Chilliwack school trustee Teri Westerby is running for federal office.
On Monday, the NDP announced Westerby is stepping forward to represent their party, taking on three other candidates – including incumbent Mark Strahl – to serve as the next MP for Chilliwack-Hope.
"In 2021, we earned nearly 27 per cent of the vote, making the NDP the clear choice to take on the Conservatives locally,” said DJ Pohl, the NDP candidate in 2021. “Westerby is the right person to build on that momentum. In these uncertain economic and political times, we need elected leadership that truly reflects the diversity of our communities and represents the voices of all constituents.”
Westerby is the first openly transgender man elected to public office in B.C., winning his seat in 2022. He is a former farmer, small business owner and long-time community advocate.
“Growing up in B.C. in the 90s, I watched my family stretch every dollar, choosing between bills and groceries more times than I can count,” stated Westerby. “Struggling to find my way in a world that wasn’t built for me as a queer and neurodivergent person lit a fire in me to fight for a government that truly lifts up everyone.”
Westerby hopes to take on some of the biggest challenges facing families across the province: skyrocketing cost of living, a collapsing mental health system, ruined trust in leadership and the "rise of fear-based politics."
"Our shared struggles feel endless,” Westerby said. “But I believe in the people of Chilliwack–Hope. I believe in our ability to connect, to rebuild, and to resist the politics of division,” he says, sounding the alarm about the rise of Trump-style politics in Canada. We’ve seen what happens when fear wins. Attacks on public education, on human rights, on truth and reconciliation.. It's starting to happen here, and I refuse to let that take root in our communities.”
Westerby said Chilliwack-Hope deserves bold leadership that stands up for all people in the electoral district.
"We can’t keep patching a broken system after each storm,” he stated. “We need to rebuild it - stronger, safer, and fairer. That’s what this election is about. That’s what’s at stake.”
Election Day is April 28.
