They may still in the future!
In the meantime, you can learn more about them on their website.
Biography
Born and raised in British Columbia, I moved to Courtenay so that my husband and I could raise our kids in a community where there’s a feeling of connectedness, both to the Island’s natural beauty and to each other—a place where neighbours exchange warm greetings and look out for one another, and where our kids just get to be kids.
Our Comox Valley community has already given so much to my family and I care about giving back, making positive change for those who live here now and those who will come after us.
Our children are our future, and I am committed to making the future a better place for them. That’s why I’m seeking nomination as a SD71 School Trustee.
My experience
Volunteer Serving as elected Vice Chair of the Kids Cottage Daycare Society in Coquitlam, BC, from 2017-2021, where I successfully supported the non-profit to become one of the first-ever $10/day childcare site, participating in key negotiations with the BC Government and BC General Employees Union. Professional Working in public policy and as an economist for over 15 years, setting and analyzing key government priorities, applying diverse policy lenses including gender-based analysis plus (GBA+), sustainability, accessibility, diversity and inclusion, as well as managing grants and contributions programs. Holding past roles with the: Province of BC’s Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training; BC RCMP; Public Health Agency of Canada; Finance Canada; Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and Human Resources and Social Development Canada’s children’s policy team. Managing people, projects and operational budgets in my current position as the senior manager of Strategic Analysis in Employment and Social Development’s Western Canada and Territories Region. Committee Providing the Government of Canada’s response to the OECD’s Starting Strong II: Early Childhood Education and Care. Serving as advisor for the Treasury Board Secretary of Canada’s appearance at the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on the Status of Women (FEWO) regarding implementing GBA+ across Government of Canada policies and programs. Academic Publishing academic papers on women and children’s well-being. Crane (Willard), Jasmine R. S. (2008). “The Well-being of Women and Children in Rural, Northern and Remote British Columbia: Accessibility to Childcare.” Simon Fraser University. Completing my Masters of Public Policy (2008, SFU), Bachelor of Arts (2004, SFU), Associate of Arts, General Studies (2004, KPU) and my change management practitioner certificate (2020, ProSci).
My commitment to good governance
Policy and financial stewardship: I’m someone who balances innovative solutions with responsible financial stewardship, applying a range of tools to uncover the most viable options for better public policy. As an economist who has managed many operational budgets for federal government departments, I am well-equipped to make strategic and fiscally-sound investments in our schools.
Transparency: I am a transparent communicator and decision-maker committed to two-way dialogue—I want to know where you stand, and you’ll always know where I stand too.
Collaboration: I am committed to working effectively with all elected members of the School Board and in partnership with key stakeholders including school administrators, community organizations, parent advisory councils, CUPE, educators and teachers’ associations, First Nations rights holders and students themselves.
Accountability: If elected, I will be accountable to my community first and foremost. I may not have all the answers at first, but I am resourceful, collaborative and willing to engage in evidence-driven experimentation to find solutions, push the envelope and try something new.
Visit my website: www.jasminewillardsbt.com
Reason for running
Inclusive
I believe that children in all their diversity should feel like they belong at school.
Not only does inclusion enhance every child’s academic performance and holistic well-being, it also affirms their human dignity. That’s enough of a reason to make it a priority.
Our schools must continue to evolve and embrace all students, inclusive of who they are today and who they will be tomorrow. This means learning about Canada’s colonial history and taking meaningful steps toward reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. It means evolving our curriculum and our classrooms to include children of all genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities and abilities, broadening our kids’ understanding of what it means to exist across these social positions.
If elected, I will champion equity and infuse compassion, kindness and teamwork into all that the School Board does, using my role privilege as School Trustee to make space for historically marginalized and underrepresented voices in our community.
Sustainable
I am committed to a healthy, climate-resilient future for our kids.
Like any parent, I want our kids to be safe. That’s why school infrastructure upgrades to mitigate climate risks, from poor air quality to earthquakes, are so important. As SD71 continues to see a rise in enrolment as families like my own find their forever homes in the Comox Valley, our infrastructure is facing additional pressures.
Leading with a sustainability mindset, we have an opportunity to take a balanced, future-oriented approach to growth, find more efficient and sustainable energy sources and solutions for our local schools, while ensuring our kids are food secure and learn environmental values.
If elected, I will seek innovative partnerships and funding opportunities to green our schools and make them climate-resilient, support food security solutions and ensure that all School Board policies are examined from a sustainability lens.
Driven
I have the drive to lead change and an unrelenting dedication to make a difference in our community.
As a mom with two school-aged children attending École Puntledge Park Elementary, I want to direct my energy and passion toward ensuring that our children have the opportunity to succeed at school. And as a proud public servant with over 15 years working in policy roles with the federal and provincial governments, I have the skills and know-how to make our community’s vision for student achievement a reality.
I have extensive knowledge of federal, provincial and municipal policy development and decision-making processes, and a proven track record of leadership on projects that support children, youth, women and Indigenous communities.
If elected, I will listen to our community’s ideas and concerns, use them to inform our School Board’s strategic direction and align resources to make our shared vision a reality.
jasminewillardsbt.com www.jasminewillardsbt.com