--- title: "Jagrup Brar: candidate for MLA in Surrey-Fleetwood, BC provincial 2026 | voche.me" canonical_url: "https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/jagrup-brar" last_updated: "2026-10-10T04:04:50.805Z" meta: description: "Jagrup Brar has represented Surrey-Fleetwood since 2017 and has been Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals since November 2024. He was first elected in..." "og:description": "Jagrup Brar has represented Surrey-Fleetwood since 2017 and has been Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals since November 2024. He was first elected in..." "og:title": "Jagrup Brar: candidate for MLA in Surrey-Fleetwood, BC provincial 2026" "twitter:description": "Jagrup Brar has represented Surrey-Fleetwood since 2017 and has been Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals since November 2024. He was first elected in..." "twitter:title": "Jagrup Brar: candidate for MLA in Surrey-Fleetwood, BC provincial 2026" --- ** MLA in Surrey-Fleetwood · BC provincial 2026 # Jagrup Brar Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, running again for the BC NDP in Surrey-Fleetwood. Jagrup Brar has represented Surrey-Fleetwood since 2017 and has been Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals since November 2024. He was first elected in Surrey in 2004. In 2026 he announced fixed time limits for mineral exploration permits, said Budget 2026 adds $3 million and 24 staff for mining permits, and answered opposition questions on delays in mineral claim decisions and on a new sales tax on geoscience and engineering services. Explore the record Public schedule Researched by voche.me · Not a campaign-authored page BC NDP2026 ![Jagrup Brar, from his BC NDP campaign page.](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/images/candidates/jagrup-brar-640.webp) *Jagrup BrarMLAv.* [Image: BC NDP campaign](https://jagrupbrar.bcndp.ca/) Candidate research / October 2, 2026 A researched record of Jagrup Brar's 18 commitments, 18 dated actions and 5 public statements, with 2 news items. Most come from the legislature record and government releases of 2026. **18**Commitments **18**Programs **2**News articles **36**Sources Public schedule / Through election day ## Where can you hear Jagrup Brar? No campaign event for Jagrup Brar was confirmed by an organizer on 2026-10-02. One all-party forum is listed as unconfirmed, and the other dates are voting days. Checked October 2, 2026 · All event times are Pacific time. Recheck the organizer before travelling. - [2026 provincial general election: key dates](https://elections.bc.ca/2026-provincial-election/)Official record · Elections BC - [Oct. 15 forum for B.C. election candidates in 10 Surrey ridings, with 5 parties invited](https://surreynowleader.com/2026/10/01/oct-15-forum-for-b-c-election-candidates-in-10-surrey-ridings-with-5-parties-invited/)Reporting · Surrey Now-Leader (Black Press) · Tom Zillich
View every date through Oct 24 1. Oct 9No appearance confirmed 2. Oct 10No appearance confirmed 3. Oct 11No appearance confirmed 4. Oct 12No appearance confirmed 5. Oct 13No appearance confirmed 6. Oct 14No appearance confirmed 7. Oct 15Event; attendance unconfirmed 8. Oct 16Voting day 9. Oct 17No appearance confirmed 10. Oct 18No appearance confirmed 11. Oct 19No appearance confirmed 12. Oct 20No appearance confirmed 13. Oct 21No appearance confirmed 14. Oct 22No appearance confirmed 15. Oct 23No appearance confirmed 16. Oct 24Voting day
### Public forums and announcements Attendance is identified for each event. Unconfirmed listings are not confirmed candidate appearances. Oct 155:30 p.m. Public forumAttendance unconfirmed #### Provincial candidates forum for Surrey and White Rock Location to be announced by the organizers **The organizers invited candidates from five parties in all 10 Surrey and White Rock ridings. No source names Brar as attending.** Hosted by the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade, the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce and the White Rock Business Improvement Association, according to the Surrey Now-Leader. - [Oct. 15 forum for B.C. election candidates in 10 Surrey ridings, with 5 parties invited](https://surreynowleader.com/2026/10/01/oct-15-forum-for-b-c-election-candidates-in-10-surrey-ridings-with-5-parties-invited/)Reporting · Surrey Now-Leader (Black Press) · Tom Zillich ### Voting dates - Oct 16Advance voting begins - Oct 24General voting day At official British Columbia voting places. These dates apply to every voter and are not candidate appearances. [Find your voting place](https://elections.bc.ca/2026-provincial-election/where-to-vote/) - [2026 provincial general election: key dates](https://elections.bc.ca/2026-provincial-election/)Official record · Elections BC On dates without a confirmed appearance the public schedule is unknown; the candidate may still have activities that day. This static page changes only when its research is updated. 01 / Introduction ## About Jagrup Brar Jagrup Brar is the BC NDP candidate in Surrey-Fleetwood on Elections BC's candidate list, read from the copy stamped October 1, 2026 11:00:06 PM. The list shows two accepted nominations in the district: Jagrup Brar of the BC NDP and Garry Purewal of the Conservative Party. Nominations close at 1 p.m. on October 3, 2026. He won Surrey-Fleetwood in 2024 with 9,923 votes, 48.61% of the valid vote, according to the Elections BC statement of votes. Avtar Gill of the Conservative Party received 9,170 votes (44.92%) and Tim Binnema of the BC Green Party received 1,321 (6.47%). The legislature record lists his election years as 2004, 2005, 2009, 2017, 2020 and 2024. It shows him as the member for Surrey-Panorama Ridge in the 37th and 38th Parliaments, and for Surrey-Fleetwood in the 39th, 41st, 42nd and 43rd Parliaments. In his budget speech of February 23, 2026 he thanked the people of Surrey for electing him six times. The legislature record shows him as Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals from November 18, 2024, and as Minister of State for Trade in the 42nd Parliament. The government release of December 7, 2022 lists him as Minister of State for Trade, and the release of November 18, 2024 names Rick Glumac to that post and Brar to Mining and Critical Minerals. The member biography on the legislature site and his ministry biography say he played for the Indian national basketball team, holds a master's degree in philosophy and a master's in public administration, and led the Surrey Self Employment and Entrepreneur Development Society (SEEDS). voche.me treats these pages as his own account and did not check these facts with another body. In the legislature in 2026 he spoke on the budget, answered questions on mining permits and a sales tax change, and led the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals through its budget debate on April 29 and 30. His campaign page says he is committed to building up Surrey, naming a new hospital and a SkyTrain extension. Read the sources Promises / Commitments and evidence ## Commitments and the available evidence. Published positions and selected commitments, separated by election cycle. Status labels describe the evidence reviewed, not a numerical score or a complete audit of the platform. Council approval is different from delivery. 18 commitments shown · Checked Oct 2 2026 · EconomyIn progress ### Fixed time limits for mineral exploration permits A government release of January 26, 2026 quotes Brar announcing that from April 1, 2026, exploration permits are decided within 40 to 140 days, depending on how complex the work is. If a file runs late, it goes to the chief permitting officer for a decision within 14 days. He repeated the plan in his budget speech and in the estimates debate.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
The release gives the time limits, the start date and $1 million for extra staff. In the estimates debate he said the money pays for seven new staff. A government release of September 22, 2026 that quotes him says every target has been met. That is the government's own account, and voche.me did not check it against permit data.
What still needs checking
How many exploration permits were decided within the time limit in the first year?
- [Boosting mineral-exploration sector through new permit timelines](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0003-000071)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals - [Debates of April 29, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260429pm-Hansard-n167.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Accelerating mining in B.C. with streamlined permitting](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0031-001120)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals 2026 · EconomyIn progress ### Decide mineral claims within the set time limits In the estimates debate on April 30, 2026, Brar said the mineral claims consultation framework, the process for consulting First Nations before a new mineral claim is registered, is not meeting its time limits. He said Budget 2026 puts $2 million into it and that 17 new staff are being hired to fix it. He gave the target as 90 to 120 days.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
He gives the money, the staff count and the target time. He gave no date by which claims will meet the target. A government release of September 22, 2026 estimates that 80% of applications since March 2025 have been processed; that is the government's figure.
What still needs checking
What share of mineral claim decisions now meets the 90 to 120 day target?
- [Debates of April 30, 2026 (morning): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260430am-Hansard-n168.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of April 29, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260429pm-Hansard-n167.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of April 30, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260430pm-Hansard-n169.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Accelerating mining in B.C. with streamlined permitting](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0031-001120)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals 2026 · EconomyIn progress ### Help more mining projects through the Critical Minerals Office A government release of February 20, 2026 quotes Brar on adding three projects to the Critical Minerals Office, which helps chosen projects prepare for environmental review and permits. In the estimates debate he said the office has worked with more than 20 projects.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
The release names the three projects. It gives no cost and no date for any permit decision.
What still needs checking
Do the North Island, Berg and Wicheeda projects enter environmental review, and when?
- [Adding three mining projects to Critical Minerals Office](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0010-000179)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals - [Debates of April 30, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260430pm-Hansard-n169.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · EconomyIn progress ### A shared critical minerals plan with western provinces and territories Government releases of January 25 and June 25, 2026 quote Brar on an agreement among British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and on the strategy they published under it.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
The releases name the strategy and its three parts. They give no cost, no project count and no date for results.
What still needs checking
Which shared projects or transport routes does the strategy fund first?
- [Canada’s western, northern regions to develop a shared critical minerals strategy](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0002-000070)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals - [Western, northern provinces, territories join forces on critical-minerals development](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0030-000756)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals 2026 · EconomyIn progress ### Loan guarantees for First Nations ownership in projects In his budget speech on February 23, 2026, Brar said the government is setting aside up to $1 billion in loan guarantees so First Nations can buy ownership shares in mining and other projects.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
He gives the amount and names the budget. He gave no number of projects or Nations and no date.
What still needs checking
How many First Nations have used the loan guarantees, and for which projects?
- [Debates of February 23, 2026 (afternoon): his budget speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260223pm-Hansard-n122.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · GovernanceIn progress ### Update the Mineral Tenure Act with First Nations In the estimates debate on April 30, 2026, Brar said updating the Mineral Tenure Act, the law on how mineral claims are registered, is part of his mandate letter and of the action plan under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. He said five staff now work on it.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
He gave no date for a bill and no cost. He said the work was delayed by the court-ordered claims process and by a public service strike in fall 2025.
What still needs checking
Is a bill to change the Mineral Tenure Act introduced, and when?
- [Debates of April 30, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260430pm-Hansard-n169.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · ClimateIn progress ### Land use plans in northwestern B.C. In the estimates debate on April 30, 2026, Brar said the Province and five Nations are writing land use plans for four areas in northwestern and north-central B.C., which set where mining and conservation go. He said draft plans would be shared in spring and summer 2026 and final plans were expected during 2026.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
A ministry release of June 3, 2026, which does not quote him, extends a pause on new mineral claims in those areas to January 31, 2027 and expects recommendations by December 2026. No cost is given.
What still needs checking
Are the four land use plans final, and how much land is set aside for conservation?
- [Debates of April 30, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260430pm-Hansard-n169.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Continuing tenure pause until Jan. 31, 2027](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0015-000649)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals 2026 · EconomyIn progress ### Defends the sales tax on engineering and geoscience services In the estimates debate on April 29, 2026, Brar said Budget 2026 applies the provincial sales tax to engineering and geoscience services from October 1, 2026, at an effective rate of 2.1% instead of 7%, to limit the cost for mining.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
He gives the rate and the start date. The measure belongs to the Minister of Finance. He gave no estimate of the cost to exploration companies. voche.me did not open the tax bill.
What still needs checking
Does the tax change mineral exploration spending in 2027?
- [Debates of April 29, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260429pm-Hansard-n167.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · GovernanceCampaign pledge ### Supports the choices in Budget 2026 In his budget speech on February 23, 2026, Brar said Budget 2026 protects health care, education and public safety, keeps taxes low for working families and lowers the deficit over time by making the public sector smaller.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
He names the aims. He gave no deficit figure and no date for a balanced budget in this speech.
What still needs checking
What is the deficit in the 2027 budget?
- [Debates of February 23, 2026 (afternoon): his budget speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260223pm-Hansard-n122.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · Public servicesIn progress ### A second hospital for Surrey His campaign page says he is committed to building up Surrey and names a new hospital. In his budget speech on February 24, 2026, he said the government is building a second hospital for Surrey with a cancer centre.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
He gave no cost and no opening date. voche.me did not open a government record of the hospital project.
What still needs checking
When does the second Surrey hospital open?
- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): his budget speech continues](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Jagrup Brar campaign page](https://jagrupbrar.bcndp.ca/)Campaign · BC NDP 2026 · TransportationIn progress ### SkyTrain and bridges for Surrey His campaign page names a SkyTrain extension. In his budget speech on February 24, 2026, he listed the SkyTrain extension to Langley and the new Pattullo Bridge among the government's projects for Surrey.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
He gave no cost and no opening date. voche.me did not open a government record of these projects.
What still needs checking
When does the SkyTrain extension to Langley open?
- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): his budget speech continues](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Jagrup Brar campaign page](https://jagrupbrar.bcndp.ca/)Campaign · BC NDP 2026 · EducationIn progress ### More schools for Surrey In his budget speech on February 24, 2026, Brar said the government has been building schools in Surrey. He said Surrey schools now add 2,500 new students a year, up from 600 five years earlier, according to the school superintendent.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
He named no school, no number of new seats, no cost and no date. The student figures are his report of what the superintendent told him, and voche.me did not check them.
What still needs checking
Which new schools or additions in Surrey-Fleetwood are funded, and when do they open?
- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): his budget speech continues](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · ClimateIn progress ### Money held for mine cleanup In the estimates debate on April 30, 2026, Brar said the ministry now holds security for 97.5% of the known cleanup cost of major mines, up from 40% in 2016.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
These figures describe what has been done, so they earn no target point. He named no new rule. voche.me did not check the figures against ministry data.
What still needs checking
Does the ministry hold security for the full known cleanup cost of every major mine?
- [Debates of April 30, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260430pm-Hansard-n169.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · EconomyCampaign pledge ### BC NDP plan to double critical mineral exports A BC NDP release of September 28, 2026 says a re-elected government will double the production and export of critical minerals within five years. The release does not name Brar.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
Party text. Brar spoke on the same subject as minister, but voche.me found no campaign statement by him that repeats this pledge on 2026-10-02.
What still needs checking
Does Brar repeat or explain this pledge during the campaign?
- [Eby to double critical mineral exports, expand Port of Prince Rupert](https://www.bcndp.ca/releases/eby-double-critical-mineral-exports-expand-port-prince-rupert)Campaign · BC NDP 2026 · HousingCampaign pledge ### BC NDP record on daily costs The BC NDP platform page says the party lowered ICBC car insurance rates by $500 and froze them for seven years. A party release of October 1, 2026 says David Eby will suspend part of the provincial gas tax. Neither page names Brar.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
Party text. voche.me found no 2026 statement by Brar on these measures.
What still needs checking
Does Brar speak on car insurance or fuel costs during the campaign?
- [BC NDP platform page, Fighting for You and Your Family](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)Campaign · BC NDP - [BC NDP releases page](https://www.bcndp.ca/releases)Campaign · BC NDP 2026 · HousingCampaign pledge ### BC NDP housing position The BC NDP platform page says the Speculation and Vacancy Tax turned 20,000 empty units into homes in Metro Vancouver. The page does not name Brar.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
Party text. voche.me found no 2026 statement by Brar on housing policy.
What still needs checking
Does Brar state a housing measure during the campaign?
- [BC NDP platform page, Fighting for You and Your Family](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)Campaign · BC NDP 2026 · Public safetyCampaign pledge ### BC NDP public safety position The BC NDP platform page says the BC Extortion Task Force has laid more than 90 charges. The page does not name Brar.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
Party text. voche.me found no 2026 statement by Brar on public safety.
What still needs checking
Does Brar speak on extortion or public safety in Surrey during the campaign?
- [BC NDP platform page, Fighting for You and Your Family](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)Campaign · BC NDP 2026 · EducationCampaign pledge ### BC NDP education position The BC NDP platform page says the government brought in reading checks for kindergarten children. The page does not name Brar.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
Party text. Brar's own statement on Surrey schools is listed separately.
What still needs checking
Does Brar name a school project for Surrey-Fleetwood during the campaign?
- [BC NDP platform page, Fighting for You and Your Family](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)Campaign · BC NDP City programs / Scope and delivery ## Policies, budgets & programs Recorded votes and government programs where an official source names him. A government program is the government's; it is listed here only where the release quotes or names him, or is marked "other". Sep 22Reported by the government ### Government reports exploration permit targets met A government release that quotes Brar says every permit under the fixed time limits has been decided on time since April 2026, and that the first two permits took less than 70 days.
Scope, limits and sources The figures are the government's own account.
- [Accelerating mining in B.C. with streamlined permitting](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0031-001120)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals Jul 16Signed ### Consent agreement with Simpcw First Nation for the Yellowhead copper mine review Brar was one of three ministers who signed the agreement, under which the Province and Simpcw run their reviews of the proposed mine together. The release quotes him.
Scope, limits and sources The release says the mine still needs Simpcw consent and a provincial environmental assessment certificate.
- [B.C., Simpcw sign consent agreement for proposed Yellowhead copper mine](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026ENV0029-000836)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Environment and Parks Jun 25Published ### Critical minerals strategy for Western and Northern Canada published Seven provinces and territories published a shared strategy. The government release quotes Brar and says British Columbia led the work.
Scope, limits and sources The release is the government's own account of B.C.'s role.
- [Western, northern provinces, territories join forces on critical-minerals development](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0030-000756)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals Jun 19Approved ### Red Chris mine expansion approved The Province and the Tahltan Central Government approved the expansion under a consent agreement. The release quotes Brar.
Scope, limits and sources The release estimates 1,800 jobs at the peak of construction; that is the government's figure.
- [B.C. approves Red Chris mine expansion](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0029-000727)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier Jun 3Extended ### Pause on new mineral claims in the northwest extended The ministry extended the pause on new mineral and placer claims in parts of northwestern and north-central B.C. to January 31, 2027.
Scope, limits and sources The release does not quote Brar, so it is listed as a government action.
- [Continuing tenure pause until Jan. 31, 2027](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0015-000649)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals Feb 23Permits issued ### Copper Mountain mine expansion permitted The Province issued permits for the New Ingerbelle expansion near Princeton. The release quotes Brar.
Scope, limits and sources The release says the work extends the mine past 2040.
- [Province approves Copper Mountain mine expansion](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0011-000182)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals Feb 20Announced ### Three projects added to the Critical Minerals Office The North Island, Berg and Wicheeda projects receive help preparing for environmental review. The release quotes Brar.
Scope, limits and sources The release says the office's help leaves permit standards and decisions unchanged.
- [Adding three mining projects to Critical Minerals Office](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0010-000179)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals Jan 27Approved ### Eskay Creek mine approved with the Tahltan Nation The first project reviewed under a consent agreement made under section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The release quotes Brar.
Scope, limits and sources The release says some permits under the Environmental Management Act were still to be issued.
- [Province approves Eskay Creek mine, first Declaration Act Section 7 agreement](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0008-000078)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals Jan 26Announced; in effect April 1, 2026 ### Fixed time limits for exploration permits announced The ministry announced time limits of 40 to 140 days from April 1, 2026, with $3 million in Budget 2026 for permits and mineral claims. The release quotes Brar.
Scope, limits and sources The release is the government's own account.
- [Boosting mineral-exploration sector through new permit timelines](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0003-000071)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals Jan 25Signed ### Agreement with western provinces and territories on critical minerals Brar and ministers from six other provinces and territories signed an agreement to write a shared strategy, according to the government release.
Scope, limits and sources The strategy followed on June 25, 2026.
- [Canada’s western, northern regions to develop a shared critical minerals strategy](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0002-000070)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals Jan 21Permits issued ### Mt. Milligan mine expansion permitted The Province issued permits that extend the mine near Fort St. James to 2035. The release quotes Brar.
Scope, limits and sources The release gives 574 existing jobs; in debate Brar gave other job counts for this mine.
- [Mt. Milligan mine receives expansion permits](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0001-000053)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals Feb 26Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes on the 2026 budget motion The recorded vote index lists Brar voting yes on the budget motion.
Scope, limits and sources The index records his vote. voche.me did not open the transcript of the vote.
- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Jagrup Brar](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesb.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 1Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes on third reading of the Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2026 (Bill 2) The recorded vote index lists Brar voting yes at second and third reading.
Scope, limits and sources voche.me did not read the bill, so its content is left out here.
- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Jagrup Brar](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesb.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 28Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes on third reading of the K'ómoks Treaty Act (Bill 20) The recorded vote index lists Brar voting yes at second and third reading, and no on an amendment at second reading.
Scope, limits and sources The index records his vote. It lists no speech by him on the bill.
- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Jagrup Brar](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesb.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 28Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes on third reading of the freedom of information bill (Bill 9) The recorded vote index lists Brar voting yes at second and third reading of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act, 2026.
Scope, limits and sources voche.me did not read the bill, so its content is left out here.
- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Jagrup Brar](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesb.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 22Recorded vote, no ### Voted no on first reading of a bill to repeal DRIPA The recorded vote index lists Brar voting no at first reading of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Repeal Act.
Scope, limits and sources First reading is the vote to introduce a bill for debate. DRIPA is the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Jagrup Brar](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesb.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Mar 5Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes on first reading of the Drug Recovery and Community Safety Act (Bill M235) The recorded vote index lists Brar voting yes at first reading of this member's bill.
Scope, limits and sources First reading is the vote to introduce a bill for debate. voche.me did not read the bill.
- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Jagrup Brar](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesb.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Dec 7Past role, to November 18, 2024 ### Named Minister of State for Trade The government's cabinet release of December 7, 2022 lists him as Minister of State for Trade.
Scope, limits and sources Listed as background on his earlier role. voche.me did not read releases from that role.
- [New cabinet ready to take action on cost of living, health care, housing, climate](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022PREM0097-001863)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier - [Members and Executive Council, data for Jagrup Brar](https://www.leg.bc.ca/members/executive-council)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia Recent appearances / Read and watch ## Talks, interviews & statements Read original statements and reporting, or open the publisher’s video. A summary of a speech is labelled separately from a full recording. Feb 23Speech ### Budget speech Brar spoke on Budget 2026, mineral exploration spending, the fixed permit time limits, the loan guarantees for First Nations and mine approvals. He finished the speech on February 24 with projects for Surrey. - [Debates of February 23, 2026 (afternoon): his budget speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260223pm-Hansard-n122.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): his budget speech continues](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 22Debate coverage ### Question period on mineral claim decisions Asked by Conservative MLA Gavin Dew about late decisions on mineral claims, Brar said the framework is new, needs improvement and gets $3 million more in the budget. - [Debates of April 22, 2026 (afternoon): question period on mineral claims](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260422pm-Hansard-n160.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 29Debate coverage ### Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals budget debate Over three sittings on April 29 and 30, Brar answered questions on the ministry budget of $57.3 million, staff numbers, permit times, the sales tax change, land use plans and the Mineral Tenure Act. - [Debates of April 29, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260429pm-Hansard-n167.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of April 30, 2026 (morning): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260430am-Hansard-n168.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of April 30, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260430pm-Hansard-n169.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 6Debate coverage ### Question period on the sales tax and mining Asked whether he tried to stop the sales tax change on exploration services, Brar spoke about permit time limits and record exploration spending. - [Debates of May 6, 2026 (afternoon): question period on the sales tax change](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260506pm-Hansard-n174.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 15Statement ### Opinion piece for Mining Month In a signed piece, Brar wrote that 40,000 people work in mining in B.C. and that six major mine projects were approved in one year. - [OPINION: Mining investment creating jobs, building B.C. economy (signed by Jagrup Brar)](https://vicnews.com/2026/05/15/opinion-mining-investment-creating-jobs-building-b-c-economy/)Interview · Victoria News (Black Press) Accountability / Findings, disputes and responses ## Controversies & public scrutiny Records are labelled by type, including official findings, civil proceedings and political disputes where applicable. Each entry identifies the response found in the sources and the latest status verified for this page. Policy disputeApril 22, 2026 ### Delays in mineral claim decisions In question period on April 22, 2026, Conservative MLA Gavin Dew said 85 percent of decisions under the mineral claims consultation framework are not completed on time. That is his figure. voche.me did not check it. #### Candidate or party response Brar said the framework is new, was required by a court ruling, needs improvement and gets $2 million and 17 staff in Budget 2026. In the estimates debate he said it is not meeting its time limits. #### Verified status and limits A government release of September 22, 2026 estimates that 80% of applications since March 2025 have been processed. voche.me found no independent review of the framework on 2026-10-02. - [Debates of April 22, 2026 (afternoon): question period on mineral claims](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260422pm-Hansard-n160.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of April 30, 2026 (morning): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260430am-Hansard-n168.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Accelerating mining in B.C. with streamlined permitting](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026MCM0031-001120)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals Policy disputeMay 6, 2026 ### Sales tax on geoscience and engineering services In the estimates debate on April 29 and in question period on May 6, 2026, Gavin Dew read statements by Todd Stone, chief executive of the Association for Mineral Exploration, who said the industry was not told about the tax change before the budget. #### Candidate or party response Brar said the tax applies at an effective rate of 2.1% to limit the cost to mining, and pointed to the permit time limits and record exploration spending. #### Verified status and limits Brar said the tax takes effect on October 1, 2026. voche.me found no change to the measure on 2026-10-02. - [Debates of April 29, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260429pm-Hansard-n167.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of May 6, 2026 (afternoon): question period on the sales tax change](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260506pm-Hansard-n174.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard News coverage / Original publishers ## Read the reporting A dated reading list from independent publishers. The headings below are voche.me summaries; follow each link for the original article, context and any corrections. September 24, 2026Reporting Surrey Now-Leader (Black Press) · Tom Zillich ### All four Surrey NDP MLAs seek re-election Reports that Brar is running again and says B.C. must create good jobs and build new markets beyond the United States. - [B.C. VOTES: Why all 4 NDP MLAs are seeking re-election in Surrey ridings Oct. 24](https://surreynowleader.com/2026/09/24/b-c-votes-why-all-4-ndp-mlas-are-seeking-re-election-in-surrey-ridings-oct-24/)Reporting · Surrey Now-Leader (Black Press) · Tom Zillich September 28, 2026Reporting Surrey Now-Leader (Black Press) ### Who is running in the Surrey ridings Names Brar, Garry Purewal of the Conservatives, Paul Brar of CentreBC and Carolyn Hofbauer of OneBC as candidates in Surrey-Fleetwood. - [B.C. VOTES: Who’s running in Surrey ridings Oct. 24 and what happened last election](https://surreynowleader.com/2026/09/28/b-c-votes-whos-running-in-surrey-ridings-oct-24-and-what-happened-last-election/)Reporting · Surrey Now-Leader (Black Press) Research / 36 linked sources ## Check the evidence Sources checked October 2, 2026. Official records establish decisions; campaign material establishes stated positions; reporting adds investigation and context. None alone establishes every claim.
Official record 27 sources - Provincial candidate list, 2026 general election (copy stamped October 1, 2026 11:00:06 PM) Elections BC - 2026 provincial general election: key dates Elections BC - Statement of votes, 2024 provincial general election Elections BC - Members and Executive Council, data for Jagrup Brar Legislative Assembly of British Columbia - Members index to debates, 2026, entry for Jagrup Brar Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Jagrup Brar Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - Debates of February 23, 2026 (afternoon): his budget speech Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · February 23, 2026 - Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): his budget speech continues Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · February 24, 2026 - Debates of April 22, 2026 (afternoon): question period on mineral claims Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 22, 2026 - Debates of April 29, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 29, 2026 - Debates of April 30, 2026 (morning): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 30, 2026 - Debates of April 30, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals estimates Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 30, 2026 - Debates of May 6, 2026 (afternoon): question period on the sales tax change Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · May 6, 2026 - New cabinet ready to take action on cost of living, health care, housing, climate Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier · December 7, 2022 - New cabinet ready to deliver on the priorities of British Columbians Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier · November 18, 2024 - Honourable Jagrup Brar, ministry biography Government of British Columbia - Mt. Milligan mine receives expansion permits Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals · January 21, 2026 - Canada’s western, northern regions to develop a shared critical minerals strategy Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals · January 25, 2026 - Boosting mineral-exploration sector through new permit timelines Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals · January 26, 2026 - Province approves Eskay Creek mine, first Declaration Act Section 7 agreement Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals · January 27, 2026 - Adding three mining projects to Critical Minerals Office Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals · February 20, 2026 - Province approves Copper Mountain mine expansion Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals · February 23, 2026 - Continuing tenure pause until Jan. 31, 2027 Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals · June 3, 2026 - B.C. approves Red Chris mine expansion Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier · June 19, 2026 - Western, northern provinces, territories join forces on critical-minerals development Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals · June 25, 2026 - B.C., Simpcw sign consent agreement for proposed Yellowhead copper mine Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Environment and Parks · July 16, 2026 - Accelerating mining in B.C. with streamlined permitting Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals · September 22, 2026
Campaign 5 sources - Jagrup Brar campaign page BC NDP - BC NDP platform page, Fighting for You and Your Family BC NDP - BC NDP releases page BC NDP - BC NDP team page BC NDP - Eby to double critical mineral exports, expand Port of Prince Rupert BC NDP · September 28, 2026
Reporting 3 sources - B.C. VOTES: Why all 4 NDP MLAs are seeking re-election in Surrey ridings Oct. 24 Surrey Now-Leader (Black Press) · Tom Zillich · September 24, 2026 - B.C. VOTES: Who’s running in Surrey ridings Oct. 24 and what happened last election Surrey Now-Leader (Black Press) · September 28, 2026 - Oct. 15 forum for B.C. election candidates in 10 Surrey ridings, with 5 parties invited Surrey Now-Leader (Black Press) · Tom Zillich · October 1, 2026
Interview 1 sources - OPINION: Mining investment creating jobs, building B.C. economy (signed by Jagrup Brar) Victoria News (Black Press) · May 15, 2026
His Facebook, Instagram and X pages showed only a profile line to a direct read, with no readable posts, so nothing from them is used. The campaign page lists no events and no platform of his own beyond the hospital and SkyTrain. The BC NDP release and team pages read on this date do not name him. The estimates debates of April 29 and 30, 2026 were read for his answers and not line by line. His speeches of 2017 to 2025 and of 2004 to 2013 were not read. Votes are taken from the vote index; the vote transcripts were not opened. The 2004, 2005, 2009, 2017 and 2020 vote counts were not taken from Elections BC records. No government release from his time as Minister of State for Trade was read. Figures he gave in debate and in releases, such as six major mines approved in 13 months, $751 million in exploration spending and the share of mine cleanup costs held, are his or the government's figures and were not checked against ministry data. His biography statements on basketball, his degrees and his work at SEEDS were not checked with another body. The Surrey Now-Leader reported that Paul Brar (CentreBC) and Carolyn Hofbauer (OneBC) will run in Surrey-Fleetwood; neither was on the Elections BC list read on this date. The second Surrey hospital, the SkyTrain extension to Langley and the Pattullo Bridge were not checked in government project records. voche.me found no 2026 statement by him on housing, the cost of living or public safety. Campaign finances and endorsements were not reviewed. The questionnaire has not been sent. Research status ## What voche.me has checked Evidence reviewed on 2026-10-02: the Elections BC candidate list and key dates page, the 2024 statement of votes, the legislature's member data and its 2026 speech and vote indexes, 7 transcripts of 2026 sittings, 12 government releases and his ministry biography, his campaign page, the BC NDP platform, team and release pages, a party release on critical minerals, an opinion piece he signed in Victoria News, and three Surrey Now-Leader reports. His commitments on this page come from what he said in the legislature, in government releases that quote him and in his signed opinion piece in 2026. His campaign page names a new hospital and a SkyTrain extension. Sections with no entry record that voche.me found nothing on this date. [Hansard members index, 2026](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Index/43rd2nd/2026-members-indexmhds.htm) [Recorded votes index, 2026](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesb.htm) 03 / Background ## Experience & community 2024 to present ### Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals Start date November 18, 2024, from the legislature record. The government release of that day lists him in this post. [Legislative Assembly of British Columbia](https://www.leg.bc.ca/members/executive-council) 2017 to present ### MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood Re-elected in 2024 with 9,923 votes, 48.61% of the valid vote. The legislature record also lists him for Surrey-Fleetwood in the 39th Parliament. [Elections BC statement of votes, 2024](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2024-provincial-election.pdf) December 7, 2022 to November 18, 2024 ### Minister of State for Trade Listed in the government's cabinet release of December 7, 2022. The release of November 18, 2024 names another member to the post. [Government release, December 7, 2022](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022PREM0097-001863) 2004 to 2009 ### MLA for Surrey-Panorama Ridge The legislature record lists him for this district in the 37th and 38th Parliaments, with election years 2004 and 2005. [Legislative Assembly of British Columbia](https://www.leg.bc.ca/members) Dates not found ### Executive Director, Surrey Self Employment and Entrepreneur Development Society (SEEDS) Stated in his member biography and on his campaign page. voche.me did not check it with the society. [Government of British Columbia, ministry biography](https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/mining-and-critical-minerals/biography) 04 / Questions & answers ## Questions for the candidate Proposed questions for a future interview. They have not been sent to the candidate, and no answers have been supplied. No questions and answers have been supplied. ### Have your own question? Ask Jagrup Brar directly. We send it to the campaign, and publish the reply here if we get one. 05 / About this page ## Questions about this page Facts voche.me can state about Jagrup Brar's page itself, answered directly rather than left blank.
Is this an official page for Jagrup Brar? No. This page is researched by voche.me from public sources, listed below, and is separate from Jagrup Brar's own campaign.
What party is Jagrup Brar running with? Jagrup Brar is running for MLA with BC NDP.
Does Jagrup Brar currently hold public office? Yes. Jagrup Brar currently serves as Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals; MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood.
How many sources does this Jagrup Brar profile cite? This profile lists 5 sourced references, each with the date voche.me checked it, in the Sources section below.
Why do some questions on Jagrup Brar's page show no answer? The "Questions & answers" section on this page lists questions voche.me would put to Jagrup Brar in a future interview. They have not been sent yet, so the page says plainly that no answer has been supplied instead of leaving the section blank.
When is the election Jagrup Brar is running in? The 2026 British Columbia election, including the MLA race, is decided on October 24, 2026.
06 / Candidate contributions ## Space for campaign updates ### No campaign updates yet Announcements, event details and messages can be added here, with their source and publication date. No campaign submission has been added. ## Sources & transparency - [Elections BC · provincial candidate list ](https://www.elections.bc.ca/docs/fin/GE-2026-10-24-Candidate-Website-Report.PDF)Checked October 2, 2026 - [Elections BC · statement of votes, 2024 ](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2024-provincial-election.pdf)Checked October 2, 2026 - [Legislative Assembly · Executive Council ](https://www.leg.bc.ca/members/executive-council)Checked October 2, 2026 - [Hansard members index, 2026 ](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Index/43rd2nd/2026-members-indexmhds.htm)Checked October 2, 2026 - [Campaign page ](https://jagrupbrar.bcndp.ca/)Checked October 2, 2026 Missing information does not imply a candidate’s position. [Read our editorial standards.](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/about) Campaign contact ## Campaign links & contact. Find the candidate’s website, social accounts and contact information. [Campaign page](https://jagrupbrar.bcndp.ca/) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JagrupBrarBC/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jagrup.brar/) [X](https://x.com/JagrupBrar1) ## View more candidates. [All candidate spaces ](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/candidates) [MLA**A'aliya Warbus**](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/a-aliya-warbus) [MLA**Abraham Nordine**](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/abraham-nordine) Candidate Q&A ## Ask Jagrup Brar a question. Give your name, email and question. We send it to the campaign, and publish their answer here if we get one. ## Sitemap See the full [sitemap](/bc/provincial-2026/sitemap.md) for all pages.