North Vancouver-Capilano
North Vancouver, Capilano is a federal electoral district located on the North Shore of British Columbia. The riding, which includes the City of North Vancouver, part of the District of North Vancouver, and a portion of West Vancouver, has been represented in the House of Commons since its creation in 1988. It is a politically competitive seat that has shifted between the Conservative and Liberal parties over the decades, reflecting the diverse demographics and economic interests of the region. The district is notable for its high average income, significant immigrant population, and scenic location adjacent to Vancouver. Its political representation gained national attention in 2026 following a by-election to replace a long-serving Liberal member of Parliament.
Geography and Composition
The federal electoral district of North Vancouver, Capilano encompasses a mix of urban and suburban landscapes on the North Shore of Burrard Inlet. As defined by the 2022 federal electoral redistribution, the riding includes the entire City of North Vancouver. It also incorporates a substantial portion of the District of North Vancouver and extends into the easternmost part of West Vancouver. Notable areas within the West Vancouver portion include the Park Royal Shopping Centre, the Sentinel Hill neighbourhood, and the entire Ambleside area. The district's boundaries were adjusted to correspond with municipal limits and the Capilano Indian Reserve, creating a more coherent geographic unit.
Demographic Profile
The population of North Vancouver, Capilano was 116,055 as of the 2021 Canadian census, with an average age of 44 years. The district exhibits considerable ethnic and linguistic diversity, reflecting broader trends in the Metro Vancouver region. In terms of racial composition, 61.0 percent of residents identify as White, while significant minority groups include West Asian (12.3%), Chinese (7.3%), Filipino (4.3%), South Asian (3.4%), and Indigenous peoples (2.9%). The most common language spoken at home is English, used by 65.2 percent of the population. Other frequently spoken languages are Persian (11.5%), Mandarin (3.3%), French (2.2%), Korean (1.9%), Tagalog (1.8%), Spanish (1.8%), and Cantonese (1.4%). Religious affiliation shows a majority of residents (51.8%) report having no religious affiliation, while 34.5 percent identify as Christian and 8.9 percent as Muslim. The economic profile of the riding is characterized by an average income of $71,700 and a median income of $45,200 for the year 2020.
Political History and Boundary Changes
The riding was originally created in 1987 under the name North Vancouver, formed from parts of the former North Vancouver, Burnaby and Capilano electoral districts. Its first election was held in 1988. The boundaries were significantly modified in the 2012 federal electoral redistribution, which took effect for the 2015 election. These changes saw the riding lose its eastern territory to the new Burnaby North, Seymour district and have its western boundary adjusted to align with municipal borders and the Capilano Indian Reserve. The most recent alteration occurred in the 2022 federal electoral redistribution, when the riding was renamed North Vancouver, Capilano. This redistribution also incorporated all parts of West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky Country south of the Trans-Canada Highway and east of 21st Street, while transferring the Lynn Valley and Lynnmour areas to Burnaby North, Seymour. The boundary change in West Vancouver was met with criticism from some, including Patrick Weiler, the member of Parliament who previously represented that area. These new boundaries were first used in the 2025 Canadian federal election.
The riding was created as North Vancouver in 1987 from parts of the North Vancouver, Burnaby and Capilano districts. Its boundaries were adjusted following the 2012 redistribution, losing eastern territory to Burnaby North, Seymour and adjusting its western boundary. Following the 2022 federal electoral redistribution, the riding was renamed North Vancouver, Capilano. The 2022 changes incorporated parts of West Vancouver south of the Trans-Canada Highway and east of 21 Street, while shifting the Lynn Valley and Lynnmour areas to Burnaby North, Seymour. These new boundaries came into effect for the 2025 Canadian federal election.
- 1987: Riding created as 'North Vancouver' from parts of North Vancouver, Burnaby and Capilano.
- 2012: Boundaries adjusted, losing eastern areas to Burnaby North, Seymour.
- 2013: New representation order came into effect for the 2015 election.
- 2022: Riding renamed to North Vancouver, Capilano and gained parts of West Vancouver.
- 2022: Lynn Valley and Lynnmour areas transferred out to Burnaby North, Seymour.
- 2025: New boundaries first used in a general federal election.
Electoral History and Representation
North Vancouver, Capilano has a history of competitive elections, with representation alternating between right-leaning and centre-left parties. Upon its creation, the riding was won by Progressive Conservative Chuck Cook in 1988. In the 1993 election, Ted White of the Reform Party captured the seat, and he was re-elected in 1997 and 2000, later joining the unified Conservative Party. The riding flipped to the Liberals in 2004 when former North Vancouver mayor Don Bell narrowly defeated the incumbent White. Bell held the seat through the 2006 election but lost in 2008 to Conservative businessman Andrew Saxton. The most recent sustained period of Liberal representation began in 2015 when Jonathan Wilkinson won the seat with 56.7 percent of the vote. Wilkinson was re-elected in 2019, 2021, and again in the 2025 federal election with 59.8 percent of the vote. His subsequent appointment as Canada’s ambassador to the European Union triggered a by-election in August 2026.
Upon its creation in 1988, the riding was first won by Progressive Conservative Chuck Cook. In 1993, it was won by Reform Party candidate Ted White, who was re-elected in 1997 and 2000 as a member of the Canadian Alliance. In the 2004 federal election, Liberal Don Bell narrowly defeated incumbent Ted White. The riding flipped back to the Conservative Party in 2008 when Andrew Saxton was elected. In the 2015 federal election, Liberal Jonathan Wilkinson won the riding with 56.7 percent of the vote. Wilkinson was re-elected in the 2019, 2021, and 2025 federal elections.
| Year | Winning Candidate | Party | Vote Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Chuck Cook | Progressive Conservative | |
| 1993 | Ted White | Reform | |
| 1997 | Ted White | Reform | |
| 2000 | Ted White | Canadian Alliance | |
| 2004 | Don Bell | Liberal | |
| 2006 | Don Bell | Liberal | |
| 2008 | Andrew Saxton | Conservative | |
| 2015 | Jonathan Wilkinson | Liberal | 56.7 |
| 2019 | Jonathan Wilkinson | Liberal | 42.9 |
| 2021 | Jonathan Wilkinson | Liberal | 45.1 |
| 2025 | Jonathan Wilkinson | Liberal | 59.8 |
The 2026 Federal By-election
A federal by-election was called for August 31, 2026, to fill the vacancy left by Jonathan Wilkinson following his diplomatic appointment. All major political parties nominated candidates for the contest. The Liberal Party selected Braeden Caley, a public policy leader and former deputy chief of staff to Prime Minister Mark Carney. Caley holds a degree in political science from the University of British Columbia and an executive certificate from Harvard Kennedy School. The Conservative Party nominated Stephen Curran, a commercial lawyer who had been the party's candidate in the previous general election. The Green Party candidate was Shelley Luce, an environmental scientist with a doctorate from UCLA and experience with the Sierra Club. The New Democratic Party candidate was Stephen Tweedale, described as a longtime activist and organizer. The People’s Party of Canada again nominated Ehsan Arjmand. The by-election campaign focused on issues such as housing affordability, healthcare funding, and local infrastructure. Advance voting took place on August 21, 22, 23, and 24, 2026. Liberal candidate Braeden Caley was projected and confirmed as the winner, succeeding Wilkinson as the member of Parliament for the riding.
A federal by-election was held on August 31, 2026, to elect a new member of Parliament. The by-election was called after longtime Liberal MP Jonathan Wilkinson stepped down following his appointment as Canada’s ambassador to the European Union. The Liberal Party candidate was Braeden Caley, a public policy leader and former deputy chief of staff. The Conservative Party candidate was commercial lawyer Stephen Curran. The Green Party candidate was environmental scientist Shelley Luce, and the New Democratic Party candidate was activist Stephen Tweedale. The People’s Party of Canada again nominated Ehsan Arjmand.
- July 15, 2026: Green Party nominates Shelley Luce.
- July 18, 2026: Liberal Party nominates Braeden Caley.
- August 7, 2026: NDP nominates Stephen Tweedale.
- August 21-24, 2026: Advance voting days.
- August 31, 2026: By-election day.
- August 31, 2026: Braeden Caley (Liberal) wins the by-election.
- Conservative candidate: Stephen Curran.
- People's Party candidate: Ehsan Arjmand.
Notable Landmarks and Local Context
The riding contains several significant commercial, recreational, and natural landmarks that define the character of the North Shore. The Park Royal Shopping Centre, located in West Vancouver, is one of the largest retail hubs in the region. The Ambleside area, also in West Vancouver, features a popular seaside park, a swimming pool, and a commercial village along Marine Drive. The district is bordered by the Coast Mountains and includes watersheds and parks associated with the Capilano River. The political dynamics of the federal riding are separate from but influenced by municipal politics in the City and District of North Vancouver. A general local election for the City of North Vancouver was scheduled for October 17, 2026, to elect a mayor, councillors, and school trustees. Similarly, residents of the District of North Vancouver were to vote for a mayor, six councillors, and four school trustees in October 2026. The area is also served by the Vancouver Coastal Health authority, which provides public health services across the region and issued warnings about public health matters such as potential rabies exposures.
Questions about North Vancouver-Capilano
Who is the current member of Parliament for North Vancouver, Capilano?
The current member of Parliament is Braeden Caley of the Liberal Party of Canada. He was elected in a federal by-election held on August 31, 2026, following the resignation of former MP Jonathan Wilkinson. Caley previously served as deputy chief of staff to Prime Minister Mark Carney. He was officially nominated as the Liberal candidate on July 18, 2026.
What are the demographic characteristics of the riding?
According to the 2021 census, the riding has a population of 116,055 with an average age of 44. It is ethnically diverse, with 61.0 percent of residents identifying as White and significant West Asian, Chinese, and Filipino communities. The most common language at home is English (65.2%), followed by Persian (11.5%). Religiously, a majority (51.8%) report no affiliation. The average income is $71,700.
How has the riding's name and boundaries changed over time?
The riding was originally created in 1987 under the name North Vancouver. Its boundaries were adjusted in 2012, losing eastern areas and refining western borders. In the 2022 federal electoral redistribution, it was renamed North Vancouver, Capilano. This change also added parts of West Vancouver south of the Trans-Canada Highway and removed the Lynn Valley area. The new boundaries were first used in the 2025 general election.
Who were the major candidates in the 2026 by-election?
The major candidates were Braeden Caley for the Liberals, Stephen Curran for the Conservatives, Shelley Luce for the Greens, Stephen Tweedale for the NDP, and Ehsan Arjmand for the People’s Party. Caley, a former political staffer, won the election. Curran was the Conservative candidate who had challenged Wilkinson in 2025. Luce is an environmental scientist, and Tweedale is a longtime activist.
What areas are included in the North Vancouver, Capilano riding?
The North Vancouver, Capilano riding includes the entirety of the City of North Vancouver, part of the District of North Vancouver, and the easternmost part of West Vancouver. Specific areas within West Vancouver include Park Royal Shopping Centre, Sentinel Hill, and all of Ambleside. These boundaries were established as part of the 2022 federal electoral redistribution. The redistribution also incorporated all parts of West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky Country south of the Trans Canada Highway and east of 21 Street. The Lynn Valley and Lynnmour areas were shifted to the Burnaby North, Seymour riding during this boundary adjustment.
Why was there a by-election in North Vancouver, Capilano in 2026?
A by-election was held in North Vancouver, Capilano in 2026 because the sitting member of Parliament, Jonathan Wilkinson, resigned from his seat. Wilkinson stepped down after being appointed Canada's ambassador to the European Union, despite having been re-elected in the 2025 federal election. The by-election was called for August 31, 2026, to elect a new representative. This triggered a nomination process for all major political parties to select candidates for the vacant seat. The by-election ultimately resulted in the election of Liberal candidate Braeden Caley as the new MP.
Sources and further reading
- North Vancouver-Capilano (Wikipedia)
- Here's the candidates in the North Vancouver-Capilano ... (vancouver.citynews.ca)
Checked by the Your Space Hamilton desk. Last updated 2026-10-29.
