Lakhwinder Jhaj

Lakhwinder Jhaj is a community advocate, volunteer leader, businessperson and former reporter with decades of experience bringing people together. Her community work has included supporting youth, seniors, newcomers and culturally diverse communities, with a focus on helping people participate fully in community life.

Lakhwinder has deep roots in the Fraser Valley. She immigrated to Canada from India with her family as a child in 1976 and settled in Mission, where she attended school. After later moving to Aldergrove and then Penticton, she returned to the Fraser Valley in 2010 and has called the region home ever since. Her family’s farm on Huntington Road, along with more than 20 years of experience operating a construction company and used vehicle dealership, have kept her closely connected to the people, businesses and agricultural community of Abbotsford–Mission.

Her leadership experience spans nonprofit organizations, community development, multicultural services and local advisory bodies. Lakhwinder has served as Vice-President of Apna Homes Society, volunteered with the Abbotsford Hospice Society, served as a United Way representative, and sat on the provincial board of the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Services Agencies of BC. She has also held leadership roles supporting settlement services, multiculturalism, community safety, local development, agriculture, parks and recreation, and services for women and seniors.

Lakhwinder’s community service has been recognized through a citizenship award from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the B.C. Community Achievement Award, and a Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year Award. She has also been recognized in regional publications for her community leadership and public service.

Lakhwinder brings considerable political and electoral experience. She ran for the BC NDP in Boundary-Similkameen in the 2009 provincial election, receiving 5,870 votes and approximately 32.9 per cent of the vote. She later ran for the BC NDP in Abbotsford South in 2013, receiving 4,210 votes. In 2021, Lakhwinder represented the Liberal Party of Canada in Skeena–Bulkley Valley, receiving 2,866 votes in the federal election.

Lakhwinder’s political experience reflects a willingness to work across traditional party lines. Although she has represented different parties over the years, her focus has remained on community service, practical solutions and bringing people together. That experience is consistent with CentreBC’s approach as a broad, centrist party open to British Columbians from different political backgrounds.

As CentreBC’s candidate for Abbotsford–Mission, Lakhwinder brings community leadership, business experience and an understanding of the issues affecting families, farmers, seniors, newcomers and small-business owners. She believes politics should be practical, respectful and focused on the priorities of the people who live and work in the community. Lakhwinder is committed to listening, finding common ground and representing Abbotsford–Mission with a clear focus on local priorities.