A UK Prime Minister in Burnaby: Discovering Liz Truss’s Former Home
With Liz Truss back in the news due to her book, I was reminded of her unique connection to Burnaby—a city I have called home since 2005. Truss, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 2022, spent a formative year here in 1987-1988, a fact she publicly shared on social media in 2018:
Cornelia Naylor of Burnaby Now wrote an insightful article about Truss’s time in Burnaby in 2022, which I highly recommend reading:
https://www.burnabynow.com/local-news/new-british-prime-ministers-old-burnaby-school-thrust-into-media-spotlight-5789852
Curious about the local roots of someone who would go on to lead a major world power with ties to Canada, I delved into the archives to pinpoint the exact address where she lived with her family during that time. What I discovered was a fascinating footnote in our city’s history.
As a longtime Burnaby resident with a keen interest in local history, I believe Truss’s connection to this place holds significant historical value—a source of pride for our community. While many Canadian politicians have called Burnaby home, to the best of my knowledge, Liz Truss is by far the most politically significant individual to have ever lived here, and her former home should be recognized.
According to public records, the Truss family resided in a typical mid-century suburban house on Ellesmere Avenue in the Parkcrest neighbourhood. Built in 1962, the house features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, according to BC Assessment. Despite the trend toward demolishing older homes in favour of larger, more modern structures, this house has remained intact—something Liz Truss would undoubtedly recognize if she saw it today.
I found the address in the 1989 edition of the Greater Vancouver Criss-Cross Directory and the 1988 Metro Vancouver White Pages, both available in the Special Collections section of the Vancouver Public Library. Special thanks to the library staff for their assistance in navigating the archives.
This address is within the catchment area of Parkcrest Elementary School, just 500 metres from the house on Ellesmere. The late 1980s were a period of rapid growth for Burnaby, marked by significant development such as the opening of Metrotown Mall in 1986, which quickly became a regional hub. The city was evolving from a quieter, residential area into a more dynamic and bustling part of Greater Vancouver, offering a unique blend of suburban life and urban conveniences.
That Liz Truss—a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom—spent part of her early life in Burnaby is an extraordinary chapter in both local and international history. British leaders typically have deep roots in the UK, with their formative experiences and education centred around prestigious British institutions. Truss’s time in Burnaby stands out as a rare exception, adding a unique dimension to our city’s story.
Throughout the entire history of the United Kingdom, only two Prime Ministers are widely known to have lived in Canada—Andrew Bonar Law and Liz Truss. Bonar Law’s birthplace in Rexton, New Brunswick, is a well-preserved historic site, officially recognized and honoured by the provincial government. Burnaby now has the opportunity to acknowledge its own connection to British history by commemorating the home and school where Truss lived and studied.
While Liz Truss’s connection to Burnaby may not be as extensive as Bonar Law’s to New Brunswick, it is nonetheless significant.
Installing a heritage plaque on either property would not only celebrate Burnaby’s role in shaping a world leader but also enrich the city’s cultural and historical narrative. It would provide a tangible link to the past, offering residents and visitors a chance to reflect on the global significance of our local history. By honouring this connection, Burnaby would join other communities that have successfully preserved and celebrated their historic ties to prominent figures, fostering a sense of pride and continuity.
In doing so, we not only preserve our history but also celebrate the connections that link our community to leaders who have made their mark on the world.
When Liz Truss lived here in Burnaby, she undoubtedly had experiences and dreams that shaped her journey toward a life of public service and leadership. I imagine that when she reflects on her time in Burnaby, she recalls the light and warmth of this community. By writing this post and raising awareness about her connection to Burnaby, I hope she recognizes that same light shining back at her—a light that continues to reflect the strength and spirit of the place that was once her home.
