Jill McKnight is running to be Delta's next member of Parliament.
On Thursday afternoon (March 20), McKnight announced she will be the Liberal candidate in the upcoming federal election, which is expected to be called this weekend.
McKnight, who is stepping away from her roll as executive director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce effective Friday, is a life-long Delta resident and a former co-owner of South Coast Casuals and the Ladner Village Market who has "dedicated decades to fostering small businesses, helping them thrive and creating a vibrant community atmosphere," according to a bio sent to the North Delta Reporter.
"Her dedication to Delta’s economic development has been further demonstrated through her previous leadership roles as president of the Ladner Business Association (2017-2021) and the executive director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce (2021-present)."
In recognition of her volunteerism, Jill received the 2019 Delta Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024, honouring her contribution to both the business and wider community.
"I believe that leadership is about lifting others up and uniting people to create something greater than themselves," McKnight said in a press release. "My experience as a small business owner has taught me resiliency, determination and hard work. I am focused on making a difference, finding solutions, and helping others succeed. When we collaborate, we harness a diversity of ideas and perspectives, leading to innovative solutions."
McKnight said her leadership is rooted in authenticity, and she believes that effective leadership isn’t about being perfect but about learning, growing and adapting to the needs of the community.
"I seek to create meaningful change, help constituents feel heard, and ensure Delta has a strong voice at the table," she said. "Together, we can shape a bright future for Delta."
McKnight is looking to take the reigns from current Liberal MP Carla Qualtrough, who announced in October of last year she would not be seeking a fourth term in office.
“Delta deserves someone who will be a champion for our community in Ottawa, someone who knows the people, the businesses and the organizations that make it such a special place. Having worked with Jill for years and seen firsthand her passion, dedication and impact, I can think of no one better to serve as Member of Parliament for Delta “ outgoing MP Carla Qualtrough said in a press release.
McKnight is the second candidate to declare their intention to run in Delta.
In early February, 2024, Delta Police officer Jessy Sahota officially announced his candidacy with the Conservative Party of Canada. Since then Sahota — occasionally flanked by CPC leader Pierre Poilievre — has spent considerable time out door-knocking in the riding and attending various events as the local face of the party.
The grand opening of Sahota's campaign office in the former Royal Bank at 84th Avenue and 112th Street in North Delta on Sunday, March 9 drew hundreds of visitors, including Delta Mayor George Harvie, who spoke at the event, and South Surrey-White Rock MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, who represented the former riding of Delta-Richmond East in Parliament from 2011 to 2015.
To date, no other federal parties have announced candidates in Delta.
