Candidate Profile Guide - 2022 General Election

Candidate Profile Guide 2022 General Election

City of Fort St. John | 2022 General Election Candidate Profiles

Introduction

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Election Information

To assist voters in finding information about 2022 General Election, the City of Fort St. John has produced this Candidate Profile Guide.

The 2022 General Election will take place on October 15, 2022.

During this election, eligible voters will be asked to vote on the following:

All candidates were provided the opportunity to submit a brief Candidate Profile and photograph to let voters know about themselves and their platforms.

• One (1) Mayor • Six (6) Councillor • Three (3) School District 60 Board Trustees • Learn more: www.prn.bc.ca • Four (4) proposed Peace River Regional District service functions • Learn more: prrd.bc.ca/getoutandvote/#assent-votes

The views and opinions expressed in the profile statements are those of the candidates. The profiles have not been edited in any way. The profiles are split into Mayor Candidates and Councillor Candidates and ordered as their nomination papers were received.

Voting Opportunities General Voting Day Saturday, October 15, 2022 | 8 am - 8 pm Fort St. John Seniors Hall (10908 - 100 Street) Advance Voting Wednesday, October 5, 2022 | 8 am - 8 pm Fort St. John Seniors Hall (10908 - 100 Street) Advance Voting Wednesday, October 12, 2022 | 8 am - 8 pm Fort St. John Seniors Hall (10908 - 100 Street) Special Voting Opportunity* Thursday, October 13, 2022 | 10 - 11:30 am Peace Villa Care Centre (8407 - 112 Avenue) Special Voting Opportunity* Thursday, October 13, 2022 | 2:30 - 3:30 pm Peace Lutheran Apartments (9812 - 108 Avenue) Special Voting Opportunity* Saturday, October 15, 2022 | 1 - 3:30 pm Fort St. John Hospital (8407 - 112 Avenue) *Available to qualified electors who are patients, residents, or staff of the voting location

There is no need to pre-register to vote as the registration of all electors for this by-election will take place at the time of voting. Electors must make a declaration stating that you meet the following requirements: • 18 years of age or older on general voting day • Canadian citizen • resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately preceding the voting day • a resident of the City of Fort St. John • OR a registered owner of real property in the City of Fort St. John for at least 30 days immediately preceding the voting day • not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law.

Resident electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not necessary. The identification must prove both residency and identity.

Non-resident property electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if there is more than one owner of the property, written consent from the majority of the property owners.

Learn more about the 2022 General Election at fortstjohn.ca/municipal-elections

Candidates for Mayor

City of Fort St. John | 2022 General Election Candidate Profiles

Mayor Candidate LILIA HANSEN “Residents are my priority, economic development is my passion, helping my neighbors is my motivator.”

It has been an honour to represent the citizens of Fort St John for the last 5 years as an elected official. I enjoy solving challenging problems, particularly when the solutions make the lives of people better.

I have the ability to leverage my connections at multiple levels of government and across community organizations to make connections to the right people, that will elevate the aspirations and achievements of our community.

I have roots in this community since the early 70’s, born in the Peace. I’m a strong businesswoman, and have the will to strive to make continuous improvements. I’ve been married to my amazing & supportive husband Ron for 32 years. We have 2 daughters – Megan & Sarah, plus a wonderful son-inlaw Zak that we’ve welcomed into our family.

As a first generation Canadian, my parents taught me the importance of strong work ethics, help those around you, share your successes with others, and especially to love and appreciate Canada.

I will continue to bring my neighbours’ concerns to the table, working collaboratively towards finding solutions, implementing fresh ideas, to build our community stronger.

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone 250 261 3148 Email liliahansen@shaw.ca Facebook Lilia Hansen for FSJ Mayor

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City of Fort St. John | 2022 General Election Candidate Profiles

Mayor Candidate SHANNON STANGE Personal: • Born in Fort Nelson, raised in Fort St. John.

• Married for 24 years with one adult daughter.

• My father’s family, remaining in Fort St. John, helped me build strong bonds with the people of this community while away.

• Returned to FSJ last year, bought and renovated a home and began an exciting new season of our lives.

• Fly fisherman, hunter, trap shooter, hiker, scuba diver.

Social: • A Christian Minister starting and leading communities of faith.

• International speaker and leadership developer.

• Coordinate the operations for a large national Christian denomination.

Business: • Bought, sold, and started a variety of businesses.

• Provide private consulting to businesses and nonprofits.

Politics: • Federal Conservative political organizer with a track record in grass roots leadership.

Why I’ll Make a Great Mayor: • Experience, Compassion, and Leadership.

As the People’s Mayor I Will: • • • •

Lead with conviction.

Bring new perspectives to sensitive issues.

Pursue economic development.

Focus budgets on roads, indoor recreation facilities, and infrastructure.

• Reduce barriers to affordable housing.

• Address addiction related homelessness.

• Fight for fair taxes and fees.

I ask for the honour of your vote so that I can serve you and this community that we love.

CONTACT INFORMATION Website www.shannonstange.ca

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City of Fort St. John | 2022 General Election Candidate Profiles

Mayor Candidate STEVEN LABOSSIERE No biography or photo provided.

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone 250 263 2603 Email northernlightsdrivingschool@gmail.com

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Candidates for Councillor

City of Fort St. John | 2022 General Election Candidate Profiles

Councillor Candidate SARAH MACDOUGALL Sarah MacDougall has lived in Fort St John since 2007 when she moved here, with her husband Scott, to accept a position with Northern Health. They quickly fell in love with the community and decided to stay and build their lives here. They went on to have 4 wonderful daughters and recently added a furry 5th with their puppy Milo.

Sarah was employed full-time with Northern Health for 13 years, in a variety of roles. Initially working directly with the public, she later moved into a role focusing on policy development and project work.

Eventually being promoted to a leadership role where she used an open-minded, collaborative and continuous learning approach.

Sarah is passionate about giving back to the community through volunteering locally with her church, children’s schools and activities. She holds positions on several Boards including Treasurer of Totem Nursery Preschool Society, Vice-chair of the North Peace Gymnastics Association and Director with North Peace Savings and Credit Union.

Her interest in politics was sparked in university, where she served on council. She would love to bring her unique perspective to council and be a positive voice for the continued growth and success of the community of Fort St. John.

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone 250 262 2087 Email sarahmacdougall.fsj@gmail.com Facebook Sarah MacDougall - FSJ City Council Candidate

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City of Fort St. John | 2022 General Election Candidate Profiles

Councillor Candidate JIM LEQUIERE My name is Jim Lequiere and I am running for ReElection in the FSJ Civic Election. In 2021 I was given the trust of the citizens of FSJ by being elected in a By-Election to be their voice of choice on city council.

I have lived ,worked and raised my family in the peace country area for 42 years the last 36 specifically in FSJ. I have been happily married for 43 years, father of 2 grand father of 4 and proudly owned by 2 canines.

Over the years I have served as a volunteer on many FSJ boards, including FSJ minor Hockey, Minor baseball and Minor Soccer. In addition I am the president of the “Josh Lequiere Society “which is a registered Canadian charity and to date we have helped financially 148 FSJ families to allow their sons or daughters play a sport or good healthy activity.

Also, I am a dual ticketed Tradesman that worked in the Natural gas industry for 30 plus years. Currently I am a Teacher-on-call for School District 60 I truly believe we are voted in by the people for the people and look forward to sharing more in the weeks to come.

Thanks

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone 250 262 6732 Email jlequiere@gmail.com Facebook Jim Lequiere Twitter @JLequiere

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City of Fort St. John | 2022 General Election Candidate Profiles

Councillor Candidate GORD KLASSEN Gord Klassen grew up in Fort St. John, raised his family here, and is now thrilled to see his grandchildren growing up in this same community.

“My vision for Fort St. John is that it be a vibrant and attractive place to live – safe, healthy, prosperous, fun, affordable, and sustainable. We must maximize our resources to serve our community in the most efficient and effective way.”

“I bring to Council my proven commitment to this community and record of local leadership. I will always listen to the concerns of residents and strive to do the best for this community.”

Prior to being elected as a City Councillor in 2011, Klassen served two terms as a Trustee on the School District #60 Board of Education. Gord also worked as a support worker with School District #60 for several years and served on the Parent Advisory Councils at C.M. Finch, Bert Bowes, and as PAC President at NPSS. He has also served as a Pastor, an Auxiliary Fire Fighter, Chaplain to the FSJ Fire Department, CoChair of the FSJ Multicultural Society, and Executive Director of the FSJ Hospital Foundation.

Gord is married to Sharon, and they have three children and eight grandchildren.

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone 250 794 7750 Website www.gordklassen.ca Facebook Gord Klassen Twitter @gordklassen

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City of Fort St. John | 2022 General Election Candidate Profiles

Councillor Candidate LYLE GOLDIE I arrived in a place I had never heard of with only three suitcases. I took a chance and left Calgary when the oil and gas industry took a downturn. That was seven years ago. I have made a home here in Fort St John, and I’ve never looked back.

Professionally speaking, Fort St John has given me career advancement and opportunities that I couldn’t get anywhere else. Within local non-profits, I have found an accepting network of people, whose energy and enthusiasm are the foundation to a community I am proud to call my home. In return, my involvement with these non-profits has helped to establish a wider network and build bridges within my community.

I want to celebrate that we have a community worth planting roots in. I will be a positive voice speaking on behalf of our home. I am running in this election to bring my skills in project management, communications, and indigenous relations to the City of Fort St John. I will help to highlight our vibrant community that celebrates the diversity of all cultures, creates balance in our resource sector with sustainable technologies, and is a home to both young and young at heart.

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone 306 260 9038 Email lylegoldie@gmail.com Website www.lylegoldie.ca Facebook Lyle Goldie Twitter @goldie_lyle

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City of Fort St. John | 2022 General Election Candidate Profiles

Councillor Candidate AMY COX BC born, Amy Cox at the age of 14 moved to Fort St. John with her family so her parents could take on active roles in the logging and medical industry.

In 2008 Amy graduated from North Peace Secondary School where she also met her lovely fiancé, Gabrielle. Both having strong ties to the aboriginal community, they attend as many indigenous events as they can. Through her early 20’s Amy enjoyed competing in obstacle course races for charity all over the continent.

Trying out a few different career paths including security and first aid, but always having an entrepreneurial spirit, Amy has spent the last year starting her own business, Duck Landscaping & Junk Removal. After years of helping others with their homes in any way that she can Amy felt that it was only fitting to become her own boss and to spend her days doing what she loves.

Creating a more supportive and inclusive community for all is one of Amy’s top priorities; in that effort Amy has spent the last 5 years volunteering for The North Peace Pride Society and has recently joined the Trans Alliance Friends Family & Youth board as their secretary.

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone 250 329 4947 Email amycox88@gmail.com

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City of Fort St. John | 2022 General Election Candidate Profiles

Councillor Candidate GARY PATARA am Gary Patara: a professional accountant, licensed mortgage broker, and community businessman.

After establishing myself in Fort St. John in 2013, I am proud to have invested in this community as the owner of Motel 6, a local RV park, and the Fort St. John Motor Inn. As a local entrepreneur, I am aware of both the opportunities and challenges that face our city . Fort St John is a growing city, and I believe people-focused council members that understand how business and commerce works is a great advantage.

I believe in fully supporting FSJ’s vision of becoming a sustainable and vibrant city. The three key things I will work towards are: 1. A greater level of investment into the city by entrepreneurs and local industry.

2. Prudent fiscal management of city resources.

3. Good decisions are based on good data so I want to facilitate greater community engagement from residents

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone 250 682 1982 Email garypatara@gmail.com Facebook Gary Patara Twitter @garypatara

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City of Fort St. John | 2022 General Election Candidate Profiles

Councillor Candidate BYRON STEWART My name is Byron Stewart and I have had the privilege of serving our community on City Council since first elected in November 2011.

I have a diverse and continuous education in social services, criminology and recreation. I have been employed by Northern Health as the Recruitment & Retention Ambassador since December 2021. This newly created role has offered me the opportunity to promote healthcare as an industry to the youth of our community & region. I absolutely love being a part of strengthening our community & region through the engagement of our youth.

CONTACT INFORMATION

As an active member in the community, I have volunteered on various community boards and currently I am a board member of North Peace KidSport and Vice President of the Fort St. John Association for Community Living.

Phone 250 793 5923

I enjoy arts, culture, sport and recreation activities along with sharing time with friends, family, and my beautiful wife, Lisa. In addition, I love live music and theatre, and have an appreciation for hats, colourful socks, and the sound of people laughing & enjoying life.

Facebook Byron Stewart - Councillor, City of Fort St. John

I am passionate about our community and I am asking for your vote.

The Municipal Election is Saturday, October 15th.

Please vote!

Email bpstew@telus.net

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City of Fort St. John | 2022 General Election Candidate Profiles

Councillor Candidate TREVOR BOLIN I am grateful to once again be asking the residents of the City of Fort St. John to put their faith in me for a 5th consecutive time.

The first Election was won as the youngest Councillor in Fort St John’s history. I vowed then, as I do today being the second longest sitting Councillor, to continue listening and working hard for this city and her people.

Over the years we have continued to work together to make FSJ the best place to live, work and raise a family… but we aren’t done yet.

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone 250 262 7334 Email tbolin@me.com Facebook Trevor Bolin City Council Twitter @trevfsj

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City of Fort St. John | 2022 General Election Candidate Profiles

Councillor Candidate TONY ZABINSKY I have lived in Fort St John since 1997 and was first elected to City Council in 2018 noted for my solid traditional values of honesty, integrity and strong unwavering financial accountability.

I have a solid understanding of the various industries in our region with over 30 years hands on experience in Personal, Small-business and Commercial financing in the banking industry.

I am currently a Director for Peace River Regional District, Northern Lights College Foundation and Solid Waste Management. I am also a member of the FSJ Petroleum Association and I have served on several boards and non profit organizations within our city such as FSJ Chamber of Commerce, North Peace Senior Housing Society and was a Director for the 2020 BC Winter Games, just to name a few. I am a strong believer in being an active volunteer in our community.

I love walking, biking, playing hockey, golfing and river boating with family and friends. I am a people person open for conversation for new ideas, concerns and solutions and I firmly believe in an “open door” policy.

That’s me!

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone 250 224 1705 Email tony@zabinsky.ca

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City of Fort St. John | 2022 General Election Candidate Profiles

Councillor Candidate MORGAN ROBINSON No biography or photo provided.

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone 250 467 3850 Email mwrobinson@live.com

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City of Fort St. John 10631 100 Street Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Z5