BC NDP won both byelections Saturday in previously held ridings in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island, where young upstart Ravi Parmar won in a riding previously held by ex-premier John Horgan, becoming the youngest elected MLA in the current legislature, adding to the party’s large roster of Indo-Canadian MLAs. The BC NDP said Saturday that it is celebrating the election of Joan Phillip in Vancouver-Mount Pleasant and Parmar in Langford-Juan de Fuca to Premier David Eby’s team working for people.

By PD Raj – Senior Writer DESIBUZZCanada

VANCOUVER & LANGFORD —BC NDP won both byelections Saturday in previously held ridings in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island, where young upstart Ravi Parmar won in a riding previously held by ex-premier John Horgan, becoming the youngest elected MLA in the current legislature, adding to the party’s large roster of Indo-Canadian MLAs.

The BC NDP said Saturday that it is celebrating the election of Joan Phillip in Vancouver-Mount Pleasant and Parmar in Langford-Juan de Fuca to Premier David Eby’s team working for people.

“I am very happy to congratulate Joan and Ravi on their victories but I am even happier that British Columbians will have these two incredible advocates working for them in the legislature,” said Eby. “Joan and Ravi will be passionate champions, working every day to take action for the people of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant and Langford-Juan de Fuca.”

Joan Phillip is a respected Indigenous leader who has dedicated her life to fighting for justice, human rights, and the environment. She will bring her extensive experience in community development and Indigenous affairs to the BC Legislature.

“I am honoured by the support of the people of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, and grateful for the opportunity to fight for this vibrant community I love,” said Joan Phillip. “I am committed to being a fierce advocate for justice, tackling housing costs, creating supports for mental health and addictions, and helping our healthcare system recover from the pandemic.”

At age 28, Ravi Parmar is now the youngest MLA elected in the current BC legislature. An activist for education since high school, Ravi is eager to bring his experience expanding public schools as a trustee in the Sooke School district, and his passion for community to the BC Legislature.

“I’m thrilled to follow in the footsteps of my friend and mentor John Horgan and continue the work this government has done for people in Langford-Juan de Fuca — fighting for people and taking action on what matters,” said Ravi Parmar. “Together, let’s keep funding record school construction, improving healthcare, and putting more money back in your pockets. We’ve made great progress together, but there’s so much more to do.”

Since its historic majority win in the 2020 provincial election, the BC NDP’s 57-MLA caucus has remained its largest ever, and is the most diverse governing caucus in Canadian history. 

Although these two wins are in previously held NDP ridings but the new BC United Party, which the NDP has dubbed BCup, under leader Kevin Falcon is not making any headway politically and is unlikely to win the next election.