Strengthening RELATIONSHIPS

I have consistently advocated for building a strong, respectful, inclusive relationship with Indigenous Peoples here in Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley. In both my role on Council and in the position of Chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District I have been an active participant in Community to Community forums, Cultural Place Name Tours, as well as a frequent invitee to a variety of different notable social and cultural celebrations here in the Valley. I recognize and acknowledge that Chilliwack is within the traditional and un-ceded territories of the Stó:lō People. I recognize and actively support the importance of building meaningful intergovernmental relationships with all levels of Indigenous leadership here in the region, and beyond. I am also passionate about the work of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and I am committed to the calls to action, in particular those affecting Local, Provincial, and Federal governments. I know that our shared opportunities for prosperity rely on forging a new path forward with Indigenous partners, by clearly and truthfully understanding and recognizing past wrongs, and seeking out and advancing new opportunities to work together for a better future.

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Crime is more than simply a policing issue. Crime is a community issue, and I believe in order to tackle our most challenging public safety issues we must focus efforts on prevention. If we want to create a healthy, vibrant region we have to focus on changing the conditions that influence and promote criminal activity, victimization, and insecurity. For ten years I have worked alongside the RCMP, NGO’s, Private Sector, Health Providers, and Faith Organizations to tackle issues relating to homelessness, crime and public safety. My advocacy work will continue to focus on an accountable, goal-oriented, multi-agency approach to making Chilliwack stronger and safer for all.

I am proud of my work as the Co-Chair of Chilliwack’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, and I believe in working in collaboration with multiple agencies to tackle the pressing public safety issues facing our city, and our region. In the past ten years, our committee has put forward concrete recommendations to council that have supported better resourcing to the RCMP with additional officers being hired, including mental health officers, Indigenous liaison officers, and new front-line general duty officers to support foot patrols, addressed bylaw issues around problem properties, increased resources for the homeless population, partnered with Project 529 Garage to create a local bike registry, provided advocacy and support to projects tackling youth exploitation, and advocated for a tougher response to dealing with prolific offenders.

affordable, engaged, neighbourhoods

I envision a region that provides a variety of affordable housing options for all. Whether its rural, urban, residential, or mixed-use. I believe a well-planned city, with a mix of housing options, will reduce auto dependence, cut down traffic congestion, and improve ridership on our public transportation system.

I also believe great neighbourhoods offer citizens close access to the things they need, i.e.: schools, shopping, amenities, libraries, restaurants, etc. I have consistently championed housing affordability policies, including adaptable housing standards, density bonusing for seniors and youth housing, as well as DCC (Development Cost Charges) and servicing credits for projects addressing low-income and non-market housing options. I believe some of our current housing challenges do stem from lack of supply, however, I believe it is imperative when addressing housing affordability that we look at the type of supply being built, as well as what levers we can access to streamline the development process to ensure the timeliness of product being brought to market.

I will also advocate for greater civic engagement. My whole elected life I have focused on building engagement with my constituents. I believe by continuing to seek out ideas in an innovative way we will build engagement and strengthen long-term plans for Chilliwack. In my work as a City Councillor, I was fortunate enough to help facilitate the creation of our Neighbourhood Grant Program, which has blossomed into an extremely popular program enhancing the quality of life in neighbourhoods across the City of Chilliwack.

PROTECTING AGRICULTURAL LAND & BUILDING CLIMATE RESILIENCE

The climate is changing. As a policymaker, I believe that we must prioritize action now instead of abandoning this responsibility to future generations. I believe we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to harness the energy of the citizens of Chilliwack to set an example of what an inclusive, sustainable region looks like. One that protects and respects the abundance of the natural assets we have, one that prioritizes environmental sustainability while balancing the needs of people who live here with the complex natural systems that are keeping us, and all of the other living beings in this region alive. My record as an outspoken advocate for environmental sustainability is clear. I have consistently advocated for the protection of agricultural land, wetlands, aquifers, air quality, natural habitat, and wild salmon. I have helped draft the resolutions supporting fish-friendly flood infrastructure and natural asset management. As a Director with the Fraser Basin Council, a non-profit collaboration of four orders of government (federal, provincial, local and First Nations) along with those from the private sector and civil society I worked to advance several initiatives across the region focusing on food security, air and water quality, and social sustainability.

healthy communities

I have been consistent in promoting and supporting policies central to building Healthier Communities. Building a healthy community means focusing on more than just the provision of healthcare services. Healthy communities are resilient communities. Healthy communities benefit from the equitable participation of citizens in the decisions that affect their daily lives. Too many people in Chilliwack are suffering from multiple complex challenges, whether it be addictions, mental health, lack of access to physical healthcare services, education and skills training, emotional and spiritual wellness, the list is long and getting longer.

I believe by making our communities the central focus, instead of broad one sized fits all policies, we can design and deliver policies, programs and services customized to address these needs on a community basis. Working for the last 10 years in Chilliwack has taught me that there is no shortage of capable, engaged service providers across a broad multi-disciplinary range of services who are ready and willing to be part of the solution by bringing the local knowledge required to address many of these challenges.

support for entrepreneurs

I believe in supporting new ideas and entrepreneurs. I envision a city where people are encouraged to bring their ideas and new ventures. I believe in supporting small businesses, and will work to reduce barriers, and encourage policies enabling business owners to hire new employees, and re-invest in their businesses and their communities. I believe this because for the past 15 years I have owned and operated my own small business right here in Chilliwack, and know the struggle to keep on top of the day-to-day operations while balancing the needs of a diverse workforce.

world-class infrastructure

I believe a vibrant economy relies on world-class infrastructure to support it. Local governments build, own, and maintain the majority of the infrastructure that we rely on to support our quality of life. I will continue to support Chilliwack’s long-term comprehensive capital infrastructure plan, in addition to looking for partnership opportunities with First Nations Governments to prioritize and build new infrastructure in the region. I will also continue to be a vocal advocate to other orders of Government to build, enhance, and maintain critical infrastructure under their jurisdiction including, flood protection, new schools, healthcare facilities, telecommunications.

inclusive leadership

Jason is well known as a champion of diverse, inclusive leadership. He speaks out against injustice and champions human rights for all. Citizens should feel connected to the politicians working on their behalf. They should know that they always have the opportunity to sit down and share their ideas or concerns no matter what their personal background, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs are. Jason has proven that he will take the time, and make the effort to stay open and accessible to all citizens of Chilliwack.

TESTIMONIALS