The Liberal Party selects Brayden Caley as the candidate for the North Vancouver–Capilano by-election

The Canadian Liberal Party announced the selection of Brayden Kali as its candidate to represent it in the upcoming federal by-election in the North Vancouver–Capilano riding in British Columbia.

Kali has over twenty years of experience in public policy, government, and political work, and most recently held the position of Deputy Director of the Office of Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The party stated that Kali, through his position, worked on issues related to protecting Canadian workers and businesses from tariffs, enhancing economic independence, and reducing the cost of living.

However, these statements represent the electoral message the party presents about its candidate, and his ability to achieve these goals will remain subject to voter evaluation during the election campaign.

Canadian Liberal Party leader Satcheet Mehra said that Kali has spent his career turning ideas and policies into practical results, considering that he has the necessary experience to represent the riding’s residents and work within Carney’s team in Parliament.

A career in government work and public policy

Kali was born and raised in British Columbia and began his career in the offices of federal MPs in the province, where he worked on assisting residents with housing issues, obtaining government benefits, and liaising with federal institutions.

He then moved on to various advisory and political roles, including working with officials in the City of Vancouver and leaders within the federal government and the Prime Minister’s Office.

He also led an independent progressive research institute before joining Carney’s team and assuming the position of Deputy Director of the Prime Minister’s Office.

Kali said the current phase is critical for the local community and Canada, and that he seeks to be a strong voice for the residents of North Vancouver–Capilano in Parliament.

He added that his priorities will include supporting a stronger and more sustainable economy, reducing the cost of living, and accelerating the construction of homes and the necessary infrastructure to keep pace with growth in the North Shore area.

Liberal seat vacant

The North Vancouver–Capilano riding became vacant after the resignation of former Liberal MP Jonathan Wilkinson from the House of Commons on June 19, 2026.

Wilkinson had represented the area in Parliament since 2015 and held several ministerial positions, including the ministries of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources.

His resignation came after he was chosen to serve as Canada’s diplomatic representative to the European Union.

In the 2025 federal election, the Liberal Party received about 59.8% of the riding’s votes, compared to about 33.7% for the Conservative candidate, making the seat one of the ridings where Liberals have a strong electoral base.

However, the by-election may represent a separate test of Carney’s government popularity, especially given voters’ focus on housing costs, living expenses, transportation, and infrastructure in the North Shore area.

Election date not yet set

The federal government has not yet announced the date for the by-election.

The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada received the official notice of the vacancy on June 22, and voting can take place starting August 10, 2026.

The government must announce the election date no later than December 19, 2026, with the official election campaign beginning upon the issuance of the writ of election.

Other parties are expected to announce their candidates successively before the final date is set, starting the competition for a seat the Liberals seek to retain, while the Conservatives hope to narrow the large gap recorded in the last general election.