2026 Candidates

Peter Jorgensen (he/him) is a local small business owner, and past president of the Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA). He’s also a dedicated arts leader, educator, and creative, having played an active role in the New West arts community for close to 20 years.

Peter brings his creative approach to business and community life. He has been exploring ways to better support and stabilize small businesses, including reforms to leases, levies, and commercial spaces. In the arts, he champions creative partnerships to help build organizational capacity.

As someone who is deeply connected with the business community, I want to support our small businesses and make New Westminster one of the best cities to start and grow your business. And as an artist who has seen from every angle the ways the arts strengthen a community, I want to help our local artists and arts organizations truly flourish.

Maryann Morrison is an experienced executive, entrepreneur and community leader with deep roots in New Westminster. Born in the city, Maryann has built a career spanning the corporate, non-profit, Indigenous and public sectors, with experience in executive leadership, economic development and community engagement.

As Executive Director of the North Fraser Métis Association, she works with community members, governments, businesses and organizations to develop programs, secure resources and strengthen community partnerships.

Maryann believes local government should be practical, transparent, accountable and responsive. Her priorities include supporting local businesses and economic development, building a safer and more vibrant downtown, strengthening arts, culture and heritage, supporting community organizations, and ensuring residents are heard. She will bring an experienced, practical and results-focused approach to New Westminster City Council.

Kane Tse (he/him) is an advocate, healthcare worker, and president of the Queensborough Residents Association. He is particularly focused on making sure Queensborough residents are represented at the council table. He wants to strengthen connections between neighbourhoods, improve transportation and public safety, and encourage more people to take part in civic life.

Kane has spent over 20 years working at BC Cancer, including work on DNA sequencing to support patient care. He served as president of the Health Sciences Association (HSA), from 2021 to 2025. Having represented thousands of healthcare and social service workers across our province, Kane is no stranger to listening and delivering results.

He will bring a strong analytical approach to decision-making, along with a commitment to making sure the process is transparent for residents.

Together we can set clear priorities, prepare for growth and make everyday life easier for families across our city.

Kathleen Carlsen has spent over three decades working with children, youth, and families in New Westminster. Elected to the Board of Education in the 2024 by-election, she brings deep community roots and a proven record as trustee.

Known to generations of local families as “Miss Kathleen,” she has worked with the City’s Parks and Recreation Department for more than 30 years as a proud CUPE 387 member. A former four-year Chair of the District Parent Advisory Council, she represents the Board on the BCSTA Provincial Council and District School Naming Committee.

Kathleen believes every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued at school. Her commitment led her to initiate the work behind the District’s new School Safety Partnership Framework. She continues to advocate for student mental health supports and provincial funding for our growing district, believing good decisions come from listening and working collaboratively with the community.

Born and raised in New Westminster, Lucas Steele has firsthand knowledge of the challenges and triumphs students experience throughout their education. As a recent graduate, Lucas understands the importance of opportunities to participate, build relationships, discover passions, and feel supported in school. A former Hyack football player and New Westminster Royals hockey player, Lucas has deep roots in the local community. Through his work in recreation, fitness, and coaching, he has continued working with youth and community members, seeing the value of mentorship, teamwork, and extracurricular activities. Lucas is looking forward to bringing the voices of students to the table and ensuring their experiences are heard when decisions are made about our schools. His priorities include addressing the capacity crisis, supporting student mental health, and advocating for stronger student supports, including IEPs and the resources students need to succeed. Lucas will bring a fresh, student-focused perspective to the Board.