FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 6, 2026, SURREY B.C. — On the eve of International Women’s Day, Mike Starchuk and the Imagine Surrey team announced that renowned community and public servant, activist and anti-poverty specialist, Dr. Margaret K. Mubanda, will run for city council with the 2026 Imagine Surrey municipal slate.

For over 2 decades, Dr. Mubanda has served her city, province and country. In 2020, she received the YWCA Women of Distinction award (as a Community Champion), in recognition of her passion and expertise on poverty reduction strategies for children who age-out of care at age 19. Four years later, Margaret received BC’s Medal of Good Citizenship Award for her generosity, kindness and commitment to the common good of our province. In 2025, she received honourable mention for Volunteer of the Year in Surrey, and an honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Canada West.

Margaret serves on the Livability, Social Equity and Public Safety Committee for Surrey, working on issues of safe, secure and livable/complete communities, as she will during her Imagine Surrey council candidacy. She also served as president of the provincial riding association formerly known as Surrey-Whalley, for former MLA Bruce Ralston.

Margaret joins mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk and fellow council candidates Narima Dela Cruz, Ashiyana Hanif, William Li, Kevin Wilkie and Yousef Aldabainah in their common commitment to more affordable home costs and lower city fees, a vigorous public safety strategy, and reducing traffic congestion across Surrey.

Quotes:

Margaret Mubanda:
“Imagine Surrey will deliver the intelligent investment, safety and security this city needs. Our team is focused, experienced and understands both the dignity and determination with which Surrey residents live, work and care for their families. We will deliver change that works for them, with Mike Starchuk’s innovative proposals and deep understanding of how the city and province need to work for people.”

Mike Starchuk:
“Margaret is a proven champion of vulnerable communities and visible minorities across our city, who also understands what it takes to plan-out and implement a better future for all our citizens. Her dedicated team of supporters and admirers will only strengthen our ability to reach people and understand their needs and aspirations. Together, our Imagine Surrey team will indeed make intelligent, generational investments in our city and deliver strong, consistent and cost-effective services.”

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BACKGROUNDER: Margaret Mubanda

Margaret Mubanda and Mike Starchuk are available for interviews. For more information contact:

Media Contact: 

Scott Williams
Imagine Surrey & ‘Mike for Mayor’
604-356-7606
[email protected]