I came to Canmore as an immigrant and have spent years helping others settle in, build friendships, and navigate the challenges of starting over. I’ve seen firsthand how hard it is when systems don’t reflect your needs or your voice.

Through both my work and volunteering, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a board member and chair, and of representing newcomer voices in rooms where they’re too often missing. These experiences have taught me that inclusion isn’t just about being welcomed it’s about being valued and supported.

That’s where equity comes in. Inclusion invites people in but equity removes the barriers that prevent them from fully participating. Equity means recognizing that not everyone starts from the same place, and that different communities face different challenges. It means creating policies, services, and opportunities that are fair and accessible not just equal on paper, but just in practice.

When I talk about inclusion and equity, I’m talking about building a Canmore that listens to and supports:

• Indigenous peoples

• Low-income residents and working-class families

• Seniors and aging adults

• Immigrants and refugees

• The 2SLGBTQIA+ community

• People with disabilities

• Young adults and students

• Frontline and hospitality workers

• Racialized and marginalized communities

This is deeply personal to me as an immigrant, as a renter, and as someone who has worked multiple jobs just to stay in this town.

Inclusion & equity means making sure people can afford to live here, can access the services they need, and can see themselves reflected in the decisions this town makes. It means ensuring no one is left behind because of their background, income, language, age, ability, or status.

Canmore’s future must be built on fairness not just openness. That’s the kind of community I’m committed to helping shape.