2022 Candidates
Candidate nomination forms and profiles will be uploaded here as they are received.
ARMSTRONG, Ken
New Westminster ProgressivesKen Armstrong has lived in New Westminster since 2002, and in Queensborough since 2008. He and his wife Christina have two children.
Ken is a lawyer, a King’s Counsel, and practices at a small firm in downtown Vancouver.Ken believes in giving back and has always been actively involved in the community. He has served on the executive of the New Westminster Bar Association, including as President, and has represented lawyers of New Westminster to the provincial and national councils of the Canadian Bar Association. In addition, Ken has volunteered in New West Baseball and New West Soccer, as a coach, elite level umpire, and board member; he was named a Life Member of Little League BC in 2019.
As a resident of Queensborough, he knows City Hall must do a better job at listening to ALL New West neighbourhoods. Ken is running for mayor to make sure that happens!
Nomination Documents ARMSTRONG, Ken Phone 604-256-2910 Email Website New West Progressives Facebook New Westminster Progressives Twitter @NWProgressives Instagram @NWProgressives JOHNSTONE, Patrick
Community FirstPatrick Johnstone is a long time New Westminster resident, Environmental Scientist, and volunteer who was named Citizen of the Year in 2013. Elected to Council in 2014, he has served multiple committee roles, locally and regionally. During 8 years on Council, he emphasized transparency and accountability, leading conversations in the community and through his website about what the City can do, and could do better. He has worked to make local government easier to access and understand.
With the Community First team, he wants to continue the City’s leadership on housing policy and climate action, while re-investing in community with refreshed amenities and a renewed transportation vision. To address the challenges of being the centre of a growing region, he will strengthen partnerships with local business, arts, sport, and service organizations. He wants every neighbourhood of New West to be connected, activated and nurtured through better networks and stronger communicationNomination Papers JOHNSTONE, Patrick Phone 604-525-5009 Email Website PJNewWest.ca Facebook Patrick Johnstone Twitter @PJNewWest Instagram PatrickJohnstone Chuck Puchmayr has been active in his community since moving here in 1978.
Chuck was first elected to New Westminster council in 1996 and served on council until 2005 when he was elected to the BC legislature. He returned to council in 2011 until the present. Chuck is a Strong advocate for open, transparent government, which includes strong citizen participation. Chuck is an avid volunteer with BC Transplant, Lookout Society, Honour House, A Beef With Hunger Society and the Westend Business association. During the Pandemic and last years atmospheric river, he worked with community groups to coordinate, source and deliver hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of PPE to stricken communities including many BC First Nations. Chuck has been recognized for his volunteerism by receiving the Queens Platinum Jubilee medal, New Westminster Citizen of The Year and the Labour Community Service Award.
Nomination Documents PUCHMAYR, Chuck Phone 604-337-6263 Email Website chuckpuchmayr.ca Twitter @chuckpuchmayr Instagram @cpuchmayr
My name is Daniel Kofi Ampong, born in the city of Obuasi, Ghana.
I moved to New Westminster in 1994 and went to high school in this city. It has been a privilege to live in this beautiful city where I came as a young kid grown into an adult with a beautiful family with 4 kids.
I also run a local business in New Westminster and I am also active with youth sports as well.I owe alot to this city and I want to help make this city better by improving the infrastructure and safety.
It would be an honour to become one of the city councillors to help make this city better in every way possible.
With your vote, this will be possible.
Sincerely,
Daniel Kofi AmpongNomination Papers AMPONG, Daniel Kofi Phone 778-968-7108 Email Website Daniel Kofi Ampong Facebook Daniel Kofi Ampong Twitter @DaniAmpong Instagram @DanielKofiAmpong BUDHWANI, Karima
New Westminster ProgressivesKarima Budhwani is committed to building an economically vibrant, resident-focused, compassionate, greener, sustainable New Westminster.
Karima’s life-long passion for education resulted in Masters in Environmental Studies and law degrees. This led to a 20+ years legal career in the justice sector, promoting access to justice in BC in partnership with non-profit organizations, institutions, and government. Karima brings expertise in community needs assessments, project planning and implementation, and program reviews at both the local and provincial levels. A member of the Ismaili Muslim community, Karima has volunteered in various roles within the community, and is a long-time Scouter with the Ismaili Scouts Group. She is passionate about supporting/developing the next generation of leaders. Karima is proud to call New Westminster home and is a long-time resident of Queen’s Park with her husband and two children. Karima is running for council as a member of the New West Progressives. Nomination Papers BUDHWANI,Karima Phone 604-256-2910 Email Website New West Progressives - Karima Budhwani CAMPBELL, Ruby
Community FirstRuby (she/her/hers) is a noted community leader who brings extensive experience in intergovernmental relations and community organizing. She works at Simon Fraser University as Director of Advancement & Alumni Engagement for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. In previous roles with the City of New Westminster, Ruby built partnership agreements that funded projects such as Westminster Pier Park, Sapperton Park Playground, Century House enhancements, the Sapperton Sewer Water Separation work, and numerous arts and cultural programs. Ruby has served on the boards of Arts Council of New Westminster, Massey Theatre, the New Westminster Police Board and remains on Fraserside Community Services Board.
Ruby believes we need to prioritize affordability, especially secure housing for working families, marginalized communities and people with complex care needs. She is committed to improving public amenities, creating community spaces and building strong community partnerships to ensure residents are engaged and welcomed.
Nomination Papers CAMPBELL, Ruby Website Community First New West Email Facebook Ruby Campbell for New West City Council Twitter @RubyCampbell Instagram @RUBYCAMPBELL8743 DAS, Chinu
Community FirstI have lived in New Westminster with my family for 33 years. I have volunteered, and I continue to volunteer in many ways to support this community's initiatives and committees.
As an urban planner, an immigrant woman of colour and a senior, I bring credentials, work, and life experience to Council. I have served one term on City Council and chaired several committees including Land Use Planning, Seniors Advisory, and Multicultural Advisory.
There has been so much good work done this term, and yet there is more to do. I would like to continue to listen to the community and to build a livable, safe, and vibrant community, looking at all aspects of living, working, recreation in the urban matrix. I love this city and intend to continue my support to this community Nomination Papers DAS, Chinu Phone 604-544-1313 Website Community First New West Email FOLKA, Rick
New Westminster ProgressivesI am running for councillor to bring fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency to city council.
I was born and raised in New Westminster, as was my wife, Joanne, our five children and seven grandchildren. My family history in the city spans five generations.
I am a Chartered Professional Accountant, with a long career in health care. I have extensive experience in regional and senior government matters, in the positions of Administrator/Controller of Kopernik Lodge Extended Care, Director of Finance at Saint Michael’s Extended Care and Assistant Director of Finance for Fraser-Burrard Hospital Society, interacting with both Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health and BC Housing.
I currently serve on St. Michael’s Parish Finance Committee and have been Board Chair of the Catholic Health Association of BC and St. Mary’s Hospital, also a board member of the Denominational Health Association and served on the advisory committee at St. Thomas More Collegiate.
Nomination Papers FOLKA, Rick Phone 604-256-2910 Email Website New West Progressives Facebook Rick Folka for City Council FONTAINE, Daniel
New Westminster ProgressivesDaniel Fontaine is a Quayside resident along with his wife and son. He ran for city council in 2018 and came in the 7th spot.
Fontaine is the recipient of the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for Public Service. In 2022, he was also appointed to Canada’s Marketing, Advertising, PR and Communications Hall of Fame. He’s an active volunteer with the New Westminster Minor Hockey Association and was awarded their “Volunteer of the Year” award in 2016. He founded the New West Progressives in 2017.
Fontaine was appointed by New West City Council to the Mayor’s Public Engagement Taskforce. He also previously served on the Board of Directors for Douglas College, the College of Psychologists, SafeCare BC and the Hyack Festival. He is the former Chair of the Canadian Association for Long-term Care.
Fontaine has worked as CEO and other senior roles for large non-profit organizations, government and private sector.Nomination Papers FONTAINE, Daniel Phone 604-256-2910 Email info@nwprogressives.ca Website New West Progressives - Daniel Fontaine Facebook Daniel Fontaine for Council HENDERSON, Tasha
Community FirstTasha is committed to ensuring that the City’s services and amenities meet the needs of all families, working to help with housing affordability and childcare, and responding to the climate crisis in the way our kids need us to. As a city planner, she is passionate about transformative policy and understands how cities work. Tasha has spent her career working with communities across Canada, working on complex projects with both governmental and community-based organizations. She tackles issues like poverty, housing, and equity through policy analysis and planning. She also spent over a decade working in direct-service with people with urgent needs and her approach to everything she does will always be fiercely people- and community-centered. Tasha is proud to be raising her young family in New Westminster, and hopes to help hold the door open for anyone who wants to be able to stay in our community.
Nomination Papers HENDERSON, Tasha Website Community First New West - Tasha Henderson Email Facebook Tasha Henderson KEBEDE, Bereket
Community FirstBereket is running for New Westminster City Council with the Community First New West Team in the October 15 local election. He is committed to bringing communities closer together and profoundly cares about highlighting underrepresented voices. Bereket is an avid community organizer and volunteers with many local organizations. Bereket works for TransLink and has a strong background in public transportation issues. Bereket is an enthusiastic soccer fan who enjoys cheering for his favourite team in his spare time. Bereket lives with his wife and children in Queensborough.
Nomination Papers KEBEDE, Bereket Website Community First New West - Bereket Kebede Email Facebook Bereket Kebede Twitter @bereketneh Instagram @bereketneh LI-MCCARTHY, Jiayi
New Westminster ProgressivesJiayi-Li McCarthy is an active resident of Glenbrook North. She is running for council as a member of the New West Progressives.
Jiayi competed with China’s National Cycling Team, becoming Women’s National Champion from 1985 to 1989 and a Gold Medalist "All of Asia" in 1991.
Jiayi’s a proud member of UFCW local 1518 and has served thousands of local residents as an employee of Safeway at McBride Blvd and 8th Ave for 15 years. Outside of work, she has dedicated many hours fundraising for several important causes, including "Riding to Fight Kids’ Cancer".
As an immigrant, she loves New Westminster and has always given back to the community.
Getting back to the basics is important. When elected to City Council, Jiayi will focus on housing affordability, our seniors, and bringing the recycling depot back to New Westminster.Listening and making sure that you have a voice in City Hall.
Nomination Papers LI-MCCARTHY, Jiayi Phone 604-256-2910 Email Website New West Progressives MCEVOY, Jaimie
Community FirstJaimie McEvoy is an incumbent city councillor first elected in 2008.
This past term Jaimie has prioritized affordable housing, responding to the pandemic, and climate change.
Jaimie believes in a smart and compassionate city that addresses its challenges with thoughtfulness and caring.
Jaimie hopes to be re-elected to continue the work of building a compassionate and revitalized city.
A city that supports affordable housing, including for those who need it most. A city that continues to prevent renovictions. A city that works to end homelessness.
An environmentalist, Jaimie is a strong supporter of the city’s Seven Bold Steps on Climate Change.
Jaimie is also known for his ads in the newspaper’s Pet Page, supporting adoption of animals.
Jaimie wants to continue to revitalize New Westminster. Revitalized, active, diverse, green, a city for everyone.
Jaimie is running with Community First.
Re-elect Jaimie McEvoy to New Westminster city council.Nomination Papers McEVOY, Jaimie Phone 604-522-9114 Email Website Community First New West Facebook McEvoy for Council Twitter @JaimieMcEvoy Instagram @councillorjaimiemcevoy MINHAS, Paul
New Westminster ProgressivesPaul Minhas is a small business owner, an employer, and a downtown New Westminster resident. He is running for Council as a member of the New West Progressives.
In 2005, Paul opened the much-loved Heritage Grill and operated it until a tragic fire destroyed it in 2021. He continues to operate Begbie’s Pub which opened in 2016.
An ardent supporter of arts and culture, Paul not only turned his businesses into destinations and hubs for New Westminster artists and art lovers, but his belief in the city’s potential as an arts forward community led him to spearhead the Annual Pride Week, the popular Show and Shine and the Food Truck Festival.Paul believes a thriving local economy and healthy small businesses contribute to a safer, more vibrant, and fun-filled New Westminster. Hence crime and safety, revitalizing our business districts, and promoting New West as a destination are his priorities.
Nomination Papers MINHAS, Paul Phone 604-256-2910 Email info@nwprogressives.ca Website New West Progressives Facebook Paul Minhas for City Council NAKAGAWA, Nadine
Community FirstNadine Nakagawa is a community-builder and award-winning activist who has served one term on council. Because she believes the city is for everybody, she advocates for affordable housing, champions inclusive public engagement, and believes in creating equitable public spaces throughout the city. Nadine is known in the community for her creativity, collaboration, and powerful advocacy. She is most proud of her role in having the city declare a climate crisis in 2019 and initiating the Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) pilot project which is a mental health and crisis response that launches in the fall of 2022. Nadine is a renter in the Brow of the Hill neighbourhood with her cats Bill and Moo. She is a creative writer, curls at the Royal City Curling Club, and has a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is also the co-founder of The Feminist Campaign School, supporting underrepresented people running for office.
Nomination Papers NAKAGAWA, Nadine Phone 604-544-1313 Email Website Community First New West Facebook Nadine Nakagawa Twitter @NadineNakagawa Instagram @NadineNakagawa
ANDRES, Marc
Community FirstMarc Andres (he/him/his) is running for School Trustee with Community First New Westminster because he cares deeply about all students achieving their highest potential. As a high school teacher, Marc knows the positive impact safe and inclusive learning spaces have on students, their families, and communities. He is committed to strengthening and implementing policies and curriculum that ensure our students have enriching and welcoming spaces to learn, develop, and grow.
A Red Seal carpenter, Marc wants to address the critical shortage in skilled trades by prioritizing and expanding training, apprenticeship, and experiential opportunities across city schools.
Marc believes that building new, green schools that serve as centres of academic excellence and vibrant community hubs – inclusive of childcare spaces and afterschool programs – is an important part of our city’s future success. A future he is excited to be a part of, especially as the father of a two-year-old daughter.
Nomination Papers ANDRES, Marc Website Community First New West - School Board Candidates Email Facebook Marc Andres - Candidate for New Westminster School Trustee BEATTIE, Dee
Community FirstDee was first elected to the New Westminster School Board in 2018 and is currently serving her second year as Board Vice Chair. She serves as the BCSTA (BC School Trustee Association) representative for New Westminster.
Dee spent 25 years on the front line as an education assistant and understands pressures of the system to grow and adapt to meet the needs of students and a priority to overcome barriers to learning in our changing world is work Dee has demonstrated and is committed to. Dee is actively researching and advocating opportunities to provide more before/after childcare opportunities for New West families. She wants all SD40 schools be the heart of our neighbourhoods.
Dee loves living in Sapperton where she was raised, and her favourite hobbies are sailing and fishing, and can often be found cooking up feasts of freshly caught seafood.
Nomination Papers BEATTIE, Dee Phone 604-837-0448 Website Community First New West - School Board Candidates Email Facebook Dee Beattie New Westminster School Trustee Twitter @DeeBeattieNW Instagram @hap_pen_stance CARLSEN, Kathleen
New Westminster ProgressivesKathleen Carlsen lives in Massey Victory Heights with her husband, son, cat and dog. She is a former Champion Highland dancer, a youth sports supporter and a proud parent. Passionate about children, safety, dance and physical and mental health, she wants to empower youth, knowing they are the future of our city.
"Miss Kathleen" has worked in various capacities across Metro Vancouver with children, youth and families for 30 years as a dance instructor, recreation leader, and in the parks with New Westminster Parks and Recreation.
Carlsen gained invaluable insight and much respect through four years of navigating the role of DPAC Chair with compassion, patience, empathy and integrity. She has served on the MVHRA board, was Team Manager with the NWSC and formed a not-forprofit society to promote the art form of Highland dance, encouraging students to perform locally at the Hyack Parade, Century House and Buchanan LodgeNomination Papers CARLSEN, Kathleen Phone 604-256-2910 Email info@nwprogressives.ca Website New West Progressives Facebook New Westminster Progressives Twitter @NWProgressives Instagram @NWProgressives CONNELLY, Danielle
New Westminster ProgressivesCommunity engagement has always been a priority and when my two kids were born, it became an integral way for us to make connections. From serving on PACs and the NWMHA executive to organizing the Rally to Rebuild NWSS in 2016 and helping with multigenerational projects at Century House, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and gain a broader appreciation and understanding of our diverse community.
Commitments if re-elected would include:
- Health, safety and wellness (district-wide mental health strategy and accessibility in all schools)
- Continue working to improve communications with students and parents
- Continue to advocate for secure funding to meet the needs of all students in our growing community
- Work to secure funding for more before and after school care spaces
- Education for the future (technology, apprenticeships and environmental stewardship)
My guiding principal will always be to put the needs of students first.
Nomination Papers CONNELLY, Danielle Phone 604-803-1657 Email Website New West Progressives Facebook Danielle Connelly for New Westminster School Board Twitter @DConnellyNW Instagram @dconnellynw DHALIWAL, Gurveen
Community FirstGurveen Dhaliwal is seeking re-election where she is currently serving her second year as School Board Chair. She leads with passion and expertise to ensure students and families feel heard and supported. Gurveen is proud of the successes of the past term and believes that community starts in schools.
Gurveen‘s commitments include:
- Increasing mental health supports and services for all students and families
- Building more innovative schools and childcare spaces to support New West’s growing population
- Continuing to transform the student experience through meaningful investments in the teaching and learning environmentShe is excited to be running with Community First and looks forward to the opportunity to continue to innovate and grow to better support New West students and their families.
Gurveen is a lifelong resident of Queensborough where you’ll often see her walking the Port Royal Trail with her corgi Roy - say hi!Nomination Papers DHALIWAL, Gurveen Email Website Community First - Gurveen Dhaliwal Facebook Gurveen Dhaliwal - Trustee for New Westminster School Board Twitter @Gurbeans DOBRE, Teo
New Westminster ProgressivesFrom the idyllic Eastern Europe to the Royal City, Teo Dobre’s journey is the archetypal immigrant story. Passionate about education, he brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the School Board.
As a published author and librarian, Dobre has a distinct awareness of the literacy needs of New Westminster’s students in the context of a rapidly changing society. If elected as a Trustee this Fall, Dobre is committed to improving library services and resources, as well as improving the delivery of better research skills to the students of New Westminster.
Recognizing the pandemic’s negative effects on students’ physical and mental health, Dobre will advocate for more mental health support for students and champion the improved delivery of physical education, starting with an equity audit of Physical Education equipment in our schools.
Dobre enjoys hiking, camping and fishing. He lives in Downtown with his wife and their young son.
Nomination Papers DOBRE, Teo Phone 778-242-1011 Email Facebook Teo Dobre RUSSELL, Maya
Community FirstMaya ran for School Board in 2018 to represent working families and speak up for students who have been under-served. As a Trustee she led an Inclusive Education review resulting in a successful three-year implementation plan. She has championed Indigenous Education, Access for All policies, adult education and the needs of children and youth in care.
Maya believes every child’s human right to public education must be protected and that it is important to maintain the highest confidence in public education. She is committed to fighting hard for the funding our public schools need to offer a full range of programs and supports.
Maya is an active parent volunteer with minor lacrosse and can often be found at Queens Park Arena. She also loves the performing arts, paddling, camping and gardening. She & her husband David live in Sapperton with three great kids and their dog, Sirius.
Nomination Papers RUSSELL, Maya Phone 604-544-1313 Email Website Community First - Maya Russell Facebook Maya Russell for New Westminster Schools Twitter @MayaSRussell Instagram @mayasrussell SLINN, Elliott
Community FirstElliott Slinn (he/him/his) has experience in New West schools both as a student and program facilitator. He is passionate about engaging youth through art, workshops, and is ready to bring his experience to the School Board as a Trustee with Community First New West.
As New Westminster’s current Poet Laureate, he knows first-hand the positive impact Art can have in the lives of students. His dedication to safe and inclusive schools includes leading sexual consent workshops during his time working at Douglas College. Elliott is committed to being a champion for students, teachers and families by strategizing new ways to implement curriculum that enriches the lives of those in the district.
By creating more afterschool programs, art spaces and opportunities for creative expression, he believes this will create a better future for our city and community.
Elliott grew up in New Westminster and is proud to call it home.
Nomination Papers SLINN, Elliott Phone 604-544-1313 Email Website Community First Facebook Elliott Slinn - New Westminster School Board Twitter Elliott Slinn Instagram @communityfirstNW SLUIS, Cheryl
Community FirstCheryl (she/her/hers) is ready to apply her expertise in project management, strategic planning, and program evaluation to continue to strengthen New Westminster’s public schools.
Her priorities include:
1. Continuing the work to Address school infrastructure and resource needs to accommodate our rapidly growing city.2. Advancing the use of rigorous evaluation methods to celebrate success and identify areas for improvement.
3. Championing equity, reconciliation, and inclusion through meaningful community engagement and action.
Cheryl is an experienced project management leader with an organization that supports people with disabilities. She brings a deep commitment to social, economic, and environmental justice and reconciliation to her work and her community.
She lives in Sapperton with her partner Debra, and their two school-aged kids. Cheryl is active on Parent Advisory Councils, non-profit boards, and manages and coaches kids’ sports teams. She can often be found running on the Central Valley Greenway.
Nomination Papers SLUIS, Cheryl Email Website Community First - School Board Candidates Facebook Cheryl Sluis - Candidate for New Westminster School Board Twitter @CherylSluis
Endorsement Documents Community First Endorsement Documents New Westminster Progressives