Former Surrey MLA And MP Gordie Hogg Is Surrey First Mayoral Candidate

On, July 20, : Surrey First launched its October 15 Municipal election campaign today by naming former Surrey MLA and MP Gordie Hogg as its mayoral candidate, and introducing the first three of its slate of eight council nominees, including
current city councillor Linda Annis, Bilal Cheema and Mary-Em Waddington. “When it comes to the election in October, the question for Surrey voters is clear: have you had enough yet, and do you believe we can do better, together?” said Hogg, who began his career as a youth probation officer in Whalley, before being elected as a Surrey MLA and MP. Hogg was introduced at the campaign launch by Councillor Linda Annis, Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, who was elected to council in 2018. After more than 22 years as a Surrey MLA and MP, Gordie Hogg remains on a variety of community boards and local committees, including KidsSport, Food Banks BC, and Brella Community Services, which provides services to seniors.” Hogg said he sees three “big opportunities” for a new Surrey council, including giving Surrey voters the final say on police transition, more and better access to city hall, and the chance to make Surrey “an opportunity city” that provides prosperity and livability for residents, families and businesses.
“Linda Annis is often described as the adult in the room at city hall, and she is the only Surrey councillor who actually ran on giving Surrey voters a referendum on policing, and we want to follow through on that commitment if we’re elected,” said Hogg. Hogg also introduced two new council candidates, who will be joined over the next two weeks by the rest of the 2022 Surrey First team.
“Bilal Cheema and his young family live in Chimney Heights, and over the years he has been an advisor to several federal ministers, including Health, Fisheries and Oceans, and Immigration,” said Hogg. “In addition, Bilal has served as a
negotiator for the government of Canada on such issues as resources and First Nations self-government. He will bring a strong understanding of government decision making to city hall, and like me he knows how important federal and provincial partnerships are to a growing city like Surrey, particularly as we work those relationships to help Surrey and its families. “Mary-Em is Executive Director of the BC Technology for Learning Society which collects, refurbishes and redistributes computers and laptops to schools, libraries and low-income families,” said Hogg. Paul Orazietti of Fraser Heights (far left) and Ajit Mehat of South Surrey (far right) have joined mayoral candidate Gordie Hogg and Surrey Councillor Linda Annis as Surrey First team candidates Media contacts: Greg Descantes