“Taking action on the climate emergency needs to be our society’s top priority, and it will be my priority while I am the MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville.”

Sharleen Weatherley is a high school teacher, former data scientist and outdoor professional with a background in engineering, statistics and environmental education. Her experiences with extreme weather and wildfire have shaped her focus on climate resilience, sustainable transportation and protecting natural spaces.

Originally from Ontario, Sharleen holds a degree in Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, a Master’s degree in Statistics and a Bachelor of Education focused on high school math and science. She previously worked as a data scientist in Toronto, where she lived car-free and developed a strong appreciation for accessible public and active transportation.

After moving to British Columbia, Sharleen worked as a whitewater rafting guide in Squamish, where she taught visitors about the salmon forest ecosystem, and later as a whitewater safety technician in Hope. She experienced the 2021 heat dome and atmospheric river events and was later evacuated because of an out-of-control wildfire.

Sharleen has since transitioned into teaching high school on Vancouver Island. Her professional background combines technical analysis, education and hands-on experience in the outdoors, and she brings those perspectives to her interest in climate preparedness and community planning.

She is particularly interested in improving public and active transportation, including electrified transit, protected cycling infrastructure and multi-use paths. She also supports restoring service along the Island Rail Corridor and expanding opportunities for walking, cycling and eco-tourism.

Outside of work, Sharleen enjoys birding, snorkelling and hiking. She is running in Nanaimo-Lantzville to advocate for climate action, accessible transportation and the protection and expansion of the region’s green and blue spaces.