
British Columbia’s Minister of Infrastructure and MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale Bowinn Ma’s constituency office was damaged after an explosion Friday morning, the RCMP says.
At a news conference Friday afternoon, the North Vancouver RCMP said it was called out just after 4 a.m. after reports of the loud explosion.
“Officers responded immediately, and upon searching the area, located evidence of damage to the front door of an office building in the 200 block of West Esplanade Avenue, indicative of an explosive device stagnation,” Corp. Mansoor Sahak.

“The blast breached the door and damaged the door frame. The RCMP explosive disposal unit was notified and attended, as well as officers from the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Services and Integrated Forensic Identification services. The office has been cleared and deemed safe.”
B.C. Premier David Eby is calling the explosion “profoundly concerning and troubling.”
“On a number of levels, the safety of her staff and her team and people in the other retail spaces in the mall where that office is located, as well as, obviously, her safety and the safety of elected officials in the province,” Eby said.
When asked if he believes this was politically motivated, he said it’s too early to draw any conclusions.
This explosion came after an earlier call, just before 3 a.m., with reports of a loud bang on West 1st and Lonsdale avenues. Police say they searched the area but nothing suspicious was located.
Sahak they are investigating “all possible avenues and have not ruled out anything at this stage of investigation.”
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!Reports from the scene show Mounties outside NDP member Ma’s office along Esplanade Avenue near Chesterfield Avenue.
An email obtained by CityNews that was sent to Members and COs this morning says an explosive device was detonated at the constituency office.
“Early this morning and unknown person left an explosive device at one of our North Vancouver constituency offices, which detonated and caused damage to property but fortunately no one was in the area and thus there were no injuries,” the email said.
Officers, including the RCMP’s Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU), looked Friday morning to be focusing on an area near the door of the MLA’s office and nearby bushes.
Speaking to 1130 NewsRadio Friday morning, Ma would only say that it is a “police incident,” adding that she and office staff are physically fine, and the office was evacuated.
In a statement released shortly after, Ma shared that all meetings and appointments at the office are cancelled for the day due to an early morning “security incident.”
“Thankfully, nobody was injured, but incidents like this can be quite frightening,” she said.
“I appreciate the concern expressed by community members. I am grateful to serve such a caring and compassionate community. I’d also like to thank the officers who responded for their diligence and professionalism. Due to the active police investigation, I will not be able to provide more details at this time.”



A nearby neighbour, who wants to remain anonymous, tells CityNews that she heard a “bang,” loud enough to wake her up, at around 4 a.m.
In a statement posted to social media, Premier David Eby described Ma as an “incredible community leader,” with whom he is proud to work.
“No matter who you are, or what you do for a living, you have a right to safety at work,” Eby said. “My thoughts are with Bowinn, her staff and the community affected by this incident.”
Ma’s office building is also home to a Vancouver Coastal Health Urgent and Primary Care Centre.



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— With files from John Ackermann, Kier Junos, and Emma Crawford.