MEET THE TEAM BEHIND

Mike Starchuk

MAYORAL CANDIDATE FOR SURREY

IMAGINE SURREY - Mayor & Council Candidates

Mayoral Candidate, Mike Starchuk

Mike Starchuk has spent his life on the front lines of Surrey — showing up when things go wrong, standing up for what’s right, and supporting the people who do the hard work that keeps a city running.

Raised and educated in Surrey’s Newton area, Mike served 32 years with Surrey Fire Services and retired in 2014 as the city’s Chief Fire Prevention Officer. During his firefighting career, he was also deeply involved in the labour movement — serving as a Local 1271 union officer and was known as a staunch defender of firefighters’ rights — including service as a workers’ compensation advocate whom the IAFF reports helped secure more than $14 million in wages and benefits.

Mike’s public service didn’t stop at the station door. He is a founding member of the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society, and he’s been recognized for his many community contributions, including receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

In elected office, Mike brought forward the same practical, protect-the-public mindset. He served on Surrey City Council chairing multiple committees, and later as MLA for Surrey–Cloverdale. As MLA, he worked on issues that hit working families directly: public safety, health, and the cost of living. Mike served as Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, leading provincewide consultations on how to fund the services and infrastructure people rely on.

Now, as Leader and mayoral candidate with Imagine Surrey, Mike is running to deliver a city that’s safer, faster, less congested and more affordable — because for working people, results aren’t theoretical: they’re the difference between getting ahead and falling behind.

William Li

William Li is a committed community advocate, entrepreneur and experienced professional in finance, international trade and investment.

William immigrated to Canada with his family at the age of seven, growing up with a clear memory of a time when homes were more affordable, neighbours looked out for one another, and families felt secure. Those early experiences shaped his belief that communities thrive when people care, and when opportunity is within reach: so families can build their lives with hope, stability and consistency.

Today, as a proud Surrey resident raising his family in Sullivan, William is ready to help restore that same sense of opportunity, trust and safety for generations to come. Graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Business, he combines proven business leadership with a commitment to community and public service.

As Sales and Brand Director of an international trading company, he connects Canadian products to global markets, while his entrepreneurial and investment experience gives him a broad understanding of the economic challenges families face today. Beyond his professional life, he serves actively in organizations like the Rotary Club of Surrey — where he was honoured as Rookie of the Year — and the Sunshine Lions Club, supporting scholarship and food programs along with many other charitable initiatives to benefit local residents and people in need.

Guided by integrity and compassion, William believes leadership is about listening and really hearing, action and results, not titles. He spent years building trust through everyday service — helping seniors, supporting small businesses, and volunteering at community and cultural events. He understands what it takes to balance family, work and community responsibilities while consistently showing up for others. For him, public service and his Imagine Surrey council candidacy is about responsibility: doing what’s right even when no one is watching.

William is running to make life better for families, with a focus on affordable living, safer streets and efficient, effective public transportation solutions. He is committed to providing more opportunities for youth while representing Surrey’s diversity through inclusive leadership and a heart for service.

William’s vision is simple: to create a city where kids like his daughter can grow up surrounded by kindness, opportunity, inclusion and hope. A city where everyone feels supported and no one is left behind.

Kevin Wilkie

Kevin Wilkie has called Surrey home for more than 30 years. He is a husband, a proud new dad, and an enthusiastic dog-owner.

Kevin grew up on the rinks and fields of his city, surrounded by neighbours who looked out for one another and families who shaped the character of Surrey. Those early experiences still guide him today. He appreciates what it means to ‘belong’ and for a community to welcome and support people from every background and stage of life.

Professionally, Kevin works in Business Development at Black & McDonald, where he helps businesses operate more efficiently by reducing costs, improving processes and finding innovative, more sustainable solutions. Known for his collaborative and practical approach, he brings a future-focused mindset shaped by years of turning challenges into opportunities.

Kevin entered the public arena during the 2025 Federal Election, running as the Green Party candidate for Cloverdale-Langley City. That experience deepened his understanding of the issues facing local families, businesses and neighborhoods; strengthening his commitment to community-centered leadership with a green vision around climate resilience and urban carbon-capture/reduction. It heavily reinforced what Kevin will bring to the Imagine Surrey slate as a council candidate: real progress that comes from hearing people, valuing different perspectives and collaborating on thoughtful, sustainable decisions.

Whether he is chatting with neighbours on his street and at the local community centre in South Surrey — or connecting with other new parents and their families — Kevin values relationships and believes strong communities grow from coming together in everyday interactions. For him, opportunity is more than economic success: it means families feeling secure, newcomers feeling welcomed and long-time residents knowing they are valued.

A committed family man and community advocate, Kevin is passionate about helping Surrey fulfill its promise as a place where everyone can feel at home, grow and thrive.

Narima Dela Cruz

Narima Dela Cruz is a deeply engaged, longtime resident of Surrey and a leading voice for young people, service organizations and underserved communities.

An involved parent, Narima served for many years as a Parents’ Advisory Council (PAC) officer at her children’s former schools in Guildford. She is also a passionate, dedicated community volunteer, having contributed nearly two decades of service in various capacities to charitable foundations, immigrant communities and service-oriented groups.

Narima is the founder and long-standing leader of SPIDS, an organization representing Surrey’s hardworking, welcoming, and vibrant Filipino community. She is a tireless stakeholder and community advocate, inspiring others to get involved and make a difference in their city.

Narima mobilizes and leads diverse groups in a wide range of advocacy and volunteer initiatives, including: community clean-up campaigns, food bank volunteer days, blood donation drives, tree planting efforts, health awareness activities, political engagement and cross-cultural ‘lift’ initiatives. Currently serving on Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Advisory Committee for Asian Studies, she continues to help shape a future where student and youth voices are given space and weight in society.

Narima’s leadership-by-example energy creates a ripple effect, inspiring and motivating others to get involved. This is precisely the impact she is expected to bring to her role as an Imagine Surrey council candidate.

As a parent, Narima’s closest and most personal influence is seen plainly in her two young-adult children, who are making significant contributions to community-building and volunteerism all on their own. Daryl Dela Cruz is a well-known public transportation advocate who has been instrumental in several successful transit-related campaigns benefiting Surrey communities. Narima’s daughter, Glisha, is an artist and musician who brings immense pride to Surrey’s arts, music and cultural scene. The family now resides in Surrey Centre.

Narima is committed to applying herself to public service with diligence and integrity, and will take immediate action to keep our city affordable, safe, healthy and easier to move around in. She wants to expand public consultations and community outreach on critical issues, and advocate to higher levels of government for the resources and support a growing Surrey needs.

Yousef Aldabainah

Yousef Aldabainah is a proud Canadian of Arab-Palestinian descent who has called Surrey and his Newton neighborhood home since immigrating to Canada in 2010.

A devoted husband to Aseel Barakat and proud father of four children — Ryan, Eve, Amer Joe, and Tia — Yousef is deeply rooted in family, community and a professional tradition of public service. He began his career as a protocol coordinator before becoming Office Director for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Palestinian Authority. This experience shaped his lifelong commitment to service, collaborative diplomacy and expertise in stakeholder and community engagement.

Yousef next worked in settlement and integration services for newcomers, including with OPTIONS Surrey. He later served as Coordinator of Outreach and Employer Relations with WorkBC, where he built strong relationships with business owners, service organizations and diverse communities across the province, and especially in Surrey. Through this work, he has consistently promoted diversity, inclusion, and intercultural understanding.

Yousef plays an active role in fundraising and community-building initiatives supporting multicultural, academic, and humanitarian causes. His efforts earned him recognition as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslim Personalities in the World (2015), by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Amman, Jordan.

Yousef previously served as Outreach Director for the federal Liberal Fleetwood–Port Kells riding association under MP Ken Hardie, and is a Laurier Club member within the Liberal Party of Canada. His community impact extends out through several respected organizations, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), British Columbia Muslim Association (BCMA), Muslim Business Council and the Muslim Food Bank network.

As Founder and President of the Canadian Arab Forum (CAF) of British Columbia, Yousef leads the non-profit organization to focus on celebrating Arab and Muslim heritage within Canada’s diverse, multicultural society. CAF promotes unity and understanding among both Muslim and Christian Arab communities while fostering wider cultural dialogue across Canada through conferences, public discussions and stakeholder engagement – precisely the kind of powerful, productive outreach he will undertake as an Imagine Surrey city council candidate.

Yousef is widely respected by community, business and political leaders for bridging communities, connecting residents with information and support services, and encouraging citizen-participation across social, cultural, and civic life. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in French Literature and is fluent in Arabic, Hebrew, French, and English. Yousef currently serves as a professional legal interpreter, facilitating communication and access to justice for diverse communities.

With a strong record of service, leadership, and community engagement, Yousef remains committed to building a more inclusive, connected, and prosperous Surrey for all.

Ashiyana Hanif

Ashiyana Hanif is a dedicated, 40-year resident of Surrey where she is a trusted, pioneering media icon and advocate for city-wide accountability, public safety and community service.

After moving to BC where she now resides in Surrey’s Panorama Village neighbourhood, Ashiyana dedicated herself to understanding the city in which she would raise her family of 3 now-grown children. She learned to communicate broadly by becoming fluent in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and English. This dedication to language and cultural understanding gives her a unique insight into Surrey’s diversity through personal experience, not just as a distant talking point.

Since 1992, Ashiyana has become a leader in local media coverage by elevating ethnic representation across Surrey. As the founder of Media Waves Live, she has worked tirelessly to connect residents with crucial information and issues including public safety, small business protection and transparent governance at City Hall. Ashiyana never hesitates to ask difficult questions in support of families, seniors and entrepreneurs — bridging communities while fostering dialogue and unity.

With Surrey’s rapid growth, issues and opportunities around infrastructure, safety and security, and ongoing fiscal responsibility must align with progress. As part of the Imagine Surrey team led by mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk, Ashiyana knows that her vision aligns with the type of city Mike wants Surrey to become. This includes lower home costs and city fees, enhanced public safety through community policing, reduced traffic congestion, and continuing support for first responders like our Surrey Firefighters, within whose ranks Mike enjoyed a 30-year career.

Ashiyana can provide experienced oversight on spending transparency, with aims to strengthen local businesses and investment for greater job creation in Surrey. Development and infrastructure planning are also key priorities, and building unity across all communities to ensure a cohesive environment where complete neighbourhoods can grow and thrive.

Ashiyana has come to understood both her community and city very well. By entering politics, she recognizes the need for real change and new, innovative thinking. Ashiyana is not entering municipal politics for recognition or as a stepping stone to higher, more distant office. She is running because she believes the City of Surrey deserves experienced and community-focused leadership, especially at a time when we are dealing with many significant issues.

While Ashiyana has already used her ‘voice’ to inform and represent Surrey residents for over three decades, she’s is now ready to serve and bring that strong voice to City Hall.

Margaret Mubanda

Dr. Margaret K. Mubanda is a long-time resident of Surrey Centre, a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, and visionary leader on issues of social and economic justice, equality and community service.

In 2020, Dr. Mubanda 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 government 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 honorable mention for Volunteer of the Year, City of 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 the city, working on issues around 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 is nominated for the 2026 100 Accomplished Black Women Award, recognizing recipients who excel and create deep social impact in their communities. She served our province as a resource social worker with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, for 21 years, and is currently employed by Valley View Funeral Home and Cemetery as a community liaison who facilitates trauma group-support. Margaret owns a small business – ‘Kaka Healing Stories’ – in Surrey, where she has given back to others for over 20 years.

Prior to immigrating to Canada in 1991, Margaret served as Deputy Headmistress at an elementary school in Uganda where she taught for 13 years. She was motivated to get involved in education as an elementary school teacher due to the injustice, inequalities and poverty she witnessed at an early age — believing that no child or family should live in poverty, be ignored, or get left behind.

Margaret’s volunteer and community engagement extends far beyond the workplace. She has served and worked with various groups to build strong and vibrant Black Communities in BC and across Canada. Margaret believes without exception that the African-Canadian community in BC is overflowing with capable, creative, skilled and knowledgeable citizens who need to take their place more routinely community leadership, and government, across Canada.

Margaret is a co-founding member and former president of the Daughters of Hope Society of BC, and a member of Uganda Peace and Reconciliation of BC. She is co-founder of the Aboriginal International Mission and served as an active member of the Surrey Poverty Reduction Coalition Committee for over 10 years.

Importantly, Ms. Mubanda was a dedicated foster parent for 15 years and serves on the BC Government Retired Association/Surrey-Langley Chapter, Council of Senior Citizens Organization of BC.

Perminder Chohan

Surrey has been home for Perminder Chohan for more than 34 years, and Surrey-Newton the neighborhood where he built his life, raised his two children and shaped his future purpose.

Perminder’s journey mirrors the story of countless Surrey residents: arriving in Canada with hope, tireless work ethic, and the discovery of strength in a community that embraces diversity, opportunity and resilience. The city is where he grew into a leader, mentor, and community builder – and proud grandfather — in the place to which he owes so much.

As President and CEO of Lifewise Financial Group Inc., Perminder spent over two decades leading organizations that now support hundreds of representatives and their families across Canada. He built a network of companies from the ground up, guided by the same values that define Surrey’s spirit: honesty, hard work and respect for people and the value they both earn and deserve.

Mr. Chohan is the founding Director of the Perminder Chohan Foundation, past Director with the Surrey Board of Trade, a current Director of the South Asian Business Association and past President-Elect of the Surrey Newton Rotary Club. Importantly, he is a board member of South Asian Health Fund, celebrating a 50-year legacy. Perminder is also a recipient of the Excellence in Business Leadership Award from The Times of Canada, a best-selling author writing about his expertise in financial services and leadership success, and an Emmy-winning producer recognized for his contributions to media and narrative storytelling.

Perminder’s greatest impact has always been out in the community he calls home. For decades, he has been a focused, determined philanthropist — providing endowment scholarships to students in the Entrepreneurial Leadership Program at Kwantlen University — supporting youth programs, cultural organizations, seniors and newcomer outreach, all while helping address the plight of families facing hardship.

From sponsoring local sports teams to contributing to community events and standing beside families during difficult times, Perminder consistently shows up for Surrey. This activity is a simple testament to a lifelong commitment shaped by the city that helped him evolve and grow.

As Surrey itself grows into one of Canada’s largest, most dynamic and diverse cities, Perminder believes our city deserves leadership that understands its people, their day-to-day challenges and our collective, unlimited potential. He has seen the city evolve, neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood and family by family, and is committed with Imagine Surrey to strategic, sustainable growth modelling that puts safety and liveability first.

Perminder is not running for Surrey City Council as a career politician, but as a neighbour, a father and grandfather, a professional and personal mentor and dedicated resident. With a lifetime of leadership and community-rooted service, he is ready to help shape a future where residents and their families feel valued, supported and proud to call Surrey home.

Chandan Chahal

Chandan Chahal is an accomplished Surrey resident from Fleetwood; a small business owner, youth mentor and community advocate who understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing our city.

At 34 years-of-age, Chandan represents a new generation of leadership ready to step-up, grounded in real-world experience and hard work, with a deep commitment to affordability and improved public safety. He immigrated to Canada in 2004, ultimately settling in Surrey. Chandan’s family came here seeking opportunity and our city gave back with a chance to build a better life. That experience shaped values of resilience, accountability and his own belief in giving-back to the community that has offered him so much.

Chandan studied at Kwantlen Polytechnic University before earning a BA in Law Enforcement Studies from the Justice Institute of British Columbia. His career has been rooted in working with youth, public safety activity and community-rooted service. Chandan worked in the gaming industry at Langley and Coquitlam casinos, and in contract security, where he developed practical experience in conflict resolution and interacted regularly with first responders. He also volunteered with Surrey Crime Prevention, working on RCMP/Surrey Fire-sponsored foot patrols and neighborhood-watch activities.

As a small business owner, Chandan purchased his first UPS Store franchise in 2021 and expanded with a second location in 2023. He understands the pressures local small businesses face, from rising costs to navigating regulations — believing City Hall and the province must do more together to support entrepreneurs as the backbone of our local economy.

For over two decades, Chandan has been deeply involved in the Bhangra community, a vibrant expression of Punjabi folk dance that celebrates culture, discipline, and teamwork. Throughout this time, he has danced, competed at a high level, and mentored aspiring performers. His passion for preserving and promoting Punjabi culture ultimately led him to play a key role in establishing a local dance academy, which has since grown to serve over 300 students. Through this work, Chandan has not only fostered cultural pride but also created a positive space for youth development, community connection and artistic expression.

In 2024 Chandan married Simran Chana Chahal, a chiropractor and owner of Elite Health and Wellness right here in Surrey. Together, they are deeply invested in building a healthier, safer and more prosperous community for our residents and their families.

Ollie

Doggo in charge of NOT dropping any balls

Ollie has been in and around the communities of South Surrey and Cloverdale for 5 years, chasing balls, squirrels, dreams, and he imagines a world where every dog has his day, and a bone.

Having been described as barely a dog, Ollie brings enthusiasm and kindness to his role as Director of Pawsitivity & Very Good Boy and is running, but mostly walking on a platform of unlimited treats, fun kibble toppings, affordable squeaky toys, 15 hour naps and “fetch” for all.

When not barking on the phone, Ollie can be seen on the streets of South Surrey and Cloverdale getting the news from the “Daily Hydrant” and shaking paws with passers by.