VLC questions and answers
What motivates you to seek election?
I’m motivated by a genuine desire to give my time and energy to supporting families and strengthening the community I’m raising my children in. After more than 20 years working in the film industry, I made the decision to step back and focus on being present for my kids and our family. In doing that, I’ve become more connected to what people are actually experiencing day to day. Through school communities, neighbourhood conversations, and everyday routines, I’m seeing the real pressures families are under - rising costs like housing and food, transportation and traffic challenges, and the strain this places on everyone in our community, including working parents, teachers, and local supports.
These aren’t abstract issues to me, they’re part of daily life, and they shape how families experience their community. I’m also seeing more clearly the pressures facing workers. Wages are not keeping up with the cost of living, and that gap is impacting stability for families across the region. Childcare, housing, and fair working conditions are all deeply connected, and I believe we need to be more intentional in how we support those pieces together.
Over the course of a four-year term, Saanich councillors are responsible for decisions that shape how significant public resources are used. I want to be part of ensuring those decisions lead to better outcomes for residents and families - including expanding access to childcare, supporting more affordable housing, strengthening community infrastructure, and making sure workers are better supported in the communities they live in. I also believe there are real opportunities to work with partners like school districts, churches, and other landholders to build the kinds of spaces and services our community needs.
I know I have the capacity and the willingness to contribute, and I’m at a point where I want to use my time in a way that supports not just my own family, but others as well. I also value staying grounded in my role at home, and I see that balance as a strength - it keeps me connected to the realities people are navigating. Seeking election feels like a natural next step. I want to bring a practical, community-rooted perspective into local decision-making and help ensure that policies reflect the lived experiences of the people they impact.
If you are a member of a union, have you applied for/received endorsement from your union?
I have been a member of IATSE Local 891 for nearly 20 years through my work in the film industry. Over that time, I’ve taken on active roles including Department Chair, Executive Committee member, and participation on a bargaining committee. These experiences gave me a strong, practical understanding of worker advocacy, representation, and how collective agreements impact people’s day-to-day lives. After relocating back to Vancouver Island in 2018, I’ve remained actively engaged in the union and broader labour movement in whatever ways I can.
More recently, I’ve continued to build on that foundation through ongoing learning, including participating in the Canadian Labour Congress Labour College Certificate Program as part of Cohort 16, and attending the IATSE Quadrennial Convention. These experiences have deepened my understanding of labour at both a national and international level.
My union does not provide a political endorsement in this context, so I am not presenting myself as formally endorsed. What I do bring forward is a long history of active union involvement, continued engagement, and a genuine commitment to the values of fairness, accountability, and supporting working people and families.
Have you ever been a candidate in a previous civic, provincial, or federal election? If so, please give details.
No, this will be my first time running for elected office. I’m approaching it with a willingness to learn, listen, and contribute in a thoughtful and grounded way.
Have you ever volunteered in an election campaign? If so, please give details.
No, I haven’t been directly involved in an election campaign. My experience has been more focused on community involvement and engagement, and I’m looking forward to learning more about the campaign process as part of this step.
Describe your volunteer work for community organizations or any local actions/campaigns and any position(s) you have held.
I have been actively involved in my community for several years, most consistently as a volunteer leader with 3rd Arbutus Scouts, where I’ve supported youth programming, outdoor learning, and community-building activities for local families. Earlier in my time living in Vancouver, I was involved in grassroots community support work, including helping coordinate and distribute food resources to individuals and families in need.
That experience shaped my understanding of how important local, community-driven support systems are. Since returning to Vancouver Island, I’ve continued to stay engaged in smaller, informal ways, offering support where I can and contributing to local efforts that strengthen connection and care within the community.
I am also a member of the Bastion 4 Odd Fellows, a womens organization with a long-standing focus on charity, mutual aid, and community support, which aligns closely with my values around service and collective care.
As a parent raising my children here, much of my volunteer work is rooted in wanting to build a strong, supportive community - not just for my own family, but for others as well. That sense of connection and belonging is something I see as foundational to healthy communities, and it continues to guide how I show up and contribute.
How would you make local government more inclusive, open, and responsive?
I don’t think inclusiveness is something you can add on through a single policy or an agenda heading. It has to come from how people listen, how they show up, and whether others feel genuinely welcomed into the conversation. I show up as someone who is open, curious, and responsive, and I carry that with me into every space I’m part of.
As a mixed Indigenous woman, and through my family and community, I’ve had close relationships with people who have experienced exclusion in different ways, whether through culture, identity, language, or circumstance. That has shaped how I listen, how I engage, and how I build trust. In a local government role, I think that would mean showing up as myself, present in everyday spaces, not just formal meetings. It looks like being part of school communities, neighbourhood conversations, and community gatherings, and making it easier for people to share their thoughts in ways that feel natural to them.
It also means recognizing that not everyone is comfortable navigating formal systems and making a real effort to meet people where they are. Being open and responsive also means following through. When people take the time to speak up, they should be able to see how their input is considered and reflected, even when decisions are complex. For me, making local government more inclusive, open, and responsive isn’t about a single initiative, it’s about consistently leading in a way that reflects those values in practice.
If elected, how will you communicate with community organizations such as the Victoria Labour Council during your term?
My interest in this work really grew out of my own experience over the past year. After returning home from the IATSE Quadrennial Convention, where I met film and stage labourers from across North America who were facing many of the same challenges, I heard speakers such as Bea Bruske talk about labour councils. It was something I hadn’t really been exposed to before from a policy perspective, but it stuck with me and made me want to learn and connect more.
That curiosity led me to the Victoria Labour Council. I took part in Union 101 and met people who are deeply committed to supporting workers and building strong, connected communities. Those conversations have been genuinely meaningful for me and have shaped how I think about this work.
If elected, I would carry that same approach forward. I would stay connected in a real and ongoing way by attending meetings and events when I can, making myself available, and being easy to find and talk to. That includes not only the Victoria Labour Council, but also community associations, cultural groups, sports organizations, seniors groups, charities, and local support services.
I don’t see communication as something formal or occasional. It should be consistent, relationship-based, and built on trust. For me, it’s about continuing to listen, stay connected, and make sure that what I’m hearing is reflected in the decisions I’m part of.
What is your position on Public Private Partnerships (P3’s), contracting out, or privatizing public services? Would you support contracting in work?
My perspective on this is shaped both by lived experience and by the learning I’m currently doing through the Canadian Labour Congress Labour College program. During the healthcare changes here in Victoria in the early 2000s, when services like food and cleaning were contracted out, I had family members who were directly impacted. People who had trained for those roles lost stable, decent-paying jobs, and some were brought back at significantly lower wages, while others were not brought back at all. That experience has stayed with me and continues to shape how I think about these decisions. Through my recent learning, I’ve also come to better understand how these choices affect not just individual workers, but the broader health of communities. When public work is contracted out or privatized, it can lead to a loss of accountability, reduced service quality, and more precarious employment. Over time, that weakens the systems people rely on and the stability of the local workforce. Because of this, I am cautious about Public Private Partnerships and contracting out of core public services. I believe that wherever possible, public services should be delivered by public employees who are accountable to the community and supported by fair working conditions. I would support contracting work back in-house where it strengthens service delivery, improves accountability, and creates stable, family-supporting jobs. I also think it’s important that decisions in this area are made with a long-term view, not just short-term cost savings, but the lasting impact on workers, service quality, and community well-being. For me, this comes down to protecting both the integrity of public services and the people who deliver them. Strong public systems and strong communities go hand in hand.
What role should municipal government play in the Living Wage BC campaign in the community?
From what I’m seeing in our community right now, minimum wage is no longer keeping up with the cost of living. For many people, it means constantly having to choose between basic needs, whether that’s covering housing or putting food on the table. That’s not a sustainable or healthy way for families to live. Because of that, I believe a living wage should be the goal. It reflects what it actually takes to live in a community like ours, and right now, that reality is being missed. Municipal government has an important role to play in leading by example. That includes ensuring that its own employees, as well as contracted workers, are paid a living wage, and using procurement and policy decisions to support fair wages across the community. If we want to support families in a real way, wages need to reflect the actual cost of living. A living wage isn’t an extra, it’s part of what allows people to stay housed, feed their families, and participate in their community. For me, supporting a living wage is about aligning our local decisions with the reality people are facing every day, and making sure we are building a community where people can actually live, not just get by.
What steps would you take to ensure a Pay Equity policy is in place and that the policy is applied to all staff employed by the local government?
My approach to pay equity is shaped by both lived experience and the values I bring into this work. During my time in the film industry, I worked in First Aid and Craft Services, a department that was predominantly women. The inequities in how that work was valued were felt, and it gave me a very real understanding of how wage gaps can exist, even when the work is essential.
Because of that, I would advocate for a pay equity policy that is more than a statement of intent. It needs to be active, regularly reviewed, and clearly applied across all roles within local government. That includes ongoing reviews of job classifications and compensation to ensure that work of equal value is recognized fairly, and that historical or systemic gaps are identified and addressed. It also means building transparency into how wages are set, so people understand the system they are part of.
I would also advocate for these policies to reflect the experiences of younger workers, new entrants to the workforce, and people who may be newer to the community or navigating barriers in employment. Fair pay practices should support everyone, not just those who already know how to navigate the system.
I would also work collaboratively with CUPE 2011, which represents Saanich workers, to better understand where pay gaps may still exist and ensure that commitments to pay equity within collective agreements are being upheld in practice.
For me, this comes down to making sure fairness is built into the structure, not left to chance, and that all workers are valued for the work they do.
What ideas do you have for affordable housing? Do you support the objectives of the AffordableBC campaign?
I do support the overall goals of the AffordableBC campaign, especially the focus on increasing non-market housing and recognizing that stable, affordable housing is essential for healthy communities. From what I’m seeing locally, housing affordability and availability are having a real impact on families, and we need stronger, long-term solutions.
At the same time, I think this is an area where nuance really matters. Policies that are meant to address the housing crisis can sometimes have unintended impacts on individuals and small property owners who are trying to contribute in good faith. In my own experience, my family explored small-scale housing work as a way to build something sustainable, and we saw how quickly changing rules can make that difficult, even when the intention isn’t speculation, but creating opportunity and contributing to the housing supply.
I’ve also seen situations in my community where homeowners who want to add modest additional housing, like a carriage home or garden suite, face barriers that can lead to outcomes that are actually more disruptive for tenants and neighbourhoods. Because of that, I believe we need a balanced approach. We absolutely need more non-market and purpose-built affordable housing, but we also need to make space for responsible, small-scale housing solutions that allow local homeowners to be part of the solution.
For me, that means supporting policies that increase non-market and rental housing options, protect renters and provide stability, reduce unnecessary barriers for small, community-based housing projects like co-ops and cohousing, and focus on long-term affordability rather than short-term fixes.
I also think there are real opportunities to work with local landholders such as school districts and churches to build affordable housing. We’ve seen examples of this approach already, like the Fernwood affordable housing that was part of the Fernwood High renovation, and I think there’s more potential there.
A major challenge we face in building housing is that the system often favours large developers who can purchase and hold property while going through lengthy rezoning processes. I think we need to make it easier for local builders and smaller-scale projects to move forward so that more people can be part of the solution.
There are also encouraging examples happening right now, like BCGEU building housing downtown, and I think we should be looking at how to support and expand more initiatives like that.
Housing is deeply connected to people’s sense of stability and belonging. I think it’s important that we approach it in a way that reflects both the scale of the crisis and the real experiences of the people living through it.
What is your position on publicly owned liquor and cannabis stores?
I support publicly owned liquor and cannabis stores. They provide stable, fairly paid jobs and ensure that revenue is returned to the community rather than leaving it. From what I’ve seen through conversations with people working in this area, there is real value in maintaining strong public systems that support workers while also contributing to public services. While there is a place for private businesses, I believe publicly owned options should remain a strong and protected part of the system.
What is your position on street sweeps of unhoused members of our community?
I understand that there are real concerns from residents and workers around safety, visibility of drug use, and the impacts on neighbourhoods. Those concerns are valid and deserve to be acknowledged. At the same time, for me, this isn’t about choosing one side over the other. My perspective is shaped by both personal experience and what I’ve seen in my community. I have family members who have experienced being unhoused and struggled with addiction, and I’ve seen how destabilizing and traumatic it can be when people are displaced without meaningful support. In my own family, those experiences of displacement during street sweeps added stress and trauma, and ultimately delayed recovery rather than supporting it. My understanding is also shaped by close relationships with people working on the front lines, supporting individuals through these challenges every day. Because of that, I don’t see street sweeps, on their own, as a solution. Displacing people without addressing housing, mental health, and addiction supports tends to create a cycle that doesn’t lead to better outcomes for anyone. I believe the focus should be on approaches that prioritize dignity, stability, and access to support, while also working toward safer, healthier communities for everyone. That means investing in housing, outreach, and services that actually help people move forward, rather than relying on short-term measures that don’t address the root of the issue. This is a complex and deeply human issue, and I think it requires responses that reflect that complexity and keep people at the centre of the solution.
Do you have a library card? How do you use your local library?
Yes, my whole family has library cards, myself, my husband, and our children. The library is a regular part of our lives. We use it in a lot of ways. It’s a go-to spot for rainy days, a place to slow down, read, and spend time together. My kids take part in the summer reading programs, which have been a really fun and motivating way to build their love of books through weekly challenges and small rewards. Our local libraries also have these great interactive spaces, like puppet theatres where the kids can create their own little plays, and access to video games, which my son especially loves exploring and trying out. It’s a space where they can be creative, curious, and just enjoy learning in their own way. It’s also somewhere we go simply to be in the community, whether that’s browsing books, doing puzzles, or taking a quiet moment in a busy day. As a parent, I don’t always get as much time to read as I’d like, but a few times a year I’ll pick up a good novel and take that time, often at the beach, which is something I really value. For me, libraries are more than just access to books, they’re welcoming, accessible spaces that support learning, connection, and community for people of all ages.
What can local governments do to attract and create green jobs and businesses in their community?
For me, this is less about labeling jobs as “green” and more about recognizing that caring for our environment should be part of how we do all work. We live in a place where the environment is central to our quality of life and protecting it should be built into how we grow our local economy.
Local government can play an important role by creating the conditions for jobs and businesses that reflect that reality. That includes supporting education, training, and knowledge-sharing so people and businesses can adapt and grow in more sustainable ways.
I would support initiatives that bring local builders, tradespeople, and small businesses together to learn about new, more efficient and environmentally responsible practices. Creating accessible opportunities for that kind of learning helps people be part of the solution and strengthens the local workforce.
Municipalities can also lead by example through their own policies and procurement decisions, supporting businesses that are operating responsibly and reducing barriers for local entrepreneurs who are building sustainable practices into their work. This comes down to supporting practical, community-based solutions that create good jobs while also taking care of the place we live. Those things should go hand in hand.
What steps would you take to ensure your local government hiring practices reflect the community’s population diversity? Are you aware of any existing Employment Equity policies in your community or other communities?
For me, this is very personal. As a mixed Indigenous woman, and the first in my family to graduate through the school system and go on to college, I know that barriers are real, and they’re not something from the past. They’re still showing up today, even in spaces that say they are inclusive.
I know there are Employment Equity policies in place in many organizations, including municipalities, and I think those matter. But I also think there’s often a gap between what’s written in policy and what people actually experience when they try to access those jobs. What I would bring is a focus on making those policies real. That means asking honest questions about who is getting hired, who isn’t, and why. It means looking at hiring processes in a practical way, how jobs are posted, who they’re reaching, and whether people feel they can even apply. It also means building real relationships with communities. Not just posting jobs and hoping people apply, but actually connecting with Indigenous communities, newcomers, and young people, and creating pathways where they can see themselves in those roles.
I’ve done training around unconscious bias, and I think that awareness is important, but on its own it’s not enough. There needs to be follow-through, and a willingness to take that extra step to make sure opportunities are actually accessible.
I don’t come into this with a perfect system to point to, but I do come with lived experience, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to making sure that inclusion shows up in real outcomes, not just in policy.
How will you promote ethical purchases, including local unionized goods and services, where available?
I believe ethical purchasing is about being intentional with where money goes and understanding the impact those choices have on workers and the community. In my work in the film industry, when we were in a community, I always tried to prioritize local businesses, whether that was a bakery, a grocery store, or other small vendors. It wasn’t about excluding anyone, but about recognizing that supporting local businesses helps keep communities strong and connected. At the same time, my union background has shown me the importance of fair wages, safe working conditions, and consistent standards. I believe unionized workplaces play an important role in setting that standard. In a municipal role, I would support procurement practices that prioritize local businesses and, where available, unionized goods and services, while also encouraging fair labour practices more broadly. That includes creating opportunities for small businesses to grow into more stable and sustainable models, including exploring unionization where it makes sense. For me, this is about balance, supporting local businesses, strengthening labour standards, and making sure public dollars are contributing to a fair and healthy local economy.
What steps will you take to work towards action on Truth and Reconciliation?
I don’t know exactly what I could do at a municipal level that would fully reflect how strongly I feel about this work. But I do know how I think about it, and I would actively look for opportunities to move it forward in real and practical ways. When I think about Truth and Reconciliation, I think about the balance between reflection and action. September 30 is important. It gives people space to learn, reflect, and understand the history and ongoing impacts. But that cannot be the only focus. We also need to celebrate the strength, resilience, and creativity of Indigenous communities, especially on days like June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day. Reconciliation cannot only be rooted in grief, it has to support pride, culture, and forward movement as well.
As a mixed Indigenous woman, and as a mother navigating systems with my own family, this is deeply personal. I see every day that systemic barriers are still very real, and they continue to impact how families access support, stability, and opportunity. That’s where my passion for this comes from.
I also believe we need to be honest about where things are falling short. Land and territory acknowledgements are important, but I often find myself asking what they actually mean in practice. When they become something memorized or routine, without being connected to action, they can lose their impact. We know there are clear Calls to Action, and I think we need to keep asking how we are meaningfully moving those forward in ways people can actually feel. Reconciliation cannot just be about recognition or reflection. It has to include tangible change, especially economically. We know that when a worker is supported economically, it creates ripple effects, it lifts up their family, supports their children, and opens the door to better education and future opportunities. The generational impacts of colonialism are still ongoing, and part of addressing that is creating real economic pathways forward, alongside support for culture, identity, and community. I think we need to be more direct in creating entry points for Indigenous youth and community members into trades, public sector roles, and local industries. That could include partnerships with schools, targeted training opportunities, and connecting people to real jobs, not just programs. It also means looking at how opportunities are structured and asking whether they are truly accessible, or if they unintentionally exclude the very communities they are meant to support. Even at a municipal level, I would look for ways to ask practical questions and support change where possible, whether that’s around access to services, transportation, or how opportunities are shared and created within the community. For me, this work is about moving from words into action, continuing to listen and learn, and making sure that reconciliation shows up in real opportunities and real change, not just in what we say.
What strategies or programs would you support to reduce reliance on police officers for mental health interventions in non-emergency situations?
From what I’ve seen and experienced, having uniformed police respond to mental health situations is not always the best or safest path forward, for the person in crisis or for the community. These situations often need care, de-escalation, and understanding, not enforcement.
I believe there is real value in community-based responses, including social workers, nurses, peer support teams, and organizations that are already doing this work in a more relational and supportive way. We have people and programs in our communities who understand these situations deeply, and I think we should be looking at how to support and expand that work. At a municipal level, I would look for opportunities to support partnerships, pilot programs, and funding approaches that allow those types of responses to grow. Even if municipalities don’t control the full system, they can help shift how responses are structured locally. I also think it’s important to approach this with care and balance. Community safety matters, and there will always be situations where police are needed. But where it is safe and appropriate, I would support alternatives that lead with care, connection, and de-escalation.
For me, this comes down to recognizing that mental health is a health issue, and making sure the response reflects that as much as possible.
What should be done to better integrate bike, public transit, and automobile networks with neighbouring communities?
From what I see in everyday life, this really comes down to how people actually move through their day, getting kids to school, getting to work, running errands, and trying to do that in a way that is safe and not overly stressful. Right now, there can be a disconnect between how biking routes, transit, and road systems are planned, especially when moving between neighbouring communities. It doesn’t always feel seamless. As someone who bikes, I’ve noticed that many bike routes are designed to be off main roads, which can feel safer on paper, but in reality, they’re often longer, more difficult, and less practical. People need to get to work and school efficiently, and that means recognizing that bikes need to be able to safely share more direct routes, including main roads where appropriate. I think better integration starts with more coordinated planning across municipalities, making sure that bike routes connect clearly from one area to another, that transit routes and timing reflect how people actually travel, and that road systems support that flow rather than compete with it. Safety is also a big part of this. People are more likely to choose biking or transit if they feel safe and if the routes are clear, consistent, and practical. This is about making everyday movement easier, more connected, and more accessible for families and individuals across the region.
If you were to pick three words to describe the labour movement generally, they would be:
Resilient - because it continues to stand strong for workers, even through change, challenge, and shifting public perception
Transformative - because when workers are connected to it, understand it, and become part of it, it can fundamentally change their stability, confidence, and opportunities
Misunderstood - because many people don’t fully see or understand the role it plays in protecting fairness, stability, and dignity for working people today
Are you prepared to work cooperatively with other pro-labour progressive political parties and candidates?
Yes. Not only am I prepared to work cooperatively, I see it as essential. As someone stepping brand new into this space, I know I will be learning from and working alongside others who bring experience and perspective. I value teamwork and shared goals, and I would approach this role with a willingness to listen, collaborate, and contribute in a way that supports positive outcomes for the community.
Other comments?
Thank you for the opportunity to take part in this process. I’ve really appreciated the time, conversations, and connections that have helped guide me to this point. I understand there will be many strong candidates to consider, and I respect the care that goes into that decision. Regardless of the outcome, I’m grateful for the opportunity to reflect on these questions and to engage more deeply with the work of the Victoria Labour Council.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
