Filipino-Canadian candidates step into spotlight in 2026 Canadian municipal elections

Filipino-Canadian political representation is taking center stage in several Canadian cities as candidates seek seats on city councils and school boards in the 2026 municipal elections, including races in British Columbia and Ontario.

In Surrey, British Columbia, at least three Filipino-Canadian candidates are seeking seats on City Council: Noemi Victorino, Narima Dela Cruz and Dan B. Carlos. All three appear on Surrey’s official list of council candidates for the October 17 election.

Noemi Victorino is running with Surrey Connect, the civic slate led by incumbent Mayor Brenda Locke. Victorino has experience in federal administration and enforcement with the Canada Border Services Agency and later moved into nonprofit leadership and community programs. Philippine Canadian media have identified her as a Filipino-Canadian community leader.

Narima Dela Cruz, a longtime Filipino community advocate, is running with Imagine Surrey.

Dela Cruz is the founder and president of the Surrey Philippine Independence Day Society and has been involved in Filipino-Canadian civic and community organizations for years.

The third candidate, Dan B. Carlos, is running under the Conservative Party of Surrey banner. His campaign identifies him as a Filipino-Canadian community leader who has called Surrey home for about 30 years.

Surrey voters will elect one mayor, eight councillors and six school trustees on October 17.

Filipino representation is also on the ballot in nearby Burnaby.

Incumbent Councillor Maita Santiago, who was born in the Philippines and raised in Canada, is seeking re-election to Burnaby City Council. Santiago was first elected in 2022 and previously worked in community and frontline services before entering municipal politics.

Stephen Andrada is meanwhile running for the Burnaby Board of Education. His official candidate profile describes him as a Filipino-Canadian community leader involved in helping newcomers with settlement, employment and access to education and skills training. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science and economics from the University of the Philippines.

Burnaby voters will choose one mayor, eight councillors and seven school trustees on October 17.

In Brampton, Ontario, Rowena Santos is seeking another elected role at City Hall. Santos, currently the Regional Councillor for Wards 1 and 5, is officially registered as a candidate for City Councillor for Wards 1 and 5 in the October election.

Santos was first elected in 2018 and became the first Filipino elected to Brampton City Council and, according to the city, the first Filipino elected to a municipal council in Ontario.

Brampton's municipal election will be held October 26, when voters will elect a mayor, city councillors, regional councillors and school board trustees.

The races highlight the growing visibility of Filipino Canadians in local civic life, ranging from incumbent elected officials seeking new mandates to community organizers attempting to secure seats at municipal decision-making tables.