Surrey council OKs establishing volunteer mayor’s health advisory panel
Published 10:30 pm Monday, May 11, 2026
Surrey council approved on Monday Mayor Brenda Locke’s motion to establish a volunteer mayor’s health advisory panel aimed at strengthening the city’s voice with Fraser Health and the provincial government.
“Surrey is not trying to take over the provincial health care but we will continue to advocate firmly for our residents and do what we can do locally to improve access to care,” Locke told council as she presented her notice of motion on April 27. Council approved it May 11.
Last year Locke asked staff to explore a dedicated health care administrator role to help advance the city’s health care priorities. “Since then the city has made meaningful progress – we are moving ahead with community clinics, working with local physicians, and the Surrey-North Delta division of family practices,” she said.
She wants the panel to advise council on community health and well-being and include volunteers “with expertise in areas such as primary care, mental health and addictions, public health, seniors care, child and maternal health, Indigenous health equity, patient advocacy and health-systems policy.”
She said the panel would be expected to provide “non-binding” advice on municipal actions, advocacy priorities, emerging health issues and partnership opportunities with city staff bringing forward a draft terms of reference “including composition, appointment process, meeting structure, reporting process and support through the city manager’s office.”
City manager Rob Costanzo said these won’t be paid positions.
Locke said representatives from the ministry of health and Fraser Health should be invited to participate as non-voting liaison reps.
The motion passed with Councillors Linda Annis and Mike Bose opposed.
Locke also presented a second notice of motion, which council also approved on May 11, aimed at prioritising medical clinics here.
“Surrey is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, as we know, and with that growth comes the responsibility to ensure our residents have access to the services they need close to home. One of the most urgent challenges facing our community is access to primary care,” Locke said.
“Too many Surrey residents are still struggling to find a family doctor and while health care delivery is not a municipal responsibility the City can and should do what it can within its authority to help remove barriers.”