David Eby Calls Abbotsford-Mission Byelection for September 26

Premier David Eby called a byelection for the Abbotsford-Mission riding on August 29, with the final vote scheduled for September 26. The seat became vacant following the resignation of Conservative MLA Reann Gasper, who stepped down to allow Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay an opportunity to enter the legislature.

Findlay enters the race amid internal party turmoil, including the departure of six MLAs from her caucus this month. The New Democratic Party will field former agriculture minister Pam Alexis, who previously lost the seat in the 2024 provincial election. Alexis has criticized the provincial Conservatives for focusing on culture wars over essential issues like housing and health care.

Former Conservative MLAs Peter Milobar and Ian Paton are working to form a new political party, but Milobar indicated it is unlikely they will have a credible candidate ready for the September vote. Candidate nominations close on September 5, and advance voting will run from September 18 to 23.