A Transformative Evening Elevating Women’s Voices Across British Columbia
On February 27, 2026, The Times of Canada proudly presented its second annual Ignite Women’s Empowerment Gala at Reflections Banquet Hall — a transformative evening that brought together over 600 changemakers, leaders, and visionaries committed to advancing women’s leadership, representation, and impact.
Ignite 2026 was more than an event — it was a declaration of purpose. A celebration of women’s achievements and a space where ethnic women’s stories were honoured, voices were amplified, and community leaders connected to foster meaningful change.
A Distinguished Assembly of Leaders
Ignite Gala 2026 was honoured by significant representation at the provincial, federal, and municipal levels.
Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs)
- Á’a:líya Warbus – MLA for Chilliwack‑Cultus Lake
- Jody Toor – MLA for Langley‑Willowbrook
- Reann Gasper – MLA for Abbotsford‑Mission
- Lynne Block – MLA for West Vancouver‑Capilano
- Linda Hepner – MLA for Surrey‑Serpentine River
- Misty Van Popta – MLA for Langley‑Walnut Grove
- Garry Begg – MLA for Surrey‑Guildford
- Amna Shah – MLA for Surrey City Centre
- Jagrup Brar – MLA for Surrey‑Fleetwood
- Jessie Sunner – MLA for Surrey‑Newton
- Rohini Arora – MLA for Burnaby East
- Elenore Sturko – MLA for Surrey‑Cloverdale
- Bryan Tepper – MLA for Surrey‑Panorama
- Mandeep Dhaliwal – MLA for Surrey North
- Brent Chapman – MLA for Surrey South
- Parmeet Singh Boparai – MLA for Calgary‑Falconridge
Member of Parliament
- Tamara Jansen – MP for Cloverdale—Langley City
Mayors
- Brenda Locke – Mayor of Surrey
- George Harvie – Mayor of Delta
Surrey City Council
- Pardeep Kooner
- Harry Bains
- Rob Stutt
- Mike Bose
- Doug Elford
- Mandeep Nagra
- Linda Annis
Delta City Council
- Daniel Boisvert
- Rod Binder
- Jennifer Johal
- Dylan Kruger
Their collective presence underscored a shared cross‑regional commitment to advancing women’s leadership and inclusive community progress.
Celebrating the 2026 Ignite Women’s Award Recipients
The evening also honoured the 2026 Ignite Women’s Award winners, celebrating extraordinary women whose courage, resilience, and innovation are making a measurable impact across sectors.
With Deep Gratitude to Our Sponsors
Ignite 2026 was made possible through the generous commitment of:
- ICICI Bank Canada
- Noble Education Partner
- Western Community College
- Aheer Transport
- Inchin’s Bamboo Garden
- Keyways Mortgages
- Jassal Signs
- ACE Community College
- Parminder Makkar Notary
Their collaboration reflects a shared investment in women’s empowerment and community leadership.
Photos from Ignite Gala 2026
View highlights and official photos from the event here: https://thetimesofcanada.com/ignite-2026/
Ignite Women’s Empowerment Gala 2026 reaffirmed a powerful truth: when women come together with purpose, the room transforms — and so does the future.
