Who are Langley’s provincial election candidates, and what would they prioritize if elected to BC’s legislature?

We asked every candidate running in Langley’s three ridings about transit, agriculture policies, and the issues they personally consider to be the most important for their local community.

Below are the responses to our Valley Votes questionnaire. We also gave candidates a chance to share more about themselves and why they are running for office.

Of 13 candidates running in three Langley ridings, seven responded. You can find answers for candidates in each riding below.

Langley-Willowbrook | Langley-Walnut Grove | Langley-Abbotsford 

You can find responses from candidates in other ridings here: Abbotsford and Mission | Chilliwack and beyond

We asked candidates from all nine local ridings about five specific topics. You can find answers from all candidates to those questions here: Bridal Veil Resort or Cascade Skyline Gondola? | Sumas flood protections | Transit priorities | Removing land from ALR | Climate change and infrastructure

Make sure you also check out our election hubs. They include candidate biographies, riding descriptions, videos of all-candidates meetings, and links to news stories. Find them here: Langley | Abbotsford and Mission | Chilliwack and the Eastern Fraser Valley

Langley-Willowbrook

In Langley-Willowbrook, we received responses from only one candidate: Andrew Mercier (BC NDP). Jody Toor (BC Conservatives) and Petrina Arnason (BC Greens) did not respond.

You can find the full list of candidates, as well as their bios and links to their social media, here.

Meet the candidates

Andrew Mercier - BC NDP

Lives in riding: Yes

Tell the public who you are: (100 words)

Langley is my home. I attended Blacklock Elementary and L.S.S., and live here with my wife and two children. I was raised in Langley by a police officer and a nurse, with a belief that it’s important to make a positive contribution to your community. Over the past 4 years I’ve been humbled to represent my hometown in the Legislature and help make a difference for folks in Langley.

Why are you running for MLA in your community? (50 words)

It’s been an incredible feeling to help folks out in the community I was raised in with new schools, SkyTrain and a new urgent primary care centre. I hope to be able to earn the trust of the community to continue this work for another term.

What is a piece of information about your local community that the public may not know about, and informs your views on policy or politics? (150 words)

I’ve seen Langley grow dramatically over the last ten years. It’s a great place to raise a family, but the infrastructure wasn’t always there. Over my term as MLA I’ve been able to advocate for a range of investments and opportunities for Langley. The result of this is a new childcare centre at the Douglas Recreation Centre as well as expanded schools and a brand new 300-bed long term care facility at Langley Memorial Hospital. If I’m re-elected I will continue to advocate for local infrastructure that will allow families to stay in Langley.

The questions

What is something with local resonance that is not explicitly mentioned in your party's platform and for which you will advocate for your local constituents if elected? (150 words)

Andrew Mercier, BC NDP: People in housing need access to affordable rental units. Recently two apartment buildings in Langley were at risk of redevelopment which would displace hundreds of longstanding Langley families. Because of the BC NDP Rental Protection Fund, we were able to purchase the two buildings and ensure security of those rentals in the community that they love.

What is something from another party or candidate's platform that you agree with? (50 words)

Andrew Mercier, BC NDP: I think the Green party candidate and I can agree that housing is a major concern for people in BC. The BC Conservatives want to stop the housing plan and remove rent caps. This would just make the housing problem worse.

Which of the following projects do you support?

Note: Andrew Mercier did not answer as he did not know enough about the projects.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Would your government provide funding for flood protections on Sumas Prairie?

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

What transit upgrades should the province prioritize?

Note: respondents were only allowed to select one option. Andrew Mercier did not identify a specific project. Most Fraser Valley NDP candidates returned their forms (against direction) via email, writing extended answers rather than specifically choosing a priority.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Do you support the removal of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve for any of the following reasons?

Note: respondents were allowed to select more than one option.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Should climate change projections be used when setting building and infrastructure standards?

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Langley-Walnut Grove

In Langley-Walnut Grove, we received responses from two candidates: Carlos Suarez Rubio (Independent) and Megan Dykeman (BC NDP). Rylee Mac Lean (BC Greens) and Misty Van Popta (BC Conservatives) did not respond.

Responses are organized in order of survey submission.

You can find the full list of candidates, as well as their bios and links to their social media, here.

Meet the candidates

Carlos Suarez Rubio - Independent

Lives in riding: Yes

Tell the public who you are: (100 words)

I am a fighter, a warrior and a political scientist. A Trinity Western University graduate, who is willing and able to go the extra mile for his people and his community. I am also the only son and youngest child of Carlos Suárez Rios and Consuelo Rubio de Suarez. A moralist catholic family from Colombia, Bogotá. I grew up in Bogota, Colombia and at the age of 20, I move to Canada in a search for hope, education and a stable country with strong security. Security that brought me protection and peace. I am also a refugee and the first [EXCEEDED WORD COUNT]

Note: Candidates were told there were strict word count limits, and would be cut off at the word count if they went over.

Why are you running for MLA in your community? (50 words)

I love my riding. It is a conservative riding with potential for so much. It just has not been administrated or managed properly. I hope that under my leadership and service to the community, it can bring security, peace, sustainability and a plurality of cultures into one community. I believe [EXCEEDED WORD COUNT]

Note: Candidates were told there were strict word count limits, and would be cut off at the word count if they went over.

What is a piece of information about your local community that the public may not know about, and informs your views on policy or politics? (150 words)

Langley walnut grove has a water problem, which I learned from my campaign as a city council candidate for the township in 2022. I want to bring funding to repair or restore the whale so that my community and riding can have drinkable and pure water. This will fix a major problem for the people of Langley Walnut grove. Also, I want to end with the drug culture that endangers my beloved youth, and this will be possible with more community engagement activities and community work with local churches.

Megan Dykeman - BC NDP

Lives in riding: No (Langley-Abbotsford)

Tell the public who you are: (100 words)

Before becoming our MLA, I was a three term Trustee and served as Chair of the Langley Board of Education from 2018-2020. I hold a BPA in Governance, Law and Management and a Master’s in International Relations. I’m passionate about driving positive social and economic change for our community. During my term, I served as a Parliamentary Secretary, where I had the honour of advocating for charitable organizations and nonprofits across BC. As a farmer for over 20 years, a small business owner, and long-time volunteer in our community; I’m committed to serving Langley, where I’ve raised my two children.

Why are you running for MLA in your community? (50 words)

Langley is where I’ve raised my family and run my farm. It’s home. With 10,000 new people joining us in just the last two years, we need to invest in our future—more schools, better healthcare, and real solutions for traffic—so Langley stays a great place to live for all [EXCEEDED WORD COUNT]

Note: Candidates were told there were strict word count limits, and would be cut off at the word count if they went over.

What is a piece of information about your local community that the public may not know about, and informs your views on policy or politics? (150 words)

75% of the Township of Langley is protected by the Agricultural Land Reserve - we are a community of farmers. That means that even though we are one of the fastest growing communities in BC, only 25% of the Township is available for development. What this means is that our province needs to work in lockstep with our municipality. Careful and meticulous planning needs to occur in partnership to ensure that we are providing a diversity of housing options for growing families, schools for our children, homes for our seniors, and healthcare for everyone, while still preserving our agricultural heritage.

The questions

What is something with local resonance that is not explicitly mentioned in your party's platform and for which you will advocate for your local constituents if elected? (150 words)

Carlos Suarez Rubio, Independent: I am bringing a 2 % tax cut to the pst tax. I am reducing restaurant and liquor tax from 10 to 7 %. I want to make gyms, sports classes and any health related activity a tax deductible service, and also implement a pet assistance program for families which income is 40,000 or less combined income. Also, I want to bring funding for a salsa fest in Fort langley, and for a gastronomic fair in Fort langley, where all restaurants and wineries can offer their gastronomic and drink tasted in one food taste call the taste of Langley. this to make Langley more attractive to people.

Megan Dykeman, BC NDP: Dredging the Bedford Channel is long overdue. This waterway supports endangered Pacific salmon and white sturgeon, and is a hub for local watersport clubs. Yet, sediment buildup is becoming a serious issue, leading to increased flooding risks for the Kwantlen First Nation on McMillan Island. While there is currently no provincial ministry responsible for dredging these waterways, and the federal government has absconded their responsibilities and clearly fallen short, I’ll keep up the fight to ensure the province steps in with the funding we need. By working closely with the Township of Langley, the Kwantlen First Nation, and other partners, I know we can tackle this issue together. It’s a complex challenge, but I’m determined to fight for our government to step up with the funding required to protect both our environment and community.

What is something from another party or candidate's platform that you agree with? (50 words)

Carlos Suarez Rubio, Independent: I agree with the Conservative Party of BC in the idea that the public school system should be gender and Idiology free. And in their best interest to have a private and a public health care systems, where cancer medication and treatment can be affordable. In other words, continue the [EXCEEDED WORD COUNT]

Note: Candidates were told there were strict word count limits, and would be cut off at the word count if they went over.

Megan Dykeman, BC NDP: I think everyone recognizes the need to improve our healthcare services. While the Conservative Party is suggests a two-tiered American-style privatization, our public recruitment and retention efforts will pay dividends for our future - but only if our system works for everyone, not just those who can afford to pay.

Which of the following projects do you support?

Note: We unintentionally made respondents able to select more than one option. However, the projects are mutually exclusive, and cannot both be developed. Carlos Suarez Rubio chose both. Megan Dykeman did not respond because she said she did not know enough about the two projects.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Would your government provide funding for flood protections on Sumas Prairie?

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

What transit upgrades should the province prioritize?

Note: respondents were only allowed to select one option. Megan Dykeman chose more than one priority. Most Fraser Valley NDP candidates returned their forms (against direction) via email, writing extended answers rather than specifically choosing a priority.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Do you support the removal of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve for any of the following reasons?

Note: respondents were allowed to select more than one option.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Should climate change projections be used when setting building and infrastructure standards?

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Langley-Abbotsford

In Langley-Abbotsford, we received responses from four candidates: Melissa Snazell (BC Greens), Alex Joehl (BC Libertarians), Karen Long (Independent), and John Aldag (BC NDP). Harman Bhangu (BC Conservatives) did not respond.

Responses are organized in order of survey submission.

You can find the full list of candidates, as well as their bios and links to their social media, here.

Meet the candidates

Melissa Snazell - BC Greens

Lives in riding: Yes

Tell the public who you are: (100 words)

I am a mother, wife and daughter. I work as a pharmacy technician and am currently in the process of completing a university degree with a focus on policy in relation to sustainability and climate issues. I have a passion that has arisen from raising a child and looking to his future. I want to see a habitat for all living things on our planet continue to support life in all aspects. I also have a desire to see the major systems that we have relied on and accepted without question for most of the post-industrial age questioned and redesigned.

Why are you running for MLA in your community? (50 words)

I am running because I want to see Green Party representation in the Legislature so that we can have a voice of reason to hold the government accountable and make sure that any policy moving forward has the best interest of the citizens and the environment taken into consideration.

What is a piece of information about your local community that the public may not know about, and informs your views on policy or politics? (150 words)

Our local community in Aldergrove is a gem of the Fraser Valley, many people don’t even know where Aldergrove is since most people are either passing by on the highway or passing through on Fraser highway. I call it Radiator Springs; (any fans of Pixars CARS will understand). It is a hidden gem and a most wonderful community of people. We have amazing potential for agricultural and food production here, and I would like to protect what we have and build on it, the farms and food production facilities are extremely valuable, and I would like to find ways to protect the water supply and make farming blossom in our area. I know I will do all I can to make sure that I have access to fresh blueberries, strawberries and all of the wonderful bounty that the farmers in this region provided for us every year.

Alex Joehl - BC Libertarians

Lives in riding: Yes

Tell the public who you are: (100 words)

I moved to Langley in 2015 with my wife and son. I’ve worked in Langley since 2012 managing the Meat Department of a major grocery store. I have previously had a career as a sports writer.

You can find me throughout the community volunteering in various ways, including coaching youth roller and ball hockey. I have served on VBHA’s board of executives and the PAC at my son’s schools for the past three years. I’ve been the Leader of the BC Libertarian Party since 2023.

I believe that you know how to live your life better than the government does!

Why are you running for MLA in your community? (50 words)

I’ve been a candidate on as many ballots as possible since first running in 2008, and this year is no different. I want to be an advocate for liberty to the new riding of Langley-Abbotsford and be an option on the ballot for those who question the status quo.

What is a piece of information about your local community that the public may not know about, and informs your views on policy or politics? (150 words)

Langley-Abbotsford is unique to other jurisdictions in that a large majority of the land is within the ALR. That land is very inexpensive because of the lack of development opportunities.

Homelessness – and the chaos it brings to our streets – needs to be addressed. Some unhoused merely need access to less expensive housing, but those who are there struggling with addiction and have a desire to get clean need more options as well.

There are a handful of community groups that are working with them on a path to sobriety and re-entering society as productive members. One template for assistance is to set up communal that require those staying there to become invested in the property – become farm hands, for example.

Langley-Abbotsford has a vast amount of opportunities to support non-profits like this in their goal of reintegrating these people into the workforce and keeping them off the streets.

Karen Long - Independent

Lives in riding: No (Abbotsford South)

Tell the public who you are: (100 words)

I have been a community leader in Langley-Abbotsford for 25+ years. I know the issues and concerns, and have the connections, work ethic, and leadership experience to get things done for this riding.

As MLA, I will focus on:

• Seniors’ Issues

• Health Care

• Affordability

• Public Safety & Crime

• Agricultural / Farming & Food Security Concerns

I want to be Langley-Abbotsford’s voice in Victoria – I am the only candidate who has been committed to this community heart and soul for decades.

Why are you running for MLA in your community? (50 words)

As an Independent, I have no affiliation with any one political party. The BC NDP has provided slow, ineffective solutions, while the BC Conservatives push outdated and extreme policies. As your Independent MLA, I will support centre-right, free-enterprise, fiscally conservative policies to ensure the right and left work together.

What is a piece of information about your local community that the public may not know about, and informs your views on policy or politics? (150 words)

Having lived in, and been involved in this riding as a community leader for decades, there is a definite sense that Aldergrove / Northeast Langley has been forgotten by our various levels of government. When it comes to issues like transit and transportation, community and infrastructure investment, and social supports, residents often feel that they are just not heard.

In my various community roles, I have worked to push these issues forward as best I could. It’s time to elect an MLA who is truly responsive. As an Independent MLA, I will be fully free to fight for this riding without being tied to party politics.

This is a historic election, with upwards of 17 candidates running as center-right Independents. These MLAs may well hold the balance of power between the BC NDP and the BC Conservatives. I want Langley-Abbotsford to have a seat at that table.

John Aldag - BC NDP

Lives in riding: No (Langley-Walnut Grove)

Tell the public who you are: (100 words)

My wife and I moved here in 2005 to raise our 3 children. I developed a passion for our community through years of volunteerism in our community. I left my 34-year career with Parks Canada in 2015 when elected as Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City, then re-elected in 2021. I am now running provincially to focus on issues raised by our community like healthcare, housing, the high cost of living, transit, transportation, homelessness and climate change. My wife is a hospitalist at Surrey Memorial. Our 3 children completed their schooling in the public education system in Walnut Grove.

Why are you running for MLA in your community? (50 words)

I’ve volunteered in our community since moving here in 2005. Through conversations on the doorsteps, I understand the diverse issues facing the residents of our area. I have a proven track record as a former Member of Parliament and know how to work effectively in government for my community.

What is a piece of information about your local community that the public may not know about, and informs your views on policy or politics? (150 words)

Our region has strong tourism, arts, culture and heritage businesses and organizations. I have spent much of my working life in the Fraser Valley, advocating for this sector. We need to make sure the services, facilities and programs offered by government continue to support this sector that struggled post-pandemic but that is making a strong return. I would continue my advocacy efforts in support of these areas that are important both economically and socially.

The questions

What is something with local resonance that is not explicitly mentioned in your party's platform and for which you will advocate for your local constituents if elected? (150 words)

Melissa Snazell, BC Greens: What I am hearing from the people is the issue about ALR land as well as trucks being parked on agricultural land. I am currently researching this issue and hope to come up with some logical and effective solutions to these issues. I want BC to become more self sufficient in term of feeding our population and I have a few ideas about how to do this, however I do not have all the answers and hope to engage with some local groups and associations to brainstorm and come up with collaborative efforts on how to make this situation better for all involved. We also have a water situation in our back yard in the Gloucester estates area, we need sustainable water policy, and it needs to be done in ways that work for all involved but with a focus on safety and environmental protection.

Alex Joehl, BC Libertarians: The BC Libertarian Party has a very extensive platform that includes healthcare, taxation, education, and transportation, but also delves into freedom of speech, reforming how we deliver social assistance, and legalizing raw milk.

A large percentage of the Langley-Abbotsford riding is farmland or within the ALR. While there are only a few dairy farms within these boundaries, everyone might be interested to know that selling raw milk for consumption is illegal, despite that 89% of Canadian dairy farmers drink their own farm-fresh milk according to a 2010 study by Guelph University. (Source: BC Herdshare Association)

Banning distribution of unpasteurized milk may have had good intentions at one time, but now is criminalizing consensual transactions between farmers and customers, forcing them to Washington State to purchase it.

The provincial Milk Industry Act must be amended and then as an MLA I would advocate to the federal government to amend their legislation.

Karen Long, Independent: Seniors’ issues are a primary concern in Langley-Abbotsford, something that has been a particular focus for me as a community leader for decades. These issues include everything from health care to housing to food security and general affordability.

As a society we have a greying population and we must begin to plan better, so that our elders can age with dignity and grace. As an Independent MLA I would advocate for the establishment of a ministerial-level position for seniors’ issues so that such planning is comprehensive and coordinated.

John Aldag, BC NDP: We all spend too much time sitting in our vehicles as we try to move around our area South of the Fraser. While progress is being made on widening Highway 1, more work is needed to reduce commute times and increase the efficiency of the movement of goods in our region. Although not part of the BC NDP platform, I would advocate for planning for additional improvements to move around our area such as road improvements on Fraser Highway, 16 Ave and 0 Ave, as examples.

I’m also hearing concerns about land use. We need to make sure we protect farmable lands including aquifers, and we also need to address issues such as the need for food processing, more industrial lands and lands for housing.

What is something from another party or candidate's platform that you agree with? (50 words)

Melissa Snazell, BC Greens: I believe that both the NDP and the Conservative want to find ways to improve BC’s food security and self sufficiency. This is a major issue in this time of economic and global insecurity and is something that we should be heavily focused on as a Province.

Alex Joehl, BC Libertarians: The BCLP was against the Carbon Tax since Day 1 and have aggressively advocated to end the ICBC monopoly. We now see both of these policies are being trumpeted by the BC Conservatives, and, before them, BC United. Even the NDP is now saying they’ll cut the Consumer Carbon Tax.

Karen Long, Independent: We are seeing a lot of new development in Langley and West Abbotsford. Infrastructure has not kept pace. As an Independent MLA I would consider supporting ideas like the BC Conservatives’ plan to deliver $1 billion in provincial funding to local governments each year for a decade.

John Aldag, BC NDP: With 30+ years with Parks Canada, environmental issues remain important to me. Climate change is real, and science needs to guide our responses to climate change. I would build on concepts and policies offered by the Green Party but adapt them to meet today’s realities.

Which of the following projects do you support?

Note: We unintentionally made respondents able to select more than one option. However, the projects are mutually exclusive, and cannot both be developed. Alex Joehl chose both. John Aldag did not respond because he said he did not know enough about the two projects.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Would your government provide funding for flood protections on Sumas Prairie?

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

What transit upgrades should the province prioritize?

Note: respondents were only allowed to select one option. John Aldag chose more than one priority. Most Fraser Valley NDP candidates returned their forms (against direction) via email, writing extended answers rather than specifically choosing a priority.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Do you support the removal of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve for any of the following reasons?

Note: respondents were allowed to select more than one option.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Should climate change projections be used when setting building and infrastructure standards?

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.