TORONTO, Oct 19: Two leaders of Indian origin have secured mayoral victories in British Columbia, Canada, following the province’s 2026 municipal elections.
Residents voted on Saturday to elect mayors, municipal councillors, regional district directors, school board trustees and representatives for various local bodies, including park boards in Vancouver and Cultus Lake and the Islands Trust.
India-born Harshan Ramadass emerged victorious in Fernie, defeating fellow city councillor Kyle Hamilton in the mayoral contest. Ramadass secured 1,524 votes, accounting for 54.5 per cent of the total, while Hamilton received 1,194 votes.
Reacting to his victory, Ramadass said the result reflected the community’s desire for progress and cooperation.
“We’ve done it, Fernie. Tonight you have sent a clear message that our community is ready to move forward,” he was quoted as saying by My East Kootenay Now.
He said residents had chosen a future focused on collaboration, accountability and prioritising the interests of Fernie.
Expressing gratitude to voters, Ramadass said he was honoured by the mandate and looked forward to working with the incoming council and residents to translate his vision into action.
In Williams Lake, Indian-origin incumbent Surinderpal Rathor won re-election, securing a second consecutive term as mayor. He received 2,116 votes, defeating rival Walt Cobb by more than 1,000 votes.
Celebrating the outcome, Rathor thanked residents for renewing their confidence in his leadership. He also acknowledged the support of his wife, family and campaign team.
“I’m honoured, grateful and ready to keep working for you. Together we can!” he was quoted as saying by the Williams Lake Tribune.
Rathor has a long association with local politics in Williams Lake. He was first elected to the city council in 1993 and served as a councillor for more than two decades before winning the mayoral election in 2022.
His latest victory follows earlier defeats to Cobb in the mayoral contests of 2014 and 2018. Rathor immigrated to Canada from India in 1974, arriving in Williams Lake at the age of 21.
The victories of Ramadass and Rathor mark notable successes for candidates of Indian origin in British Columbia’s local government elections, with both leaders set to represent their respective communities as mayors.