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Here's who's officially declared candidacy for BC United in Burnaby

General voting day is scheduled for Oct. 19.
Jess Balzer
Jess Balzer
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[From left to right] BC United candidates Meiling Chia (Burnaby South-Metrotown), Daniel Kofi Ampong (Burnaby-New Westminster), Michael Wu (Burnaby North) and Tariq Malik (Burnaby East). BC United

As we head towards the 2024 provincial election, declarations of candidates by B.C. political parties have picked up in recent weeks. 

Candidate nominations officially close on Sept. 28 at 1 p.m.

The NOW will publish declared candidates for the BC NDP on Wednesday, July 17 and the BC Conservatives on Thursday, July 18. 

BC United has declared candidates in four out of Burnaby's five ridings, as of this publication, July 23, for the 2024 election.

Should more candidates declare, this story will be updated.

Burnaby East

Tariq Malik immigrated to Canada 36 years ago and has taken numerous career paths including agriculture, real estate, construction and franchise restaurant management. 

He also founded the Vancouver Bangla School. 

"I am honoured to be nominated as BC United's candidate for Burnaby East," Malik said in a news release. 

"My journey in Canada has been one of growth, resilience, and a commitment to serving others. Residents of Burnaby East have been let down by the failed policies of David Eby’s NDP, and I am looking forward to hitting the ground running with BC United to fix the issues facing our community."

BC United Leader Kevin Falcon says Malik embodies the spirit of BC United and has a proven track record of service and leadership. 

"Tariq Malik embodies the spirit of BC United: a dedicated individual with a proven track record of service and leadership who knows how to get results," Falcon added in the news release. 

"His diverse background and unwavering commitment to the community make him the ideal candidate to represent Burnaby East, and I know he will bring real solutions to fix the crises British Columbians are facing in health care, cost-of-living and public safety."

Burnaby-New Westminster

Daniel Kofi Ampong was named as the BC United candidate for a newly-formed riding that represents Burnaby and New Westminster on March 23, 2024.

The local business owner and father of two was revealed as the party's candidate earlier in March of 2024, and believes his history of advocacy can be an asset to his campaign.

"My love for our community runs deep," Ampong said in a statement, "and I am committed to translating my passion and energy into tangible results for our residents."

Ampong has called New Westminster home since 1994 when his family settled in Metro Vancouver from Ghana.

BC United leader Kevin Falcon claims Ampong can bring a "wealth of experience and dedication" to his party.

Burnaby North

Michael Wu was announced as BC United's candidate for Burnaby North on Oct. 25, 2023. 

The riding's seat is currently held by BC NDP incumbent Janet Routledge since 2017.

This will be the first time the entrepreneur and local resident of 25 years will run for any level of governance.

In a statement, Wu said he's choosing to throw his hat in the ring for a seat in the B.C. legislature believing his community "deserves better."

"I'm running to be the next MLA in Burnaby North because I want my children to have the same opportunities I have had in my life; opportunities which have allowed me to fulfill my dreams." the husband and father of two explained.

Burnaby South-Metrotown

BC United announced Meiling Chia as its candidate on July 16. 

A candidate profile on the party website says Chia has been a dedicated public servant and community advocate for over a decade and has been a long-term resident of Burnaby. 

Chia is a former school trustee for the Burnaby Citizens Association. 

“I am deeply honoured to be BC United's candidate for Burnaby South-Metrotown,” Chia said in the announcement. 

“My commitment to this community runs deep, and I am eager to continue advocating for the needs and concerns of our residents at the provincial level. Together, we can build a brighter future for Burnaby, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.”

BC United Leader Kevin Falcon says Chia's combination of experience as a school trustee, couple with her commitment to transparency makes her a "strong addition to our team."