Image: BC United / BC United, currently the opposition party in the B.C. legislature, announced its newest slate of candidates who will run for the party in the Fraser Valley ahead of next year's provincial election. According to an email from BC United leader Kevin Falcon, Markus Delves will run for the Abbotsford South riding while Karen Long will vie for Langley-Abbotsford. The Abbotsford South riding is currently held by Bruce Banman of the B.C. Conservatives. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

BC United candidates

Chartered accountant Markus Delves to challenge MLA Bruce Banman in Abbotsford South in 2024

Dec 12, 2023 | 8:58 AM

ABBOTSFORD — BC United, currently the opposition party in the B.C. legislature, announced its newest slate of candidates who will run for the party in the Fraser Valley ahead of next year’s provincial election.

According to an email from BC United leader Kevin Falcon, Markus Delves will run for the Abbotsford South riding while Karen Long will vie for Langley-Abbotsford.

BC United’s website states Delves is a chartered professional accountant and a retired military officer with a penchant for building a better future in the community. Delves says he will highlight British Columbia’s crumbling healthcare system and focus on addressing enhanced access to primary care, mitigating congestion at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and confront unmet needs in the mental health and addiction support services sector.

According to the BC United website, Delves has served on the Fraser Health Authority board and in the Royal Canadian Navy reserves, where he retired with the rank of lieutenant. Delves graduated from Simon Fraser University and later returned to teach business at the postsecondary institution.

Beyond his professional ranks, Delves is an active community volunteer, currently serving on the boards of the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and the Fraser Valley Indo-Canadian Business Association. He enlisted his services as treasurer of the Abbotsford Hospice Society

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“Markus firmly believes in the vision and capabilities of the BC United team, led by Kevin Falcon. With a focus on addressing the affordability crisis, improving healthcare, and building a stronger economy, Markus is ready to champion the interests of Abbotsford South and build a brighter future for all residents,” BC United wrote on its website.

Delves will be facing off against Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman, who defected from BC United to the B.C. Conservatives earlier this year.

Karen Long, a native of Surrey, is described as being a longstanding member of the Langley community since 1980. In addition to being a mother and grandmother, Long’s professional journey led her to start a successful office supply store in Aldergrove during the mid 1990s. Her business quickly evolved into a local hub, creating connections with various organizations and associations. Long has been past president of the BC Farm Museum, Aldergrove Rotary and the Aldergrove Fair. She is credited as being the esteemed founder of the Langley Volunteer Bureau.

Image: BC United / BC United candidate Karen Long.

Long is heavily involved in the Food Recovery program at Langley Meals on Wheels Society, and her stellar volunteerism has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medallion, the Township of Langley Eric Flowerdew Volunteer Award, and the Hilda Reddick Aldergrove Community Volunteer Award.