We are an independent public policy think tank based in British Columbia. Our mission is to foster and support leadership for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable communities across Canada.

We believe that communities who value social justice, the environment, and strong local economies are healthier and happier places to live.

Our projects and initiatives focus on civic governance, scholarships, and research.

Civic Governance — Inspire, inform, and connect elected leaders with innovative ideas, strategies, and tools to address timely community challenges.

Scholarships — Support working people and mature students to return to the classroom for re-training and skills upgrading.

Research – Partner with researchers, policy experts, and organizations to pursue research on the issues shaping our communities.

Team

Board of Directors

Civic Governance Advisory Council

  • Cheeying Ho

    Executive Director, Whistler Centre for Sustainability

  • Darlene Marzari

    Chair, Advisory Council

  • Ela Esra Günad

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Hospital Employees' Union

  • Ken Melamed

    Former Mayor of Whistler and Board Member, Whistler Centre for Sustainability

  • Michael Clague

    Advisor on adult education, community development, & social planning

  • Rhiannon Bennett

    Co-Founder, Hummingbirds Rising

  • Seth Klein

    Public policy researcher/writer & speaker. Former CCPA-BC director

Research Associates

Columbia Institute Associates represent a core group of individuals, who inform and contribute to our research agenda by offering their expertise on timely public policy topics facing Canadians today. Through their analysis, reports, and publications, our Associates help shape the discussion and debate on progressive issues, including the local economy, green jobs, public finance, governance, and democracy — the foundations of inclusive, equitable, and sustainable communities