FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEB. 12, 2026, SURREY B.C. —  Mike Starchuk and the Imagine Surrey team today announce their first 4 city council candidates for the 2026 Imagine Surrey municipal slate. The team represents diverse neighborhood roots, united by a record of frontline community service and a proven ability to bring people together across Surrey. 

A group as diverse as Surrey, with the experience to transform it into a ‘City of Champions‘: 

• William Li, a trade and export entrepreneur and community volunteer from Sullivan 
• Kevin Wilkie, a sustainability expert and new dad from South Surrey 
• Narima Dela Cruz, court interpreter/award-winning community leader from Surrey Centre 
• Yousef Aldabainah-Barakat, a former chief of staff and social worker from Newton 

The Imagine Surrey team represents change and innovation that works for city residents and their families. They will make Surrey safer, less congested, and more affordable for hardworking residents. 

Candidates will appear with Imagine Surrey mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk on Saturday February 14th, 6:00pm, at the ‘Year of the Fire Horse’ Lunar New Year Celebration at Chandos Pattison Theatre.

Quotes: 

William Li: “Imagine Surrey is bringing the change and innovation this city needs. Surrey is stuck, with a Council and Mayor focused on the wrong priorities and too much infighting. Its time for a change.” 

Kevin Willkie: “Surrey has unlimited potential. From new sidewalks and more rapid transit, to a new riverfront development and international Cricket stadium. We imagine that Surrey.” 

Narima Dela Cruz: “The response to our transnational extortion crisis has been late and mishandled. Coupled with the Surrey Police Service transition, it means that Surrey residents are unsure who will protect us at a time when we need it the most. You deserve to feel safe, and that’s our top priority.” 

Yousef Aldabainah-Barakat: “Imagine Surrey is presenting a slate that reflects the future of our city. Only Imagine Surrey has the vision of complete neighbourhoods that are safe, walkable, and thriving.” 

Mike Starchuk: “As a former frontline worker myself, I’ve sought to build a team that represents the experience of what hardworking people in this city live every day. I found them, and we have others just like them coming. Each candidate comes with skills that complement one another, providing the only alternative that delivers change people want, without the chaos they’ve unfortunately become used to.” 

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BACKGROUNDER – Candidate Biographies

Mike Starchuk is available for interviews. For more information contact: 

Media Contact
Scott Williams
Imagine Surrey & Mike for Mayor Campaign
604-356-7606
[email protected]