In a significant shift within British Columbia’s political landscape, Braeden Caley, the deputy chief of staff to Prime Minister Mark Carney, is contemplating a run for the North Vancouver-Capilano riding, recently vacated by former Liberal Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. This development comes as Wilkinson steps away from federal politics to assume the role of Canada’s ambassador to the European Union, marking a notable transition in both his career and the riding’s representation.
A New Opportunity in North Vancouver-Capilano
Jonathan Wilkinson, who has been a prominent figure in Canadian politics since his election as an MP in 2015, is poised to take on a new diplomatic role starting this summer. His departure opens a critical opportunity in the North Vancouver-Capilano riding, which underwent a name change in 2022 to reflect new boundaries. The Liberal Party is keen to maintain its stronghold in this constituency, where Wilkinson secured a commanding 60 per cent of the vote in the last federal election against Conservative Stephen Curran, who garnered 34 per cent.
Sources close to the situation, who wish to remain unnamed due to the sensitive nature of internal discussions, indicate that there is a growing chorus of support from local Liberals urging Caley to pursue the nomination for the riding. Prime Minister Carney himself is reportedly in favour of Caley’s potential candidacy, which could reshape the dynamics within the Prime Minister’s Office should he decide to step down from his current role.
Braeden Caley: A Political Veteran
Caley is no stranger to the political arena. His extensive experience includes five years as a press secretary and director of policy and communications for Gregor Robertson, Vancouver’s longest-serving mayor. Following Robertson’s tenure, which ended in 2018, Caley ascended to senior communications roles within the Liberal Party, contributing significantly as the senior director of communications before taking on the national campaign co-director position for the 2025 federal election.
A native of Richmond, B.C., and a resident of Vancouver, Caley was appointed deputy chief of staff to the Prime Minister in March 2025. His deep roots in local politics and considerable experience on a national scale position him as a formidable candidate should he choose to run for office.
The Changing Political Landscape
Wilkinson’s exit from the political scene represents not only a personal career change but also a pivotal moment for the Liberal Party in British Columbia. As he steps into his new role, the government has commended his three decades of expertise in public policy, technology, and international economic relations. This diplomatic appointment follows a period where Wilkinson served as Trudeau’s natural resources minister, and previously in other cabinet roles, including fisheries and environment minister.
The North Vancouver-Capilano riding is historically significant; prior to Wilkinson’s tenure, it was held by Conservative Andrew Saxton from 2008 until 2015. The upcoming nomination race promises to be closely watched, as the Liberals aim to secure their foothold in a region that has seen shifting political allegiances in recent years.
Why it Matters
The potential candidacy of Braeden Caley in North Vancouver-Capilano underscores the evolving landscape of Canadian politics, particularly as the Liberals navigate the transition of influential figures like Wilkinson. As Caley weighs his options, his decision could not only impact the immediate political future of the riding but also signal broader trends within the Liberal Party and its strategies in addressing the challenges of maintaining support in a diverse and changing electorate. This is a moment of intrigue for both party insiders and the public alike, as the implications of these choices will resonate through the corridors of power in Ottawa.
