In a significant development within the Liberal Party, Braeden Caley, currently serving as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s deputy chief of staff, is reportedly contemplating a run for the North Vancouver-Capilano riding, which will soon be vacant due to the departure of former minister Jonathan Wilkinson. This potential candidacy could not only reshape the political landscape in British Columbia but also create a notable vacancy within the Prime Minister’s Office.
Wilkinson’s Departure Opens Doors
Jonathan Wilkinson, who has represented North Vancouver-Capilano since his election in 2015, is set to leave federal politics as he prepares to take on the role of Canada’s ambassador to the European Union, beginning this summer. His exit is a strategic shift for the Liberal Party, which has benefitted from his presence in cabinet, notably as Minister of Natural Resources from 2021 to 2025.
Wilkinson’s tenure in various cabinet positions—including Minister of Fisheries and Minister of Environment—has been marked by a focus on sustainability and economic development. The transition to an ambassadorial role is seen as a significant opportunity for him, albeit one that leaves a gap in the riding he has represented so effectively.
Caley’s Political Background
Should Caley decide to pursue the Liberal nomination for the now-open seat, it would mark a significant shift in his career trajectory. With a robust background in B.C. politics, Caley served as press secretary and later as director of policy and communications for Gregor Robertson during his lengthy term as Vancouver’s mayor. Notably, Robertson is now a member of the federal cabinet as the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, having won a seat in the recent federal elections.
In the federal arena, Caley has also held prominent roles, including six years as senior director of communications for the Liberal Party and a key position as national campaign co-director during the party’s 2025 election campaign. His appointment as deputy chief of staff in March 2025 has solidified his influence within the Prime Minister’s Office, making him a credible contender for a parliamentary seat.
Support from Party Leaders
Sources within the Liberal Party indicate that there is considerable encouragement for Caley to step into the political fray, particularly among party officials in British Columbia. Prime Minister Carney is reportedly supportive of Caley’s potential candidacy, which could enhance the party’s standing in a riding that has been a stronghold for the Liberals since Wilkinson’s election.
Caley’s deep roots in the community and familiarity with local issues position him well to appeal to constituents in North Vancouver-Capilano. The riding, previously known simply as North Vancouver, was renamed in 2022 following boundary changes, and has seen Liberal success, with Wilkinson securing 60 per cent of the vote in the last election against Conservative challenger Stephen Curran.
A New Political Landscape
The North Vancouver-Capilano riding has historically shifted between parties, with Conservative Andrew Saxton holding the seat from 2008 to 2015. The upcoming nomination process will be a critical moment for the Liberals as they seek to maintain their foothold in the area. Caley’s potential entry into the race could signal a new direction for the party and its prospects in future elections.
Why it Matters
The possible candidacy of Braeden Caley for the North Vancouver-Capilano seat underscores a pivotal moment for the Liberal Party in British Columbia. As the political landscape evolves with Wilkinson’s departure, the choice of Caley—or another candidate—will be crucial not only for retaining a key riding but also for shaping the party’s future strategies in a province that remains vital to its electoral success. As the dynamics of federal politics continue to shift, the outcome of this nomination could have lasting implications, influencing both local governance and broader national policy agendas.
