Bains named KPU chancellor after 19 years as NDP MLA in Surrey-Newton<\/p>\n
Published 10:45 am Wednesday, October 28, 2026<\/p>\n
Harry Bains, longtime labour advocate and MLA in Newton, has been appointed the next chancellor of Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).<\/p>\n
He succeeds Kwuntiltunaat Kim Baird, a former elected Chief of Tsawwassen First Nation, who began the first of her two terms in October 2020.<\/p>\n
Bains served for 19 years as MLA for the Surrey-Newton riding where KPU is headquartered, on 72 Avenue.<\/p>\n
He took over as the university\u2019s ceremonial head this month for duties including presiding over convocation, where credentials are conferred on graduating students.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m excited to serve an institution that I have great regard for having served the community all these years,\u201d said Bains, who stepped down as MLA in 2024.<\/p>\n
Bains, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws from KPU in 2025, will be the institution\u2019s fourth chancellor since it became a polytechnic university in 2008.<\/p>\n
Dr. Diane Purvey, KPU president and vice-chancellor, calls Bains \u201ca friend of KPU for decades.\u2026 He has been steadfast in his engagement with and support for KPU through his service on the board, his time as MLA for the riding hosting our busiest campus, and his continued attendance at convocation and campus events after his departure from politics.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the 1990s Bains served on the KPU Board of Governors for six years, including three as vice-chair.<\/p>\n