Four Filipino-Canadians win seats in B.C.’s 2026 municipal elections

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 20, 2026

Photo courtesy: Multiple Sources

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Four Filipino-Canadian candidates emerged victorious in British Columbia’s October 17 municipal elections, securing positions on city council and school boards across Surrey, Burnaby and Richmond.

Based on preliminary election results, Dr. Michelle Ceniza, Stephen Andrada, Maita Santiago and Rod Belleza won seats in their respective municipalities.

Three will serve as school trustees, while Santiago returns to Burnaby City Council for a second term.

Their victories highlight Filipino-Canadian participation in local government, where elected officials make decisions affecting schools, housing, public services and community development.

Dr. Michelle Ceniza wins Surrey school trustee seat

Family physician Dr. Michelle Ceniza secured a seat on the Surrey Board of Education after receiving 34,203 votes.

Running under SURREY NOW, Ceniza finished sixth among the six successful school trustee candidates.

A mother of three, she has advocated for stronger student mental health support, early intervention and closer cooperation among parents, teachers and healthcare professionals.

Her campaign also emphasized the need to provide educators with adequate resources and improve access to student support services.

Stephen Andrada elected Burnaby school trustee

Community leader Stephen Andrada won a seat on the Burnaby Board of Education with 19,624 votes.

Andrada ran under the Burnaby Citizens Association and placed sixth among seven successful trustee candidates.

A Burnaby resident for 14 years, he has worked in newcomer settlement, employment services and community development.

His campaign focused on student safety, accessible education, classroom resources and stronger support for newcomer families.

Maita Santiago secures second term on Burnaby City Council

Incumbent councillor Maita Santiago earned another four-year term after receiving 16,292 votes, finishing fourth among eight winning council candidates.

Santiago, who also represents the Burnaby Citizens Association, was first elected to City Council in 2022.

During her first term, she served on municipal committees dealing with accessibility, public safety, social planning and environmental issues.

Her re-election campaign focused on affordable housing, climate action, inclusive public services and support for working families.

Rod Belleza returns to Richmond School Board

Former school trustee Rod Belleza won a seat on the Richmond Board of Education after receiving 17,762 votes.

Representing Advance Richmond, Belleza placed third among seven successful trustee candidates.

A former lawyer in the Philippines who immigrated to Canada in 1980, Belleza has previously served multiple terms on the school board.

His campaign priorities included adequate school funding, student mental health, financial literacy and safe learning environments.

His victory marks a return to the school board after an unsuccessful election bid in 2022.

Official results expected by October 21

The four victories come amid broad Filipino-Canadian participation in British Columbia’s 2026 municipal elections.

Their new terms will place them in positions to help shape local policies, particularly in education, housing and community services.

The reported vote totals remain preliminary, with official election results expected to be declared by October 21, 2026.

Once confirmed, the elected officials will serve during the 2026–2030 municipal term.