Former B.C. minister says he’s focused on family, but leaves door open to politics

VICTORIA — Former New Democrat housing minister Ravi Kahlon says his priority is his family after opting not to run in the snap election that toppled his party’s government — but he is not closing the door on politics.

Kahlon says he is currently catching up on lost time with his teenage son, teaching him how to drive and coaching his basketball team.

The former minister says he, like his party, needs time to reflect before determining next steps following the crushing defeat by the B.C. Conservatives in the Oct. 24 election.

Kahlon did not rule out running for the NDP leadership, though he pointed to outgoing deputy premier Niki Sharma and former cabinet minister Josie Osborne as “great” potential candidates.

He says Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West could be another “strong voice” to lead the provincial NDP.

The New Democrats have named former labour minister Jennifer Whiteside as their interim leader, and Kahlon says she will do a “fantastic” job.

Kahlon, who was first elected in 2017, says he doesn’t know what his future will look like beyond his immediate focus on his family, but he has told former caucus colleagues that he is around to help.

“There’s a lot of talent,” he told The Canadian Press.

“If I will be involved or not — and at what scope that is — I can’t predict that at this stage.

“Too much happening, too fresh; we’ll have to see.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 30, 2026.

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press