FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
SURREY, BC — Young British Columbians for Better Governance (YBC4BG) has endorsed Mike Starchuk for mayor and the full Imagine Surrey council team, three days before Surrey votes. The youth advocacy non-profit backs municipal candidates who put young voters’ priorities first. It says Starchuk’s plan gives young people a reason to build their lives in Surrey rather than leave it.
In its endorsement, the group said Starchuk recognizes that young people can work hard and still struggle to afford housing, get around the city, and build a future in the community they call home. It pointed to his commitments to build at least 1,000 affordable homes per year, bring in an empty homes tax that moves vacant properties back onto the market, and expand rapid transit alongside more affordable transit passes. Imagine Surrey’s platform sets that pass at $70 a month for Surrey residents.
The group also singled out the Buy Surrey plan: paid first-job placements and apprenticeships, support for local businesses, and a commitment to make the City a certified living-wage employer. It welcomed Starchuk’s pledge of three new community centres and expanded sports and recreation facilities, so residents have more places to connect and take part in community life.
Beyond housing and jobs, YBC4BG cited Starchuk’s call for a more transparent and accountable City Hall, including greater neighbourhood representation through a ward system and public reporting on how much City spending stays in Surrey.
“For young people, Surrey’s future should mean more than rising rents and longer commutes,” the group said in its endorsement. “It should mean attainable homes, meaningful career opportunities, accessible public transit, and a real stake in shaping their community. Mike’s platform puts these priorities at the centre of his vision for Surrey.”
“Young people in Surrey are doing everything right and still can’t afford to stay in the city that raised them,” said Starchuk. “That’s a City Hall problem, and it’s fixable. Build the homes. Get the transit moving. Make sure a first job in Surrey pays. Show people where every dollar goes. I’m grateful to Young British Columbians for Better Governance for trusting this team with that work.”
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About Imagine Surrey
Imagine Surrey is a civic party running a full slate of candidates in the October 17, 2026 municipal election. Led by mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk – a former firefighter and Chief Fire Prevention Officer, former City Councillor, and former MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale – Imagine Surrey is committed to making Surrey the City of Champions by delivering: safe streets, fast commutes, smart investments, lower costs, and strong services.
Council candidates: Yousef Aldabainah-Barakat, Chandan Chahal, Perminder Chohan, Narima Dela Cruz, Ashiyana Hanif, William Li, Dr. Margaret Mubanda, and Kevin Wilkie.
Contact
Trevor Loke, Campaign Manager
604-838-5178
[email protected] / [email protected]