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Here's who's officially declared candidacy for BC United in New West

General voting day is scheduled for Oct. 19.
Jess Balzer
Jess Balzer
newwestbcunited
BC United has declared two candidates in two of three New Westminster ridings including Daniel Kofi Ampong (left; Burnaby-New Westminster) and Pavan Bahia (Richmond-Queensborough).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 Record will publish declared candidates for the BC NDP on Thursday, July 25 and BC Conservatives on Friday, July 26.

BC United has declared candidates in two out of New Westminster's three ridings, as of this publication, July 24, for the 2024 election.

Should more candidates declare, this story will be updated.

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.

Richmond-Queensborough

Pavan Bahia has served as Chief of Staff to Surrey-Newton MP Sukh Dhaliwal. 

Bahia's biography on BC United's website says he has had more than 12 years of progressive experience in public and stakeholder engagement, public policy development and government and media relations. 

He also has outreach experience across different initiatives including at-risk youth, public safety, mental health and addiction, seniors, immigration and sport. 

“I am humbled to have the opportunity to earn the right to represent our community and advocate for our residents every day," Bahia said in his candidacy announcement. 

"After seven years of failed NDP ideology, it’s time for real action to address our cost-of-living crisis, improve health care and build a stronger economy."

BC United says Bahia has a focus on addressing affordability, health care and the economy. 

"Pavan Bahia’s dedication to his community through his work in the public service and active volunteering mean he has the first-hand experience to fight for the priorities of the people of Richmond–Queensborough in Victoria," Party Leader Kevin Falcon added. 

"Under the NDP, life is getting more expensive each and every day, and we need to elect leaders like Pavan Bahia so we can work united towards real progress for British Columbians.”