Former Chilliwack MLA and provincial director for the BC NDP Dan Coulter has died.
“It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the loss of Dan Coulter, a devoted advocate for the people of British Columbia, a passionate voice for inclusivity and justice, and a cherished member of the BC NDP family,” wrote party president Aaron Sumexheltza and prior director Heather Stoutenburg.
Coulter was 49 years old; on Dec. 6, the party reported he was taken to the hospital after suffering a “serious medical emergency.”
Coulter served as MLA in Chilliwack between 2020 and 2024 but was unseated in the October provincial election by the Conservative Party of B.C.
Coulter was a tradesman as a young adult; however, he was confined to a wheelchair after a workplace accident in 1999.
“As past chair of the Chilliwack School Board and president of CUPE 3787, and later as the MLA for Chilliwack, the Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, and Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit, Dan always championed the underdog. He worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities or circumstances could participate fully in our communities and share in the opportunities of a fairer B.C.,” said Sumexheltza and Stoutenburg.
The statement in full reads: “To those of us who knew him, Dan was so much more than a colleague — he was a friend and a mentor. He was smart, funny, thoughtful and honest. But above all things, he was kind.
“On behalf of the BC NDP, we extend our deepest condolences to Dan’s family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. He was the very best of us.
“A private service will be held on Saturday. A local public service will be held in Chilliwack on Jan. 11. Instead of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the Chilliwack Restorative Justice and Youth Advocacy Association, Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society, and the BC SPCA.”
