster City Council because she believes in a city where every resident feels welcomed, valued, and able to participate in shaping our shared future. She is committed to building infrastructure that supports the aspirations of families, from safe streets and accessible services to thriving public spaces and a strong local economy that gives residents the confidence to build their lives here.
Rooted in optimism, collaboration, and a belief in what people can achieve together, Karima is honoured to stand with the NWP team and ready to work hard to help New Westminster grow into the vibrant, thriving, opportunity-rich city that residents envision.
NW CITY MATTERS:
Consultation & Campaign Platform
On September 18th, Daniel Fontaine announced the launch of NW CITY MATTERS — a city-wide consultation to help shape the NWP’s 2026 campaign platform.
This initiative will engage residents across all 12 neighbourhoods of New Westminster through workshops, online surveys, pop-up booths,
door-to-door outreach, and more.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on when NW CITY MATTERS will be coming to your neighbourhood.
Testimonials for Dainel Fontaine
“Daniel Fontaine has been a strong voice for accountability at City Hall. I feel like someone is finally standing up for taxpayers in New West.”
Alysia K., Sapperton
“As a parent with kids in local schools, I’m encouraged that
the NWP is focused on safety
and community. It feels like
they’re actually listening to
families like mine.”
Carmen M., Queen’s Park
“I’ve seen Daniel volunteering
in the community for years.
He’s approachable, committed, and genuinely cares about
New Westminster.”
Chris. L., West End
“He understands how capital dollars should be invested in New West to improve infrastructure, services and opportunities for families like mine…”
Erica W., Queensborough
“The NWP team is a breath of fresh air. They’re willing to consult with residents and bring balance back to council decisions.”
Kelly S., Massey Victory Heights
“Living downtown, I see the impact of rising crime and public disorder every day. Daniel Fontaine has been one of the few councillors willing to speak up about it and push for real solutions. That’s why I support him
and the NWP.”
Dave P., Downtown
“The NWP and Daniel Fontaine have been consistently championing issues of concern to the residents of Quayside and that is most appreciated”
Enzo G., Quayside