I have spent much of my working and community life supporting young people. Before becoming a teacher, I worked with youth in group homes and alternate education. As a teacher, I taught, coached and sponsored clubs for over 30 years, and advocacy and support for youth was central to my work.

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My youth-focused community work includes co-founding Climate Action Ripple Effect (CARE); advocating for and supporting the arrival of Youth Climate Corps BC in Vernon for two successive summers; and serving as a support and mentor for youth representatives of the City of Vernon’s Climate Action Advisory Committee. Advocating for the inclusion of queer people in schools and the wider community has also been a significant part of my work.

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As the parent of two adult children under 31, I see the pressures younger adults face as they navigate rental housing, affordability, employment and the challenge of building secure lives in their communities.

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How I will advocate for young British Columbians

• Give young people a meaningful voice in local decisions. I have already held a gathering specifically to hear young adults’ perspectives on Vernon and local government. I will continue advocating for youth-friendly opportunities for younger folks to be heard before priorities have been decided, not simply ask for their reactions afterward.

• Help turn participation into leadership. I want to work with young people and community partners to develop a youth and young-adult led action and leadership incubator. It could help young folks develop ideas, contribute solutions, gain practical experience, find mentors and turn community projects into action. Young folks struggle to get the necessary exposure and experience to be seen as credible elected leaders. This could help address that situation.

• Build an inclusive community. My advocacy for the queer community in schools and the broader community has reinforced my belief that inclusion must be something we actively practise. I will work to ensure that young people of different identities, backgrounds and circumstances can participate fully and safely in community life.

• Expand the range of homes available in Vernon. I will advocate for more purpose-built rental housing, attainable ownership opportunities, family-sized homes and adaptable housing near services and transportation.

• Build a compact, connected and accessible community. Thoughtful growth can help control municipal costs, protect natural areas and make it easier to live without being dependent on a car. I will support safer walking and cycling routes, accessible and dependable transit service.

• Help create the conditions for local opportunity. Municipalities do not control the job market, but the City can improve permitting, plan for employment lands and infrastructure, and work with businesses, educational institutions and community organizations to help create local career opportunities. I want Vernon to be a place where younger adults can find meaningful work, start businesses and put down roots.

• Prepare honestly for a changing climate. Through CARE, Youth Climate Corps BC and the Climate Action Advisory Committee, I have seen what young people contribute when they are given meaningful responsibility. I will support practical climate action, protection of water and natural areas, and stronger preparation for heat, smoke, wildfire and drought, and the full implementation of Vernon’s Climate Action Plan.

• Practise responsible and accountable government. When considering issues, I will ask who benefits, who pays and what the long-term consequences will be. I will explain my decisions, support the practical measurement of progress and welcome opportunities to work with young people and organizations such as YBC4BG on solutions suited to Vernon.