Dan Coulter, the former MLA for Chilliwack and NDP cabinet minister, has died at age 49. 

On Dec. 6 Coulter was rushed to Chilliwack General Hospital after suffering a "serious medical emergency" and on Friday (Dec. 13) his death was announced.

"It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the loss of Dan Coulter, a devoted advocate for the people of British Columbia, a passionate voice for inclusivity and justice, and a cherished member of the B.C. NDP family," according to the release from NDP party representatives Heather Stoutenberg, and Aaron Sumexheltza.

"To those of us who knew him, Dan was so much more than a colleague 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ” he was a friend and a mentor," the NDP reps wrote. "He was smart, funny, thoughtful and honest. But above all things, he was kind.

"On behalf of the BC NDP, we extend our deepest condolences to Dan91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. He was the very best of us."

As past Chilliwack School Board chair, and later as the MLA for Chilliwack, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, Coulter "always championed the underdog," the release said.

"He worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities or circumstances could participate fully in our communities and share in the opportunities of a fairer B.C."

The tributes have been pouring in.

Coulter was first elected to the BC Legislature in 2020, where he served as Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit. He threw his hat in the ring for re-election in 2024 in the riding of Chilliwack-North, but lost to Conservative Heather Maahs.

Coulter was formerly a school trustee and chair of the Chilliwack Board of Education. He was first elected trustee in a byelection in 2013, and then re-elected in 2014. Coulter also served as former president of CUPE 3787. He had recently been appointed as the provincial director for the BC NDP.

B.C. Premier David Eby tweeted a tribute to Coulter on Friday: "British Columbia has lost an incredible advocate and a fighter for justice in the passing of Dan Coulter. We will keep Dan and his family in our hearts and remember him in the work that we do."

Coulter's colleague, former MLA Kelli Paddon, made a statement about the terrible loss.

"So many in Chilliwack and across B.C. have been impacted by his work and advocacy, and I know his legacy and memory will live on with everyone who called him friend," Paddon wrote. "My thoughts are with his family right now, as well as with the many who loved him.

"Dan will be remembered by so many friends, colleagues, and constituents for his work, his sense of humour, and his commitment to community.

"I am so grateful for our time working together for this place we love. I will miss his quick smile and easy laugh, our enthusiastic and energetic conversations, and his passion for our community. Goodbye has come much too soon. Rest well, my friend," Paddon concluded.

Chilliwack Teachers' Association leadership is mourning the loss, calling Coulter a "dedicated advocate" for public education.

"The Chilliwack Teachers' Association (CIA) is deeply saddened by the passing of Dan Coulter, MLA, and former school trustee, including time as the chair of the Chilliwack School Board.

"Dan was not only a trusted leader but also a passionate advocate for an inclusive and equitable public education system, workers' safety, and a government that stood steadfastly on the side of its people. As a school trustee and later as Board Chair, Dan was instrumental in championing initiatives that fostered inclusivity and diversity within Chilliwack's schools," according to the letter signed by Reid Clark, Britt Hailstone and Joey Hagerman.

"He believed that every student, regardless of their background or ability, deserved the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive, and accessible environment.
"During divisive moments, Dan reflected a steadfast commitment to building an education system where no one was left behind. Beyond education, he was a relentless advocate for workers' safety, drawing from his personal experiences to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard. His work as an MLA was rooted in his unwavering dedication to creating policies that prioritized fairness, equity, and the well-being of all British Columbians.

"Dan's legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and a vision for a better future for all," said CTA president Reid Clark. "His tireless advocacy has left an indelible mark on our community, and we are profoundly grateful for his years of service on the school board and in the legislature."

Chilliwack School Board chair David Swankey issued the following statement:

"The Chilliwack School District Board of Education, along with district staff, are deeply saddened by the passing of former MLA and school trustee Dan Coulter. Dan was a steadfast advocate for public education, equity and inclusion, and workers91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™ rights. He cared deeply about the human spirit."

Coulter was Board Chair from 2018 to 2020.

"Dan reflected the best of what it is to work in service to community by striving to make the world better for others. He valued people and had an ability to make those around him feel seen, even in a crowd. He had a capacity to connect an abstract discussion in a boardroom to the people impacted. His sense of social justice inspired those around him," said Swankey.

"Dan held strong connections throughout the district and the community. On behalf of the Board of Education, I91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™d like to express my condolences to Dan91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s family and friends, and to everyone who mourns alongside us. We91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™ll continue to be inspired by his warmth, compassion, and kindness."

A millwright by training, Coulter suffered severe injuries in a devastating workplace accident in 1999.

Coulter spent years working in the trades and representing labour prior to becoming a politician, a joint statement was issued by the BC Building Trades and the BC Federation of Labour:

"We send our deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Dan Coulter. This is a painful loss both personally and for our movement.  

"Dan was not only a friend to the labour movement in B.C., he was one of us. A millwright by trade and the former president of CUPE 3787, Dan never forgot where he came from. As an MLA, he always put the needs of working people front and centre.

"He was a courageous defender of human rights and justice, and an effective, visionary leader in advancing accessibility and inclusion. Dan believed strongly in the right of every worker to a safe workplace.  

"Dan was dedicated to improving the lives of workers and all British Columbians and we are grateful to have called him a friend and colleague. He always showed up to fight the good fight with warmth, kindness and compassion. Dan Coulter will be badly missed," they said in the joint statement.

A private service was held on Saturday, Dec. 14. The family had requested full privacy.

A public service will be held in Chilliwack on Jan. 11. Instead of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the Chilliwack Restorative Justice and Youth Advocacy Association, Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society, and the BC SPCA.