Image: Dave Sidhu / Abbotsford Councillor Dave Sidhu. 
Provincial election

Update: Abbotsford councillor confirms he won’t run due to important family considerations

Aug 15, 2024 | 9:05 AM

UPDATE THURSDAY AT 12:15 P.M.: Abbotsford Councillor Dave Sidhu has released the following statement about his decision not to run for BC United in the Abbotsford West riding in this year’s provincial election:

“It is with a heavy heart and a clear mind that I announce my decision not to stand as a candidate for Member of the Legislative Assembly in the upcoming election,” Sidhu said. “Last month, my wife, Ranjna, was admitted to the hospital with a serious medical condition. While we initially had a clear timeline for her recovery, Ranjna, has faced several health complications during her stay that have altered her treatment plan.

“Although her recovery will be prolonged, the doctors have assured us that she will be okay. During this time, my priority must be my family. Ranjna’s health requires my full attention, and our daughters need me more than ever. In light of these circumstances, I have made the difficult decision not to stand as a candidate for MLA. I am incredibly grateful for the encouragement and support I have received from all of you during this challenging time.

“While I will not be taking on this role, my commitment to our community remains steadfast, and I will continue to work towards making Abbotsford a better place for everyone as a city councillor. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Vancouver General Hospital for their exceptional care and dedication. Their skills and compassion have been a true blessing to our family.

“Special thanks to Dr. Sanford, Dr. Amani, and the entire team at the Leukemia Unit for going above and beyond in providing care for Ranjna. We are placing our trust in God and leaning on our faith to carry us through this time. In all the challenges we have faced, our faith has been strengthened, and I believe that with God’s guidance, we will come through stronger than ever. To Kevin Falcon and the BC United Team, thank you for your unwavering support during this time. I am proud of the vision we share for our province, and I will continue to support you as you work to build a better British Columbia. Thank you all for your understanding and support.”

Original story below from Fraser Valley Today: 

ABBOTSFORD — Abbotsford Councillor Dave Sidhu, a popular elected official who had submitted his name as an MLA candidate in the upcoming provincial election with BC United, has reportedly dropped out of the race.

According to a post on X/Twitter from Vancouver-area political pundit and radio host Jas Johal, Councillor Sidhu has withdrawn from this year’s provincial election for family reasons. He had been the MLA candidate in Abbotsford West, a riding where incumbent Michael de Jong previously announced he would not seek reelection.

Adam Wilson, deputy campaign manager for BC United, scolded Johal for publicly revealing Sidhu’s apparent exit from the race.

“Would’ve been nice to let Dave make this announcement when he and his family were ready,” Wilson said. “I’m the one who had to tell him it had been leaked to media and was now public. Shameless behaviour.”

Other than Wilson’s post condemning Johal, BC United has not publicly commented on Sidhu’s apparent departure.

Elections BC does not list Sidhu on its website as a candidate for Abbotsford West.

Sidhu announced in April 2024 he would run with BC United, building on his exemplary credentials as an Abbotsford native, businessman, elected official, and a heavily involved citizen who served on multiple boards in the Abbotsford area. According to a biography on the City of Abbotsford website, Sidhu has been focused on community outreach from an early age. Through his family’s business, he has participated in various fundraising efforts over the years for the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Center, Abbotsford Police Foundation, Salvation Army, Hospice Society, The Canadian Diabetes Association, and The Archway Food Bank, among others. In 2019, he was recognized with the Paul Harris Fellowship recognition, the highest recognition that the Rotary International Club can present to a community member, exemplifying “Service Above Self.” Sidhu is the general manager for The Patrika, North America’s first Punjabi-English newspaper.

Abbotsford school trustee Korky Neufeld is one of the MLA candidates for the Abbotsford West riding, along with independent candidate James Davison. With roughly two months to go before the fall election, the BC Green Party does not have a candidate in Abbotsford West nor does the B.C. NDP.

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