Prime Minister Mark Carney’s deputy chief of staff, Braeden Caley, is reportedly weighing a run for the North Vancouver-Capilano riding, recently vacated by Jonathan Wilkinson, who is set to take up the role of Canada’s ambassador to the European Union. This potential move not only signals a shift in the political landscape of the Vancouver area but also opens the door for a significant vacancy within the Prime Minister’s Office.
A New Political Landscape
Jonathan Wilkinson, a Liberal MP since 2015 and former natural resources minister, announced his departure from federal politics to embark on his new diplomatic mission in Brussels, starting in the summer. His exit triggers a race for the North Vancouver-Capilano nomination, with Caley emerging as a front-runner. Sources close to the situation indicate that there is considerable support from local Liberals encouraging Caley to make a bid for the seat.
Caley’s current role in the Prime Minister’s Office has positioned him as a key player in Carney’s administration. Should he decide to run, it would not only mark a significant career shift for him but would also necessitate the appointment of a new deputy chief of staff in the Prime Minister’s Office—a move that could ripple through the government.
Caley’s Political Background
Before his tenure at the Prime Minister’s Office, Caley had established himself as a prominent figure in British Columbia politics. He served as press secretary and director of policy and communications for Gregor Robertson during his decade-long term as Vancouver’s mayor. Following this, Caley transitioned to national roles within the Liberal Party, including six years as senior director of communications and co-director of the national campaign during the 2025 federal election.
His deep roots in the community, combined with a robust background in strategic communications and policy, make him a compelling candidate for the riding now left open by Wilkinson. Caley, who hails from Richmond and has lived in Vancouver, was appointed deputy chief of staff in March 2025—a role that has allowed him to gain invaluable insights into the workings of federal politics.
The Road Ahead
Caley’s potential candidacy is bolstered by the backing of Prime Minister Carney, who is reportedly supportive of his ambitions to enter the electoral fray. The Liberal Party in British Columbia has been vocal about their interest in seeing a strong candidate emerge for the upcoming nomination, especially in light of the riding’s recent electoral history.
Wilkinson secured a decisive victory in the 2025 election, garnering 60 per cent of the vote against Conservative candidate Stephen Curran, who managed 34 per cent. This solid support for the Liberals in the region indicates that a well-positioned candidate like Caley could continue to hold the riding for the party, especially given the changing political dynamics.
Why it Matters
The looming candidacy of Braeden Caley represents more than just a personal career move; it signals a broader narrative of continuity and change within the Liberal Party as it prepares for future elections. With Wilkinson’s departure, the North Vancouver-Capilano riding stands at a crossroads, and the success of Caley—or any other candidate who may emerge—could shape the political landscape in British Columbia. As political watchers closely monitor this development, the implications for both local governance and federal strategy will undoubtedly be significant.
