--- title: "Raj Chouhan: candidate for MLA in Burnaby-New Westminster, BC provincial 2026 | voche.me" canonical_url: "https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/raj-chouhan" last_updated: "2026-10-10T04:03:28.265Z" meta: description: "Raj Chouhan has been an MLA since 2005 and was first chosen as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in 2020. As Speaker in 2026 he broke three tied votes in..." "og:description": "Raj Chouhan has been an MLA since 2005 and was first chosen as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in 2020. As Speaker in 2026 he broke three tied votes in..." "og:title": "Raj Chouhan: candidate for MLA in Burnaby-New Westminster, BC provincial 2026" "twitter:description": "Raj Chouhan has been an MLA since 2005 and was first chosen as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in 2020. As Speaker in 2026 he broke three tied votes in..." "twitter:title": "Raj Chouhan: candidate for MLA in Burnaby-New Westminster, BC provincial 2026" --- ** MLA in Burnaby-New Westminster · BC provincial 2026 # Raj Chouhan Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, running again for the BC NDP in Burnaby-New Westminster. Raj Chouhan has been an MLA since 2005 and was first chosen as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in 2020. As Speaker in 2026 he broke three tied votes in favour of the government, on the budget, the budget bill and a freedom of information bill. Explore the record Public schedule Researched by voche.me · Not a campaign-authored page BC NDP2026 ![Raj Chouhan, from his BC NDP campaign page.](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/images/candidates/raj-chouhan-640.webp) *Raj ChouhanMLAv.* [Image: BC NDP campaign](https://rajchouhan.bcndp.ca/) Candidate research / October 3, 2026 A researched record of Raj Chouhan's 6 commitments, 10 dated actions and 14 public statements, with 5 news items. As Speaker he does not take part in debate, so most of his 2026 record is tied votes and rulings from the Chair, plus quotes in government releases and his own newspaper columns. **6**Commitments **10**Programs **5**News articles **40**Sources Public schedule / Through election day ## Where can you hear Raj Chouhan? No campaign event for Raj Chouhan was confirmed by an organizer on 2026-10-03. The BC NDP events page did not show its event list in a direct read. The dates below are voting days. Checked October 3, 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
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 15No appearance confirmed 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
### 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 Raj Chouhan Raj Chouhan is the BC NDP candidate in Burnaby-New Westminster on Elections BC's list for the general election of October 24, 2026. He won the district in 2024 with 10,647 votes, 59.99% of the valid vote, according to the Elections BC statement of votes. The legislature record lists his election years as 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017, 2020 and 2024. CBC News reported in December 2020 that the legislature chose him as Speaker, the first Indo-Canadian to hold the post, and that he had been deputy Speaker before. The legislature record shows him as Speaker again from February 18, 2025. The Speaker runs the debates in the legislature, stays neutral and votes only to break a tie, according to the legislature's own page. In 2026 the record shows four tied votes where he cast the deciding vote. He voted for the government on the budget, the budget bill and the freedom of information bill, saying that a vote of confidence should not be decided by the Chair alone. He voted against an opposition change to a motion, following the usual practice. The Georgia Straight reported on September 12, 2017 that he was deputy Speaker again, having held the post in the previous session. The legislature's Speaker page says that in May 2023 a Working Group on Parliamentary Culture was formed with him as Speaker and convener. In May 2025 the Canadian Press reported that his casting vote passed Bill 15 by 47 to 46, and also Bill 14. Freshet News reported on May 24, 2026 that he travelled to New York City that month to receive an Ellis Island Medal of Honor. The Ellis Island Honors Society's list of 2026 honourees names Honorable Raj Chouhan, and Minister Lisa Beare told the House on May 19, 2026 that the award recognised his work as founding president of the Canadian Farmworkers Union. The 2026 Hansard index still prints his riding as Burnaby-Edmonds. Elections BC and the legislature's own member data give Burnaby-New Westminster. CBC News reported that he is the founding president of the Canadian Farmworkers' Union and was director of bargaining for the Hospital Employees' Union for 18 years. His campaign page says he moved to Canada in 1973 and helped found the BC Organization to Fight Racism. Those are the campaign's own statements. 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. 6 commitments shown · Checked Oct 3 2026 · EconomyCampaign pledge ### Support workers and businesses facing tariffs His campaign page says he believes people in Burnaby-New Westminster need a government that supports workers and businesses facing tariffs.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
A statement of approach. It names no program, number, cost or date.
What still needs checking
Which measure for workers or businesses would he support?
- [Raj Chouhan campaign page](https://rajchouhan.bcndp.ca/)Campaign · BC NDP 2026 · HousingCampaign pledge ### Bring down the costs people face His campaign page says he believes people need a government that brings down the costs they face.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
A statement of approach. It names no cost, rate or date.
What still needs checking
Which costs would he work to lower, and by how much?
- [Raj Chouhan campaign page](https://rajchouhan.bcndp.ca/)Campaign · BC NDP 2026 · Public servicesCampaign pledge ### Strengthen health care His campaign page says he believes people need a government that strengthens the health care British Columbians rely on.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
A statement of approach. The same page carries party text, shared with other BC NDP candidates, about hiring more health care workers; that line is the party's. No number, cost or date of his own.
What still needs checking
Which health measure for Burnaby and New Westminster would he support?
- [Raj Chouhan campaign page](https://rajchouhan.bcndp.ca/)Campaign · BC NDP 2026 · HousingIn progress ### New Westminster shelter open 24 hours a day A BC NDP caucus release of February 9, 2026 quotes Chouhan welcoming provincial funding, through BC Housing, to renovate New Westminster's 50-bed nightly shelter and run it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
The release names the funding source and the shelter size. It gives no dollar figure and no date for the renovation. The government release of the same day confirms the shelter change and does not name him.
What still needs checking
When does the renovated shelter open around the clock, and at what cost?
- [BC NDP MLAs say provincial partnership will expand New West shelter hours to 24/7 (archived copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/20260513103341/https://bcndpcaucus.ca/news/bc-ndp-mlas-say-provincial-partnership-will-expand-new-west-shelter-hours-to-24-7/)Campaign · BC NDP caucus - [Communities expanding shelter capacity through HEART and HEARTH](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HMA0012-000133)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs 2026 · Public safetyCampaign pledge ### BC NDP public safety position The BC NDP platform page has a heading on keeping people safe and communities strong. The page does not name Chouhan.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
Party text. voche.me found no statement by Chouhan on public safety in 2026.
What still needs checking
Does Chouhan speak on public safety during the campaign?
- [BC NDP platform page, Fighting for You and Your Family](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)Campaign · BC NDP 2026 · ClimateCampaign pledge ### BC NDP climate position The BC NDP platform page has a heading on protecting people from climate impacts. The page does not name Chouhan.
Evidence & next checks
Evidence reviewed
Party text. voche.me found no statement by Chouhan on climate in 2026.
What still needs checking
Does Chouhan speak on climate 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 where the official record names him, and rulings from the Chair. A Speaker votes only to break a tie, and the record shows the reason he gave each time. Feb 26Recorded vote, yes (casting vote as Speaker) ### Casting vote for the 2026 budget motion The budget motion was tied 46 to 46. As Speaker, Chouhan cast the deciding vote in favour, so the motion passed.
Scope, limits and sources He said the motion was a matter of confidence and that confidence should not be decided by the Chair's vote alone. The vote follows the Speaker's practice and is no statement of his own view on the budget.
- [Debates of February 26, 2026 (morning): budget vote](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260226am-Hansard-n126.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Raj Chouhan](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesc.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 1Recorded vote, yes (casting vote as Speaker) ### Casting vote for third reading of the Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2026 (Bill 2) The third reading vote was tied. As Speaker, Chouhan voted in favour, so the bill passed.
Scope, limits and sources He said Bill 2 was a matter of confidence, and gave the same reason as on the budget.
- [Debates of April 1, 2026 (afternoon): third reading of Bill 2](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260401pm-Hansard-n146.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Raj Chouhan](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesc.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 28Recorded vote, yes (casting vote as Speaker) ### Casting vote for third reading of the freedom of information bill (Bill 9) The third reading vote on the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act, 2026 was tied. As Speaker, Chouhan voted in favour, so the bill passed.
Scope, limits and sources He said the government had declared Bill 9 a matter of confidence, and voted to uphold the rule that confidence is not decided by the Chair alone.
- [Debates of May 28, 2026 (afternoon): third reading of Bill 9](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260528pm-Hansard-n188.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Raj Chouhan](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesc.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 27Recorded vote, no (casting vote as Speaker) ### Casting vote against a change to Motion M205 on an orientation course for MLAs A change to Motion M205, moved by the member for Prince George-Mackenzie, was tied. As Speaker, Chouhan voted against it, so it failed.
Scope, limits and sources He said he voted this way in keeping with the established practice.
- [Debates of April 27, 2026 (afternoon): vote on Motion M205](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260427pm-Hansard-n164.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Raj Chouhan](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesc.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Feb 9Announced; shelter running 24/7 according to the government release ### New Westminster joins the HEART and HEARTH shelter program The Province announced that New Westminster's 50-bed shelter will be renovated and run 24 hours a day with provincial funding.
Scope, limits and sources The government release does not name Chouhan. The caucus release that quotes him is a party source.
- [Communities expanding shelter capacity through HEART and HEARTH](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HMA0012-000133)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs - [BC NDP MLAs say provincial partnership will expand New West shelter hours to 24/7 (archived copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/20260513103341/https://bcndpcaucus.ca/news/bc-ndp-mlas-say-provincial-partnership-will-expand-new-west-shelter-hours-to-24-7/)Campaign · BC NDP caucus May 28Reported vote, yes (casting vote as Speaker) ### Casting vote for third reading of Bill 15 and for Bill 14 (2025) The Canadian Press reported that Bill 15, on faster approval of infrastructure projects, passed third reading by 47 to 46 with the Speaker's casting vote, and that his vote also passed Bill 14, on renewable energy projects and transmission lines.
Scope, limits and sources This vote is from 2025 and is outside the 2026 vote index. The report names him as the Speaker who cast the deciding vote. A Speaker's casting vote follows the rules of the House and states no view of his own.
- [Bill fast-tracking infrastructure projects passes as Speaker Raj Chouhan breaks tie](https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2025/05/28/b-c-s-fast-tracking-bill-heads-for-final-vote-facing-criticism-to-the-end)Reporting · Winnipeg Free Press (The Canadian Press, Wolfgang Depner) Sep 21Announced ### $210 million for the Burnaby Hospital emergency department and surgical unit The Province announced a renewed plan for the Burnaby Hospital project. It starts with $210 million for a larger emergency department and surgical unit, followed by expanded cancer care and a new acute-care tower.
Scope, limits and sources The release quotes Chouhan as MLA for Burnaby-New Westminster welcoming the plan. The announcement is the government's. The release says Budget 2026 adjusted the project's timeline because of rising costs.
- [Moving forward on renewed plan to redevelop Burnaby Hospital](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026INF0056-001108)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Infrastructure Sep 1Opened for the 2026 school year ### New Stride Avenue Community Elementary school opens in Burnaby The Province marked the opening of a seismic replacement of Stride Avenue Community Elementary with 415 seats, and additions at Brentwood Park and Nelson Elementary schools.
Scope, limits and sources The release quotes Chouhan on the opening. Freshet News published a photograph of him signing a welcome message for students with Premier David Eby. The project is the government's.
- [Marking 250 school capital projects in B.C. since 2017](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026PREM0034-001007)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier - [New Stride Avenue Community School to open in Burnaby on Sept. 8](https://www.freshetnews.ca/new-elementary-school-opening-in-burnaby-bc/)Reporting · Freshet News (Theresa McManus) Nov 13Announced; construction expected to start in fall 2026 ### New 605-seat elementary school in downtown New Westminster The Province committed nearly $65 million for a new downtown elementary school, with construction expected to start in fall 2026, according to the release.
Scope, limits and sources The release quotes Chouhan as a local MLA welcoming the school. The project is the government's.
- [New elementary school coming to New Westminster](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025INF0052-001113)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Infrastructure Sep 9Construction started in September 2025 ### 89 homes for youth leaving care and young mothers on Marine Way, New Westminster BC Housing is providing more than $14 million through the Community Housing Fund, plus yearly operating funding, for 89 rental homes run by Aunt Leah's Foundation, expected to be complete by summer 2027.
Scope, limits and sources The release quotes Chouhan on the Building BC program. The project is the government's.
- [New homes underway for youth, mothers in New Westminster](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HMA0072-000844)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs 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. Mar 11Statement ### Ruling that Bill M235 is out of order As Speaker, Chouhan ruled that a private member's bill using the notwithstanding clause of the Charter could only come from the government, and removed it from the list of business before the House. - [Debates of March 11, 2026 (afternoon): Speaker's ruling on Bill M235](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260311pm-Hansard-n139.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Subject index, 2026: rulings and statements by Chair or Speaker](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Subject-Indexr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 19Debate coverage ### Asked a member to leave the chamber in question period As Speaker, Chouhan gave a member a last warning, and asked the member for Skeena to leave the chamber after she argued with the Chair. - [Debates of May 19, 2026 (morning): Ellis Island Medal statement and question period](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260519am-Hansard-n177.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Subject index, 2026: rulings and statements by Chair or Speaker](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Subject-Indexr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 26Statement ### Statement on the retiring Sergeant-at-Arms As Speaker, Chouhan thanked the departing Sergeant-at-Arms, Ray Robitaille, for his work since October 2021. - [Debates of May 26, 2026 (morning): Speaker's statement on the Sergeant-at-Arms](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260526am-Hansard-n184.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Feb 24Debate coverage ### Remark after question period: an embarrassment As Speaker, Chouhan told members of both sides after question period that the behaviour shown that day was not acceptable and was an embarrassment, because the public watches the House every day. - [Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): Speaker's remark after question period](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 15Statement ### Ruling on photographs taken in the chamber After a minister raised a point of order, and the member for Kamloops-North Thompson said he had taken a picture, the Speaker said taking pictures in the chamber is not permitted and that any picture or recording must be deleted. - [Debates of April 15, 2026 (afternoon): point of order on photographs in the chamber](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260415pm-Hansard-n153.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Subject index, 2026: rulings and statements by Chair or Speaker](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Subject-Indexr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 29Statement ### Ruling that no breach of privilege occurred over a cancelled school booking The member for Vancouver-Quilchena said the Vancouver school board cancelled her booking for a public town hall. The Speaker ruled that the freedom from obstruction does not extend to these circumstances, citing a procedural authority that separates constituency work from parliamentary work, so no prima facie breach of privilege had occurred. - [Debates of April 29, 2026 (afternoon): Speaker's ruling on a question of privilege](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260429pm-Hansard-n167.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Subject index, 2026: rulings and statements by Chair or Speaker](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Subject-Indexr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 25Statement ### Ruling on a point of order about the Premier's words The member for Skeena said the Premier misled the House in question period on May 19. The Speaker ruled that the high threshold of evidence was not met, called the matter a dispute over the characterization of words, and closed it. - [Debates of May 25, 2026 (afternoon): Speaker's ruling on a point of order](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260525pm-Hansard-n183.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Subject index, 2026: rulings and statements by Chair or Speaker](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Subject-Indexr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Jun 7Statement ### Column: the fight for human rights is a fight for life In a Freshet News column he wrote that he has served 21 years, that he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and that the provincial government continues to deliver more homes, stronger protections for renters and record investments in health care. These are his own statements. - [Political Pulse: The fight for human rights is a fight for life (column by Raj Chouhan)](https://www.freshetnews.ca/political-pulse-the-fight-for-human-rights-is-a-fight-for-life/)Campaign · Freshet News Sep 7Statement ### Labour Day column: a lifetime dedicated to worker rights In a Freshet News column he wrote about founding the Canadian Farmworkers' Union and said that in his roles he continues to support workers' rights and uphold human rights. - [Political Pulse: A lifetime dedicated to worker rights (column by Raj Chouhan)](https://www.freshetnews.ca/political-pulse-a-lifetime-dedicated-to-worker-rights/)Campaign · Freshet News Sep 21Statement ### Quote on the Burnaby Hospital plan In a government release he said expanding emergency and surgical services means people will get faster care in modern, purpose-built spaces. - [Moving forward on renewed plan to redevelop Burnaby Hospital](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026INF0056-001108)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Infrastructure Sep 1Statement ### Quote on the new Stride Avenue Community school In a government release he said it was great to see the new school open and that students can look forward to a more modern learning environment. - [Marking 250 school capital projects in B.C. since 2017](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026PREM0034-001007)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier Nov 13Statement ### Quote on the new New Westminster elementary school In a government release he said, as a local MLA, that he had seen how much New Westminster has grown and that more children will have space to learn close to home. - [New elementary school coming to New Westminster](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025INF0052-001113)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Infrastructure Sep 9Statement ### Quote on homes for youth leaving care in New Westminster In a government release he said the Building BC program invests in purpose-built homes so that youth and young mothers at risk of homelessness have housing. - [New homes underway for youth, mothers in New Westminster](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HMA0072-000844)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs Sep 12Statement ### Quote on early literacy screening In a government release he said stronger literacy supports build students' confidence and well-being, and that early help sets children up for success. - [B.C. launches mandatory early literacy screening to help students succeed](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025ECC0025-000851)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Education and Child Care 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. No reviewed entries have been added to this section yet. This is a research gap, not a finding about the candidate. 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. December 7, 2020Reporting CBC News ### Chosen as Speaker of the legislature Reports that the legislature chose Chouhan as Speaker, the first Indo-Canadian to hold the post, and describes his labour background. - [Raj Chouhan becomes first Indo-Canadian Speaker of the B.C. Legislature](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-legislature-return-pandemic-recovery-fund-1.5831165)Reporting · CBC News · Karin Larsen May 24, 2026Reporting Freshet News ### Ellis Island Medal of Honor and a golden axe from firefighters Reports that he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in New York City in May 2026 and that four Burnaby firefighters later presented him with a golden axe for his public service. The Ellis Island Honors Society's 2026 list names Honorable Raj Chouhan. - [US medal, golden axe for Burnaby-New West MLA](https://www.freshetnews.ca/us-medal-golden-axe-for-burnaby-new-west-mla/)Reporting · Freshet News (Janis Cleugh) - [2026 Medal of Honor honourees](https://www.eihonors.org/2026moh)Official record · Ellis Island Honors Society - [Debates of May 19, 2026 (morning): Ellis Island Medal statement and question period](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260519am-Hansard-n177.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard September 1, 2026Reporting Freshet News ### New Stride Avenue Community School opens in Burnaby Reports the school opening with Premier Eby and carries a photograph of Chouhan signing a welcome message for students. The quotes in the article come from the Premier. - [New Stride Avenue Community School to open in Burnaby on Sept. 8](https://www.freshetnews.ca/new-elementary-school-opening-in-burnaby-bc/)Reporting · Freshet News (Theresa McManus) May 28, 2025Reporting The Canadian Press, via Winnipeg Free Press ### Speaker's casting vote passes Bill 15 and Bill 14 Reports that his casting vote passed Bill 15 by 47 to 46 and Bill 14, and that critics said the legislation gives cabinet too much power over projects and weakens environmental standards and consultation with First Nations. - [Bill fast-tracking infrastructure projects passes as Speaker Raj Chouhan breaks tie](https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2025/05/28/b-c-s-fast-tracking-bill-heads-for-final-vote-facing-criticism-to-the-end)Reporting · Winnipeg Free Press (The Canadian Press, Wolfgang Depner) September 12, 2017Reporting The Georgia Straight ### Deputy Speaker again after the 2017 election Reports that he was deputy Speaker of the legislature again, having held the post in the previous session, and would preside over debates if the Speaker was absent. - [New Democrat Raj Chouhan becomes deputy speaker and Linda Reid is new assistant deputy speaker](https://www.straight.com/news/963446/new-democrat-raj-chouhan-becomes-deputy-speaker-and-linda-reid-new-assistant-deputy)Reporting · The Georgia Straight (Charlie Smith) Research / 40 linked sources ## Check the evidence Sources checked October 3, 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 Elections BC - 2026 provincial general election: key dates Elections BC - Statement of votes, 2024 provincial general election Elections BC - Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Legislative Assembly of British Columbia - Members index to debates, 2026, entry for Raj Chouhan Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Raj Chouhan Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - Subject index, 2026: rulings and statements by Chair or Speaker Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - Debates of February 26, 2026 (morning): budget vote Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · February 26, 2026 - Debates of March 11, 2026 (afternoon): Speaker's ruling on Bill M235 Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · March 11, 2026 - Debates of April 1, 2026 (afternoon): third reading of Bill 2 Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 1, 2026 - Debates of April 27, 2026 (afternoon): vote on Motion M205 Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 27, 2026 - Debates of May 19, 2026 (morning): Ellis Island Medal statement and question period Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · May 19, 2026 - Debates of May 26, 2026 (morning): Speaker's statement on the Sergeant-at-Arms Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · May 26, 2026 - Debates of May 28, 2026 (afternoon): third reading of Bill 9 Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · May 28, 2026 - Communities expanding shelter capacity through HEART and HEARTH Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs · February 9, 2026 - Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): Speaker's remark after question period Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · February 24, 2026 - Debates of April 15, 2026 (afternoon): point of order on photographs in the chamber Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 15, 2026 - Debates of April 29, 2026 (afternoon): Speaker's ruling on a question of privilege Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 29, 2026 - Debates of May 25, 2026 (afternoon): Speaker's ruling on a point of order Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · May 25, 2026 - Debates of March 5, 2026 (afternoon): casting votes in committee on Bill 5 Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · March 5, 2026 - Debates of April 28, 2026 (afternoon): casting vote in committee on Bill 16 Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 28, 2026 - Moving forward on renewed plan to redevelop Burnaby Hospital Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Infrastructure · September 21, 2026 - Marking 250 school capital projects in B.C. since 2017 Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier · September 1, 2026 - New elementary school coming to New Westminster Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Infrastructure · November 13, 2025 - New homes underway for youth, mothers in New Westminster Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs · September 9, 2025 - B.C. launches mandatory early literacy screening to help students succeed Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Education and Child Care · September 12, 2025 - 2026 Medal of Honor honourees Ellis Island Honors Society
Campaign 8 sources - Raj Chouhan campaign page BC NDP - BC NDP MLAs say provincial partnership will expand New West shelter hours to 24/7 (archived copy) BC NDP caucus · February 9, 2026 - Raj Chouhan, MLA page (archived copy) BC NDP caucus - Raj Chouhan earns BC NDP nomination in Burnaby-New Westminster BC NDP · June 23, 2024 - BC NDP platform page, Fighting for You and Your Family BC NDP - BC NDP media releases BC NDP - Political Pulse: The fight for human rights is a fight for life (column by Raj Chouhan) Freshet News · June 7, 2026 - Political Pulse: A lifetime dedicated to worker rights (column by Raj Chouhan) Freshet News · September 7, 2026
Reporting 5 sources - Raj Chouhan becomes first Indo-Canadian Speaker of the B.C. Legislature CBC News · Karin Larsen · December 7, 2020 - US medal, golden axe for Burnaby-New West MLA Freshet News (Janis Cleugh) · May 24, 2026 - New Stride Avenue Community School to open in Burnaby on Sept. 8 Freshet News (Theresa McManus) · September 1, 2026 - Bill fast-tracking infrastructure projects passes as Speaker Raj Chouhan breaks tie Winnipeg Free Press (The Canadian Press, Wolfgang Depner) · May 28, 2025 - New Democrat Raj Chouhan becomes deputy speaker and Linda Reid is new assistant deputy speaker The Georgia Straight (Charlie Smith) · September 12, 2017
As of 2026-10-03: his campaign page lists no events and no measures of his own beyond short statements. The BC NDP events page did not show its event list in a direct read, so no campaign event is confirmed. His Facebook and Instagram pages returned only page shells with no readable posts, and his X page showed a short biography and a few posts, so nothing from social media is used beyond the link. The caucus website was offline on 2026-09-30 while the legislature was dissolved, and its pages were read from Internet Archive copies of May 2026; that was not repeated. Caucus releases from 2025 that name him (arts grants, emergency response, crime prevention and disaster funding) were not opened and are not used. The Speaker's rulings are listed in full by the subject index under 'Chair or Speaker'. Seven were read in transcripts (Bill M235, the question period removal, the Sergeant-at-Arms statement, the Stamer photographs, the privilege ruling, the point of order ruling and the remark of February 24); the others were not read. The end of his time as deputy Speaker and his time as Official Opposition spokesperson were not checked against official records. No news report about his 2026 election campaign was found in the Google News feed or Bing on 2026-10-03, but the WebSearch tool was at its limit, and headlines from CP24 (February 2026) and Indo-Canadian Voice (July 21, 2026) were not opened. Whether the opposition criticised his 2025 or 2026 casting votes was not checked in news reporting, so the accountability section is empty. No all-candidates meeting for Burnaby-New Westminster was found. Campaign finances and endorsements were not reviewed. The questionnaire has not been sent. Research status ## What voche.me has checked Second pass on 2026-10-03, after a first pass on 2026-09-30. Re-read on 2026-10-03: the Elections BC candidate list (affiliation BC NDP and district Burnaby-New Westminster, unchanged), his campaign page and its team, events and news pages, the BC NDP releases page (12 releases dated September 29 to October 3, 2026, none naming him), the legislature's 2026 speech index, vote index and subject index (no new entries), the legislature's Speaker page, and his X profile. Newly read: the transcripts of February 24, April 15, April 29 and May 25, 2026, five government releases that quote him, five Freshet News pages, a Canadian Press report of May 28, 2025, a Georgia Straight report of September 12, 2017, and the Ellis Island Honors Society's list of 2026 honourees. The subject index lists casting votes on Bill 5 (March 5, 2026) and Bill 16 (April 28, 2026) under 'Chair'. The transcripts show the committee chairs Stephanie Higginson and Debra Toporowski cast them, so neither is credited to him. His four 2026 votes in the House, all as Speaker, are unchanged. No earlier entry was changed or removed. The WebSearch tool had reached its usage limit on 2026-10-03, so the name search (step 6) used a Google News feed, a Bing page and direct reads of source sites. Links from a news feed could not always be opened, so a CP24 report of February 2026 and an Indo-Canadian Voice report of July 21, 2026 are not used. As Speaker he gave no debate speeches in 2026, so his statements on issues come from his campaign page, his own newspaper columns and quotes in government releases. 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-Votesc.htm) [Subject index, 2026: rulings and statements by Chair or Speaker](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Subject-Indexr.htm) [Ellis Island Honors Society, 2026 honourees](https://www.eihonors.org/2026moh) 03 / Background ## Experience & community May 2026 ### Ellis Island Medal of Honor Freshet News reported that he received the medal in New York City in May 2026, for his work as founding president of the Canadian Farmworkers Union and as a founder of the B.C. Organization to Fight Racism. The awarding society's 2026 list names Honorable Raj Chouhan. [Freshet News, May 24, 2026](https://www.freshetnews.ca/us-medal-golden-axe-for-burnaby-new-west-mla/) 2020 to present ### Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Chosen as Speaker in December 2020, according to CBC News. The legislature record shows him as Speaker again from February 18, 2025. [Legislative Assembly of British Columbia](https://www.leg.bc.ca/about/speaker) 2017 ### Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly The Georgia Straight reported on September 12, 2017 that he was deputy Speaker again after holding the post in the previous session. CBC News reported in 2020 that he had been deputy Speaker before becoming Speaker. [The Georgia Straight, September 12, 2017](https://www.straight.com/news/963446/new-democrat-raj-chouhan-becomes-deputy-speaker-and-linda-reid-new-assistant-deputy) From May 2023 ### Convener of the Working Group on Parliamentary Culture The legislature's Speaker page says the group was formed in May 2023 with him as Speaker and convener, with MLAs Mable Elmore, Elenore Sturko and Sonia Furstenau. It reviews the Assembly's programs, procedures and practices. [Legislative Assembly of British Columbia](https://www.leg.bc.ca/about/speaker) 2024 to present ### MLA for Burnaby-New Westminster Elected in 2024 with 10,647 votes, 59.99% of the valid vote. [Elections BC statement of votes, 2024](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2024-provincial-election.pdf) 2005 to 2024 ### MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds CBC News reported in 2020 that he was first elected in 2005 and served as deputy Speaker before becoming Speaker. [CBC News, December 7, 2020](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-legislature-return-pandemic-recovery-fund-1.5831165) Before 2005 ### Labour organizer CBC News reported that he is the founding president of the Canadian Farmworkers' Union and was director of bargaining for the Hospital Employees' Union for 18 years. [CBC News, December 7, 2020](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-legislature-return-pandemic-recovery-fund-1.5831165) 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.
As Speaker you do not take part in debate. Which measures would you work for in Burnaby-New Westminster in a new term? No response has been submitted.
What would you do to bring down the costs people face, and by what date? No response has been submitted.
How many more shelter or supportive housing spaces would you seek for Burnaby and New Westminster? No response has been submitted.
### Have your own question? Ask Raj Chouhan 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 Raj Chouhan's page itself, answered directly rather than left blank.
Is this an official page for Raj Chouhan? No. This page is researched by voche.me from public sources, listed below, and is separate from Raj Chouhan's own campaign.
What party is Raj Chouhan running with? Raj Chouhan is running for MLA with BC NDP.
Does Raj Chouhan currently hold public office? Yes. Raj Chouhan currently serves as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly; MLA for Burnaby-New Westminster.
How many sources does this Raj Chouhan profile cite? This profile lists 6 sourced references, each with the date voche.me checked it, in the Sources section below.
Why do some questions on Raj Chouhan's page show no answer? The "Questions & answers" section on this page lists questions voche.me would put to Raj Chouhan 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 Raj Chouhan 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 3, 2026 - [Elections BC · statement of votes, 2024 ](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2024-provincial-election.pdf)Checked September 30, 2026 - [Hansard members index, 2026 ](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Index/43rd2nd/2026-members-indexmhds.htm)Checked October 3, 2026 - [Campaign page ](https://rajchouhan.bcndp.ca/)Checked October 3, 2026 - [Ellis Island Honors Society, 2026 Medal of Honor honourees ](https://www.eihonors.org/2026moh)Checked October 3, 2026 - [Freshet News, May 24, 2026 ](https://www.freshetnews.ca/us-medal-golden-axe-for-burnaby-new-west-mla/)Checked October 3, 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://rajchouhan.bcndp.ca/) [X (@rajchouhan)](https://twitter.com/rajchouhan) ## 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 Raj Chouhan 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.