In a significant development within Canadian politics, Braeden Caley, currently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Mark Carney, is reportedly contemplating a run for the vacant North Vancouver-Capilano riding. This seat, previously held by former Liberal natural resources minister Jonathan Wilkinson, will soon be open as Wilkinson transitions to his new role as Canada’s ambassador to the European Union.
A Shift in the Political Landscape
Jonathan Wilkinson, a veteran of the Liberal Party and an MP since 2015, is stepping away from federal politics to take up his diplomatic post, effective this summer. His departure not only creates an opening in the North Vancouver-Capilano riding but also presents a pivotal moment for the local Liberal Party, which has begun to rally behind Caley as a potential successor.
The riding, which underwent a name change from North Vancouver to North Vancouver-Capilano in 2022 due to boundary adjustments, has traditionally leaned Liberal. In the last federal election held in 2025, Wilkinson secured an impressive 60 per cent of the vote, significantly outpacing Conservative candidate Stephen Curran, who garnered 34 per cent.
Braeden Caley: A Familiar Face in B.C. Politics
Caley is no stranger to the political arena in British Columbia. Before taking up his current position in the Prime Minister’s Office in March 2025, he served as press secretary and director of policy and communications for Gregor Robertson, Vancouver’s longest-serving mayor. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in shaping the city’s policies and communications strategy. Robertson himself is now a federal minister, having won the Vancouver Fraserview-South Burnaby seat in the last election as a Liberal.
Beyond his municipal experience, Caley has held significant roles within the federal Liberal Party, including six years as senior director of communications and as national campaign co-director during the 2025 federal election. His extensive background in both local and national politics positions him as a strong candidate should he decide to pursue the nomination for the North Vancouver-Capilano riding.
Support from the Prime Minister’s Office
Reports indicate that Caley has garnered support from within the Liberal Party, particularly in British Columbia, where there is a growing call for him to step into an electoral role. Sources suggest that Prime Minister Carney is also backing Caley’s potential candidacy, which would further solidify his standing within the party hierarchy.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of Caley’s decision could reverberate beyond the riding itself, affecting party dynamics and strategy in the lead-up to the next federal election.
Looking Ahead: The Future of North Vancouver-Capilano
With Wilkinson’s imminent departure and Caley’s potential entry into the race, the North Vancouver-Capilano riding stands at a crossroads. The Liberal Party will need to carefully consider its candidate selection, particularly as it seeks to maintain its foothold in a constituency that has shown strong support for its policies in recent years.
The riding’s history indicates a competitive political environment, with the previous Conservative hold under Andrew Saxton from 2008 to 2015 serving as a reminder of the shifting tides in Canadian politics.
Why it Matters
The potential candidacy of Braeden Caley is not just about filling a vacant seat; it represents a critical juncture for the Liberal Party in British Columbia. As the party seeks to navigate the complexities of a post-Wilkinson landscape, Caley’s background, connections, and the backing of the Prime Minister could be instrumental in retaining a key riding. This situation highlights the ongoing evolution of political alignments in Canada and the importance of strategic candidate selection in upcoming elections, underscoring the delicate balance between local representation and national party interests.
