Surrey, B.C. (October 6, 2025): Surrey First candidate for mayor Linda Annis today announced her team’s first four candidates for city council in the 2026 municipal election. Annis said Janet Brown, Taj Sandhu, Clint Stewart and Deb Antifaev have been selected to run for https://surreyfirst.org/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Surrey First, with additional candidates to be announced in January.

 

“We’re running a full slate of candidates and building a team that will be ready to hit the ground running,” said Annis who was first elected in 2018 and again in 2022 when she topped the polls. “We have a lot of catching up to do because Brenda Locke and her four councillors have spent their entire term trying to stop, stall or derail the police transition. Every other priority was put on the back burner. Surrey voters deserve a mayor and city council that can manage multiple issues and opportunities at the same time, and that’s what we’ll deliver.”

Brown, an award-winning journalist with CKNW and Global TV for more than 30 years, is currently Director of Communications with Surrey Urban Mission. A proud hockey mom with roots in Cloverdale Minor Hockey, Brown is also a block watch captain in her Fraser Heights neighbourhood.

 

“I’m looking forward to earning every single vote, and the chance to serve my community,” explained Brown. “As a reporter I had the chance to see every side of Surrey, and I know how much potential we have as a community. Linda will tap into that potential as mayor, and I want to be part of the team that puts Surrey first as we build our future as the biggest city in the province.”

Stewart, a lifelong resident of Surrey who grew up in Newton, is president of Whalley Little League, one of Canada’s most recognized baseball organizations. Deeply involved in local sports, Stewart lives in North Surrey and has also been a Surrey United soccer coach. Outside of sports, Stewart has built a 26-year career with GardaWorld Cash Solutions, after graduating from the Justice Institute of British Columbia’s security program.

 

“Whalley Little League has always been about more than baseball,” said Stewart. “It’s about giving kids a safe, fun place to grow and make new friends. I believe Surrey families deserve more opportunities like that. Joining Surrey First means working on council to make sure we invest in parks, pools, rinks, and playing fields, so every child and every family has a chance to be part of something positive.”

 

Sandhu is Vice President of WBI Home Warranty Ltd. and has more than 25 years’ experience in the construction and development sectors. A graduate of the British Columbia Institute of Technology, Sandhu lives in Newton, is a Red Seal certified heavy duty mechanic with a passion for vintage cars, and has volunteered with Jumpstart kids’ sports, Sunshine Kids Golf Tournament, and the Guru Nanak Food Bank.

 

“I’ve watched our city grow over the years, and we’re now about to become BC’s biggest city,” noted Sandhu. “Linda has been clear with all of us on her team that getting Surrey ready for the future is job one, and that includes public safety, more and better transit, and building an economy where our commuters can work closer to home without having to drive to other cities. I can’t wait to get started and delivering results for our residents and taxpayers.”

Antifaev has spent more than 26 years as an advocate for children with special needs and currently serves as Director of Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT BC). She was also a member of the Pacific Autism Family Network’s steering committee and is a lifelong volunteer and community fundraiser. Antifaev served on the Semiahmoo Secondary Parent Advisory Council, was team manager when her sons played hockey, and was an active member of the Semiahmoo Music Society. Together with her family, Antifaev lives in South Surrey.

 

“Linda’s seven years on council have been a good example for anyone looking to support their community,” said Antifaev. “Like others on the Surrey First team I’m ready to get to work as we push for more and better transit that connects our neighbourhoods, supporting and building our Surrey Police Service, and creating more transparency at city hall, where residents and taxpayers don’t feel sidelined and shut out.”

 

Annis said a council with no plan or vision simply lurches from issue to issue, something she sees daily at city hall.

 

“I want to change that,” said Annis. “I know we can do better, and our residents certainly deserve more from their mayor and council. We’re going to use the next few months to have serious conversations with our residents, listening to them and understanding their priorities. Then, we want to put together a contract with the community, which spells out our Surrey First platform, and something voters can use to hold us accountable.”

 

The next municipal elections across British Columbia are October 17, 2026.