Dharmasena Yakandawela has been named the federal NDP candidate for the Abbotsford riding.
Yakandawela is a first-generation immigrant, a practising immigration lawyer, and a former judge in Sri Lanka.
He immigrated to Canada in 2006 and by 2018 was a managing partner of YLD Law Corporation, an immigration law firm that focuses on providing pro-bono support to individuals.
Yakandawela said he is aware of the difficulties faced by low-income families and new immigrants.
“I have a wealth of volunteer experience helping vulnerable youth, and a track record of assisting and speaking for those in need,” he said.
Yakandawela said, if elected, he is excited to tackle issues surrounding housing affordability and the increased cost of living – “issues which to date have not received sufficient action from the Liberal government.”
“I believe in a Canada where everyone should have the chance to succeed, and I look forward to working with Jagmeet Singh and other NDP colleagues to make that a reality for the residents of Abbotsford,” he added.
Yakandawela is one of five candidates who are vying to be the Member of Parliament for the Abbotsford riding. The others are incumbent Ed Fast (Conservative), Navreen Gill (Liberal), Stephen Fowler (Green Party) and Kevin Sinclair (People’s Party of Canada).
RELATED: Federal all-candidates meetings scheduled for Abbotsford