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

We believe that communities that 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.

In late 2023, we embarked on a strategic planning process to govern the next five years of our work. You can review our 2024 to 2028 Strategic Plan here.

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

  • Aidan Shirley

    CAO, CityState Consulting Group

  • Cheeying Ho

    Executive Director, Whistler Centre for Sustainability

  • Dave Thompson

    Councillor, City of Victoria

  • 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

  • Seth Klein

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

  • Susan Kim

    Councillor, City of Victoria

  • Tariq Tyab

    Co-Founder, Foundation for a Path Forward