In 2009: NDP incumbent Bruce Ralston soundly defeated Liberal candidate Radhia Benalia by nearly 6500 votes, 66-26%.
History & Geography: Created for the 1986 election as Guilford-Whalley, this riding has shrunk as Surrey’s centre has become denser, and now is bordered by 96th Avenue to the south, and 140th Street, 148th Street and Invergarry Park to the east. The riding has supported the NDP in every election but 2001.
Basic Stats:
Population: 60615 (10th)
Size: 29 km (61st)
Density: 2090.2 people/km (24th)
Candidates
Liberals-Kuljeet Kaur: A media personality, Kuljeet is a talk show host on Radio Punjab. She is the former vice president of the Punjabi Press Club of B.C. and vice president of the Oriental Languages Services Society. She is also a local realtor, and was recognized by the provincial government for her assistance translating the BC Health Guide.
NDP-Bruce Ralston: The opposition finance critic, Ralston was first elected in Surrey-Whalley in 2005. Prior to entering politics, Ralston was a lawyer, and served on the VanCity Savings Credit Union board of directors. He was also a Surrey city councillor from 1988 to 1993, and was president of the BC NDP from 1996 to 2001.
Conservatives-Sunny Chohan: A telecommunications manager, Chohan owned a plant that made hotel furniture for 30 years. He was also the president of the Vedic Hindu Cultural Society.
Vision-Jag Bhandari: Bhandari is one of four candidates running for the BC Vision Party, which promises a “One Vision, One World” platform based on equality, and is only running in Surrey ridings.
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