What makes this decision even more outrageous is that the same local committee unanimously rejected the candidacy of Sukhman Singh Gill, a 24-year-old with no significant professional experience, and a questionable political history. And yet, Ottawa overturned the local decision and handed him the nomination; despite the fact Mike de Jong ran his campaign for a year, garnered over 2,000 members BUT was told 5 days before voting day he was being declared ineligible with no explanation – do you want to vote for your candidate or do you want to leave it to a political office 3,000 miles away?
A Rigged Process?
The stunning hypocrisy of the Conservative Party’s decision doesn’t stop there. Gill allegedly didn’t meet the six-month party membership requirement—a fundamental rule that should have disqualified him. But instead of being rejected, he was allegedly granted a waiver to run.
And it gets worse. Until January of this year, Gill’s own LinkedIn profile allegedly listed him as a Federal Liberal Party poll worker. That’s right—the man now representing the Conservative Party in Abbotsford-South Langley was, just months ago, working for the Liberals. How does this happen?
No Reasons Given—No Accountability
While bending the rules for a political neophyte, the party refused to provide any reason whatsoever for disqualifying de Jong. No explanation for why a seasoned legislator, skilled negotiator, and long-time public servant was deemed unworthy of the nomination. No clarity, no accountability, no respect for Conservative voters.
This is not democracy. This is party insiders playing kingmakers while shutting out the grassroots.
Grassroots Revolt: The Movement to Draft Mike de Jong is gaining significant steam encouraging Mike de Jong to run as an Independent!
This travesty has ignited a firestorm in Abbotsford-South Langley. A petition is circulating, and local supporters are demanding that de Jong run as an independent to ensure the riding has a competent, experienced leader representing them in Ottawa.
With tightening national polls, the Conservatives cannot afford a self-inflicted disaster like this. And yet, they have taken the most qualified, experienced candidate off the ballot in favor of someone with no credentials, no proven leadership, and a questionable political past.
If the Conservative Party thought this decision would go unnoticed, they were wrong. People are paying attention. The question now is, will the grassroots fight back? The following is being circulated:
PETITION: Draft Mike de Jong – We Need Strong, Experienced Leadership in Ottawa;
We need your help!!
Introduction:
The people of Abbotsford-South Langley deserve competent, experienced leadership—but the Conservative Party of Canada has denied us that opportunity. Mike de Jong, a 30-year veteran of public service, a skilled negotiator, and one of British Columbia’s most respected legislators, was blocked from running with no explanation. Instead, party insiders handed the nomination to an untested 24-year-old with any professional experience, and questionable political affiliations.
This is not democracy. This is a betrayal of the grassroots.
We, the undersigned, urge Mike de Jong to run—as an independent or by any means necessary—so that we have the choice of a capable, proven leader to represent us in Ottawa.
Why Mike de Jong?
✅ 30+ years of experience in public service
✅ Held multiple senior cabinet positions, including Minister of Finance, Health, and Attorney General
✅ Negotiated major international trade agreements
✅ Proven leadership in managing billion-dollar budgets
✅ Respected voice in provincial and federal politics
✅ Trusted and endorsed by the local Conservative riding association
Why This Petition?
The Abbotsford-South Langley Electoral District Association unanimously endorsed Mike de Jong as the best candidate to represent our community. Meanwhile, the party’s eventual nominee, Sukhman Gill, was unanimously rejected by the same local group. Gill was allegedly given a party membership waiver to run, due to allegedly not meeting the 6-month membership requirement. Until January, his LinkedIn profile listed him as a Federal Liberal Party poll worker.
The Conservative Party overruled local decision-making and denied members the opportunity to choose their own candidate. We deserve better.
What We’re Asking for:
By signing this petition, we are calling on Mike de Jong to run in the next federal election—so the people of Abbotsford-South Langley can choose a leader based on qualifications, not party games.
Sign this petition – Show your support for Mike de Jong and demand strong, experienced representation in Ottawa! Go to the following link to sign the petition
https://forms.gle/avTkmkfecGAipaiF8
RG
Protect your Democratic Rights – Protect your NEIGHBORS Democratic Rights – stay informed, stay involved and VOTE!!!
I am working on future posts that I believe are of significant concern to Township of Langley Residents, come back often for news of interest to Township residents.
Share this BLOG; forward it to your friends, neighbors, and relatives! To comment on this post – Click on this Post, top left-hand corner under recent posts.
langleywatchdog.... and more! 