Surrey council candidate Shina Vermani wants to expand settlement support for newcomer families

Shina Vermani is a Surrey First candidate for city council. A provincial policy analyst and longtime volunteer, she has supported Surrey seniors, youth and newcomers. She lists community service and ethnic community support among her priorities.

Her top three priorities are expanding settlement support for newcomer families, strengthening community programs for seniors and youth, and connecting ethnic community groups directly with City Hall. Vermani said her years volunteering with newcomers, seniors and youth in Newton have shown her that Surrey’s diversity is one of the city’s greatest strengths, while newcomers often struggle to find the support they need. She said she would press City Hall to expand settlement services, language supports and community connections so newcomer families can access city programs, and ensure every voice is heard.

Vermani said voters should support her because she has spent years supporting Surrey’s seniors, youth and newcomers and will keep advocating for every community’s voice. Voters can find more information at surreyfirst.org, facebook.com/surreyfirst2026, youtube.com/@SurreyFirst-xs8nu and X at @SurreyFirst2026.