A former B.C. NDP MLA and the incoming party director, Dan Coulter, has died at the age of 49 after a brief hospitalization.
His death was confirmed Friday by party president Aaron Sumexheltza and it’s current director, Heather Stoutenburg. They did not indicate the cause of death.
Coulter was admitted to hospital after suffering a “serious medical emergency,” said the party in a statement last week.
“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 B.C. NDP family,” said Sumexheltza and Stoutenburg.
“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.”
Premier David Eby echoing that on social media, saying the province has lost an “incredible advocate and a fighter for justice.”
“He was so happy to be part of a movement to make this province better for everyone,” Eby said. “Even at such a young age, Dan leaves behind a proud legacy of standing up for workers, the people of Chilliwack, and people across B.C.”
A private service is scheduled for Saturday. A public service will be held in Chilliwack on Jan. 11. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Chilliwack Restorative Justice and Youth Advocacy Association, which Coulter previously served as a director of, the Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society and the B.C. SPCA.
Coulter was elected in 2020 to represent the riding of Chilliwack. He also served as the parliamentary secretary for accessibility and later the minister of state for infrastructure and transit.
His victory was a historic breakthrough for the NDP in the Fraser Valley, with Coulter’s riding a traditionally conservative stronghold that had been held by the B.C. Liberals since its formation in 2009.
The riding was modified and renamed Chilliwack North for the 2024 election and Coulter was defeated by the Conservative candidate, school board trustee Heather Maahs.
Before his time in provincial politics, Coulter served as a trustee for the Chilliwack school board from 2013 to 2020 and as the president of CUPE Local 3787.
While working as a millwright in 1999, he was the victim of a workplace accident that left him with serious injuries that required him to use wheelchair.
He is survived by his partner Rebecca and their dogs Spencer and Anna-Bella.
Last week, B.C. Children’s Minister Grace Lore announced she had colorectal cancer and was stepping away from her portfolio while undergoing treatment, but will participate in important votes in the legislature.
A memorial service is also being held Sunday at the Q Centre for former NDP premier John Horgan who died on Nov. 12 after his third bout with cancer.