VANCOUVER B.C. – Dr. Sanjiv Gandhi announced today that he has been nominated by the B.C. Green Party to run as the candidate in Vancouver-Renfrew for the next general election. Dr. Gandhi was joined by party leader Sonia Furstenau and Green Party of Canada leader Elizabeth May to make the announcement in Vancouver.
“I am so pleased to announce Dr. Gandhi as our candidate for the riding of Vancouver-Renfrew,” said Furstenau. “Sanjiv has lent his healthcare expertise and passion for people’s wellbeing to the party as our deputy leader over the last 8 months, and we are very lucky to now have him as a candidate for the next general election.”
“We are battling multiple interconnected crises in British Columbia at the moment: healthcare, housing, cost-of-living, mental health and the climate emergency. I can’t think of anyone better to take on these issues in Vancouver-Renfrew,” added Furstenau. “Throughout his distinguished career as a surgeon, caring for people has always been at the heart of Sanjiv’s work. That kind of dedication and compassion is something we need to see more of in our political landscape.”
Dr. Gandhi has devoted his career to children with heart disease, holding the position of Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at British Columbia Children’s Hospital from 2010 until he ended his clinical practice in early 2023. A recipient of numerous research and leadership awards, Dr. Gandhi is a recognised healthcare leader and a force for positive change in British Columbia’s healthcare system.
“I am honored to be the BC Green candidate for Vancouver-Renfrew. After stepping away from my career as a surgeon, I am excited at the prospect of connecting with people in this riding and serving B.C. in a different way as a Green MLA,” said Dr. Gandhi. “The health and wellbeing of British Columbians is in jeopardy. Environmental and health threats from the climate emergency, our failing healthcare system, the poisoned drug epidemic and the housing crisis are all interconnected issues that are depriving people in this province of a safe, healthy, and happy life. The lack of acknowledgement and tangible progress on these devastating issues from the provincial government is frustrating. We need decisive, transparent, and committed action in the legislature; something I intend to bring as a Green MLA.
“Throughout my career I have focused on doing everything in my power to save and improve lives and care for children and families. Now, I want to bring that passion and experience into the legislature to influence the systemic problems in our government and make positive, long-lasting change that brings a better life to everyone in B.C..
“I’m motivated by the prospect of working alongside Sonia Furstenau to solve these issues and show that there is a political alternative to the status quo. That alternative is attainable, sustainable and the best way forward at the next general election. Sonia and the B.C. Greens exemplify the kind of leadership this province so badly needs: working across party lines, finding science-based and compassionate solutions, and truly putting people at the heart of decision-making.”
“Having worked alongside Sanjiv this year, I am excited to see him representing the people of this riding in Vancouver: people he has treated and lives he has saved through his work at nearby hospitals,” added Furstenau. “His many years of fighting for the health and wellbeing of his patients and community is incomparably inspiring, and I know he will put the same passion into finding solutions to our province’s biggest problems. I look forward to fighting side by side with him in the legislature for a better future for British Columbia.”
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Dr. Sanjiv Gandhi Bio
Dr. Sanjiv Gandhi is the father of 3 young adults, a dog-dad, and an outdoor enthusiast. He trained at McGill University before completing residencies, research, and fellowships at Saint Louis University, Washington University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. He is a Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of British Columbia and was the head of the Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery at BC Children’s Hospital from 2010 to 2022.
He has dedicated his life to caring for children with heart disease, recently stepping away from his career in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery. With decades of knowledge about healthcare, people, their needs and vulnerabilities, he brings the same passion to B.C. politics that he did to the operating room. He was appointed Deputy Leader of the B.C. Greens because of his healthcare experience and “get it done” attitude, which will be invaluable in tackling our numerous challenging societal issues.
Dr. Gandhi is passionate about improving the access to and the delivery of healthcare in British Columbia and maintains that access to a family doctor for everyone is the foundation of a successful healthcare system. He strongly advocates for people-focused policy as the best way forward for consistent and sustainable primary care. He believes that the many issues that currently challenge society – climate and environment, housing, and stable, growing economies, are all interrelated and intimately attached to the health of our population.
For more information on Dr. Gandhi’s professional background, please visit https://www.bcgreens.ca/leadership_team_bios#gandhi
Dr. Gandhi’s Social Media: Twitter | Instagram