1
00:00:00,180 --> 00:00:02,901
DON SHAFER: Welcome to the Bowen
Island Podcast and election
2
00:00:02,902 --> 00:00:03,762
2026.
3
00:00:04,442 --> 00:00:07,003
Here we're talking with
candidates and getting to know
4
00:00:07,043 --> 00:00:10,324
the people a little bit better.
We're asking for a vote. What
5
00:00:10,384 --> 00:00:12,986
matters to them? How do you
think? And what they hope to
6
00:00:13,026 --> 00:00:16,387
contribute to Bowen's future. In
this episode, we're talking with
7
00:00:16,427 --> 00:00:18,568
Caroline Parker. I hope you can
join us.
8
00:00:20,329 --> 00:00:23,210
So the first question is the
easiest. Can you introduce
9
00:00:23,230 --> 00:00:25,131
yourself and tell us a little
bit about you?
10
00:00:25,531 --> 00:00:28,752
CAROLINE PARKER: Sure. My name
is Caroline Parker. And I've
11
00:00:28,852 --> 00:00:34,436
lived on Bowen Island for 17
years. I live with my husband
12
00:00:34,576 --> 00:00:41,321
and my two daughters. And before
moving to Canada in 2008, my
13
00:00:41,381 --> 00:00:45,965
professional background was as a
transactional lawyer focusing on
14
00:00:46,005 --> 00:00:50,508
mergers and acquisitions. And
after that, I was a policy
15
00:00:50,608 --> 00:00:55,351
advisor for a federal agency.
And after that, I was a campaign
16
00:00:55,411 --> 00:00:56,272
finance lawyer.
17
00:00:57,116 --> 00:01:01,397
But since moving to Bowen and
starting a family, I became
18
00:01:01,437 --> 00:01:06,079
quite involved in early
childhood development and
19
00:01:06,419 --> 00:01:11,120
elementary education on Bowen.
And I had the privilege of
20
00:01:11,180 --> 00:01:16,181
working with a number of amazing
people here on the island who
21
00:01:16,261 --> 00:01:21,203
specialize in that. And that got
me interested in going back to
22
00:01:21,283 --> 00:01:28,286
school. And so in 2019, I worked
at... Finding a way to get the
23
00:01:28,306 --> 00:01:32,169
credentials I needed to actually
work at the school. And I went
24
00:01:32,289 --> 00:01:37,754
to Sprout Shaw College and got a
special education teaching
25
00:01:37,874 --> 00:01:38,935
assistant certificate.
26
00:01:39,475 --> 00:01:44,500
I worked at BICS for five years,
had a terrific time doing that.
27
00:01:44,780 --> 00:01:50,224
And last year, I got busy with
some family matters relating to
28
00:01:50,244 --> 00:01:53,707
my father's dementia and
switched back to being a
29
00:01:53,727 --> 00:02:00,350
volunteer. And so now I am
involved in the Little Red
30
00:02:00,450 --> 00:02:05,571
Church. I am the food bank
liaison. I still volunteer at
31
00:02:05,572 --> 00:02:11,233
the school, and I've decided to
run for Council. And I can tell
32
00:02:11,273 --> 00:02:15,134
you why and more thoughts on
that, but maybe you have another
33
00:02:15,174 --> 00:02:15,514
question.
34
00:02:15,854 --> 00:02:17,934
DON SHAFER: No, Tell us why. I'm
curious.
35
00:02:18,194 --> 00:02:21,555
CAROLINE PARKER: Well, one of
the reasons was, at least the
36
00:02:21,575 --> 00:02:25,837
word on the street on Bowen was
that several counselors were not
37
00:02:25,917 --> 00:02:29,338
returning and there was some
concern about whether there were
38
00:02:29,339 --> 00:02:34,180
going to be enough candidates to
fill the slots. I think, as your
39
00:02:34,220 --> 00:02:38,662
podcast will show, that the
field is starting to fill, so
40
00:02:38,722 --> 00:02:42,764
that is less of an issue. But in
terms of why I would put my name
41
00:02:42,804 --> 00:02:47,826
forward, I'm very interested in
community engagement. Through my
42
00:02:47,906 --> 00:02:50,947
professional work, I've done a
lot of negotiating. And I also
43
00:02:51,807 --> 00:02:55,169
have a real love of policy. Not
everybody loves policy.
44
00:02:56,550 --> 00:02:58,772
DON SHAFER: It wasn't my first
pick.
45
00:02:59,573 --> 00:03:02,855
CAROLINE PARKER: I think you
have to be someone who enjoys
46
00:03:02,976 --> 00:03:08,660
trying to prevent future
problems from arising through a
47
00:03:08,700 --> 00:03:11,723
broad framework. And that's why
I'm actually kind of thrilled
48
00:03:11,783 --> 00:03:17,327
that the OCP is in the process
of being revised, because I
49
00:03:17,328 --> 00:03:20,129
think it's a wonderful
opportunity to look at how
50
00:03:20,690 --> 00:03:24,416
circumstances have changed since
the last time. The OCP was
51
00:03:24,536 --> 00:03:29,619
revised and to make sure that we
are good stewards of the island
52
00:03:29,879 --> 00:03:34,801
and thinking ahead to what
future inhabitants of the island
53
00:03:35,061 --> 00:03:36,062
would want from us.
54
00:03:36,382 --> 00:03:39,823
DON SHAFER: I want to come back
and talk about the OCP, but from
55
00:03:39,943 --> 00:03:44,325
30,000 feet, what do you think
the biggest issues are facing
56
00:03:44,425 --> 00:03:45,006
Bowen today?
57
00:03:45,586 --> 00:03:48,707
CAROLINE PARKER: One of the most
important issues is building
58
00:03:48,747 --> 00:03:53,474
resilience. You As time has gone
on and climate change has
59
00:03:53,554 --> 00:03:57,997
worsened, there are things that
the Council has to consider that
60
00:03:58,218 --> 00:04:01,600
I think just were not on
people's radar in previous
61
00:04:01,940 --> 00:04:07,064
years. So as our climate changes
and as we need to prepare for
62
00:04:07,464 --> 00:04:11,708
potential disasters on this
island, there is more of a need
63
00:04:11,928 --> 00:04:16,731
for coordination both on the
island and with agencies outside
64
00:04:16,732 --> 00:04:17,432
of the island.
65
00:04:17,836 --> 00:04:21,277
So that's kind of a backdrop.
That's an issue that I started
66
00:04:21,397 --> 00:04:24,498
to think about when I was on the
board of the Children's Center
67
00:04:24,538 --> 00:04:28,699
many years ago and was given the
emergency preparedness portfolio
68
00:04:29,099 --> 00:04:32,340
and started thinking about, you
know, what about the most
69
00:04:32,380 --> 00:04:35,101
vulnerable people on our island?
How are we going to look out for
70
00:04:35,121 --> 00:04:35,301
them?
71
00:04:35,421 --> 00:04:38,942
So I think that is something
that Council is very aware of.
72
00:04:39,422 --> 00:04:43,523
And I would say it's more about
just making sure that practices
73
00:04:43,543 --> 00:04:47,044
are implemented, but more
broadly in terms of resilience.
74
00:04:47,384 --> 00:04:50,526
Economic resilience for the
people of this island, I think,
75
00:04:50,787 --> 00:04:54,249
is a much greater issue than it
was certainly when I moved to
76
00:04:54,250 --> 00:04:57,992
the island. We hear a lot of
talk about affordable housing.
77
00:04:58,672 --> 00:05:01,534
It's been really interesting
talking to people who have been
78
00:05:01,535 --> 00:05:05,957
in the trenches on those issues
and to hear the progress that
79
00:05:05,997 --> 00:05:11,121
they have made really motivates
me to try to continue the work
80
00:05:11,161 --> 00:05:14,543
that they've done. We have some
counselors who are not
81
00:05:14,603 --> 00:05:17,949
returning. Who I think really
moved the ball forward. So I
82
00:05:17,950 --> 00:05:22,191
would say that's one of the main
issues relating to economic
83
00:05:22,251 --> 00:05:23,392
resilience on the island.
84
00:05:23,932 --> 00:05:25,913
DON SHAFER: Thanks for sharing.
Those are great examples.
85
00:05:26,293 --> 00:05:29,514
Municipalities are always
balancing what a community wants
86
00:05:29,615 --> 00:05:32,636
with what it can realistically
afford and deliver.
87
00:05:33,327 --> 00:05:35,929
How would you decide what
Bowen's priorities should be?
88
00:05:36,249 --> 00:05:38,290
CAROLINE PARKER: Well, I would
say, first of all, I'm running
89
00:05:38,350 --> 00:05:43,114
for Council, and it is one of
six positions, right, on
90
00:05:43,174 --> 00:05:48,257
Council, plus there's a mayor.
So I would never decide that
91
00:05:48,857 --> 00:05:53,160
what my agenda was necessarily
going to prevail.
92
00:05:53,861 --> 00:05:57,984
I think it's incredibly
important to have feedback, not
93
00:05:58,064 --> 00:06:01,906
just from other Council members,
but obviously all of the
94
00:06:01,966 --> 00:06:06,937
stakeholders. So looking at the
strategic plan that's already in
95
00:06:07,017 --> 00:06:12,881
place, I think that is something
that can really move us forward
96
00:06:12,941 --> 00:06:14,041
in the right direction.
97
00:06:14,261 --> 00:06:17,423
But I think it becomes a
question of what do you want to
98
00:06:17,463 --> 00:06:22,766
accomplish and what finances do
you have for that? And are there
99
00:06:22,786 --> 00:06:25,948
things that people in the
community feel strongly about
100
00:06:25,988 --> 00:06:29,790
that maybe are not necessarily
best handled by the
101
00:06:29,870 --> 00:06:30,671
municipality?
102
00:06:31,703 --> 00:06:35,444
I think that's the main thing,
to approach it with a certain
103
00:06:35,464 --> 00:06:39,145
amount of humility and to
recognize the importance of
104
00:06:39,225 --> 00:06:42,926
listening to other people who
might have different opinions.
105
00:06:43,446 --> 00:06:45,927
DON SHAFER: Earlier, you were
talking about the official
106
00:06:45,987 --> 00:06:46,867
community plan.
107
00:06:47,607 --> 00:06:51,289
I'm wondering if you've had a
look at it, if you've talked to
108
00:06:51,309 --> 00:06:55,670
other people about it, if you
have any concerns or issues or
109
00:06:56,170 --> 00:06:56,950
what you think about it.
110
00:06:57,230 --> 00:06:59,891
CAROLINE PARKER: Yes. I mean, I
have looked at it and...
111
00:07:00,335 --> 00:07:03,076
Certainly when I filled out
questionnaires about it in the
112
00:07:03,077 --> 00:07:06,437
past, I was just doing that sort
of as a private citizen. But
113
00:07:06,757 --> 00:07:10,158
since I've been looking into
running for Council, I've had
114
00:07:10,198 --> 00:07:14,619
some interesting talks with
people about the OCP. And it
115
00:07:14,659 --> 00:07:18,920
seems to me some of the concerns
relate to process and just
116
00:07:19,060 --> 00:07:23,301
understanding where potential
changes are coming from.
117
00:07:23,801 --> 00:07:28,103
I think we have a fantastic OCP
steering committee. I attended
118
00:07:28,183 --> 00:07:31,445
one of their events. And I think
there's no question that
119
00:07:31,525 --> 00:07:34,347
everybody is trying to work in
the best interest of the island.
120
00:07:34,627 --> 00:07:38,010
But if there are going to be
changes, do they benefit the
121
00:07:38,011 --> 00:07:39,311
community as a whole?
122
00:07:39,612 --> 00:07:43,275
If particular neighborhoods are
going to be impacted, what is
123
00:07:43,335 --> 00:07:47,258
the justification for that? And
so at this point, I would just
124
00:07:47,318 --> 00:07:53,624
keep my comments about the OCP
fairly broad and continue to
125
00:07:53,724 --> 00:07:58,227
watch the process. But I think
the more people... On the island
126
00:07:58,228 --> 00:08:02,569
who are doing a deep dive and
raising questions now, I think
127
00:08:02,570 --> 00:08:05,010
it will be a much better product
at the end of the day.
128
00:08:05,650 --> 00:08:08,631
DON SHAFER: Bowen Island is
within the traditional territory
129
00:08:08,671 --> 00:08:12,113
of the Squamish Nation, and
reconciliation is increasingly
130
00:08:12,233 --> 00:08:15,034
shaping how governments think
about land, governance, and
131
00:08:15,054 --> 00:08:18,115
decision-making. What do you
believe reconciliation requires
132
00:08:18,155 --> 00:08:18,696
of Bowen?
133
00:08:19,056 --> 00:08:23,297
CAROLINE PARKER: I think that we
all have a responsibility to try
134
00:08:23,298 --> 00:08:26,039
to make some kind of
contribution towards truth and
135
00:08:26,059 --> 00:08:26,959
reconciliation.
136
00:08:27,575 --> 00:08:32,737
From the standpoint of the
municipality versus individuals
137
00:08:32,817 --> 00:08:37,419
on the island, I think certainly
consultation with the Squamish
138
00:08:37,499 --> 00:08:41,381
Nation is always something that
should be welcome. I also
139
00:08:41,461 --> 00:08:45,162
recognize the Squamish Nation
has a limited amount of time and
140
00:08:45,182 --> 00:08:52,625
resources. So I think we want to
be mindful of when we ask
141
00:08:52,745 --> 00:08:54,666
something of the Squamish
Nation.
142
00:08:55,547 --> 00:09:00,368
I feel like what is... Already
been asked of all of us is to
143
00:09:01,148 --> 00:09:06,770
reach out and try to understand
a culture that has survived for
144
00:09:06,830 --> 00:09:10,371
thousands of years. And
particularly at this point of
145
00:09:10,431 --> 00:09:14,012
time in our history, when
sustainability, healthy
146
00:09:14,152 --> 00:09:18,313
ecosystems are things that we
are very concerned about, I
147
00:09:18,314 --> 00:09:21,254
think there's a tremendous
amount to be learned from
148
00:09:21,554 --> 00:09:23,514
traditional ecological
knowledge.
149
00:09:23,894 --> 00:09:26,375
DON SHAFER: So connected to
that, What do you believe
150
00:09:26,436 --> 00:09:29,698
Bowen's environmental priorities
should be, and how should they
151
00:09:29,838 --> 00:09:32,020
influence decisions about the
island?
152
00:09:32,260 --> 00:09:34,923
CAROLINE PARKER: Well, I think
there's a fairly broad consensus
153
00:09:35,043 --> 00:09:38,846
that we want to be good stewards
of the land, and I really
154
00:09:38,906 --> 00:09:43,009
commend the Conservancy for
taking the lead through their
155
00:09:43,089 --> 00:09:47,053
Caring For Nature program. I
personally learned so much from
156
00:09:47,113 --> 00:09:51,696
it. I think as a private
landowner, it has really
157
00:09:51,796 --> 00:09:54,699
enhanced my understanding of
what my obligations are.
158
00:09:55,323 --> 00:09:59,184
I think we all understand that
living on an island, we have
159
00:09:59,264 --> 00:10:02,825
limited resources such as water.
And if we do not have a healthy
160
00:10:02,985 --> 00:10:08,547
ecosystem, then it is very
difficult for us to maintain a
161
00:10:09,027 --> 00:10:10,567
flourishing watershed here.
162
00:10:11,247 --> 00:10:17,089
So I would say that in terms of
priorities, we certainly Don't
163
00:10:17,109 --> 00:10:21,490
want to lose what we have. And
if possible, we want to do what
164
00:10:21,491 --> 00:10:26,174
we can to strengthen. Our
environmental resilience.
165
00:10:26,627 --> 00:10:29,588
DON SHAFER: So a lot of our
resilience, I think, comes from
166
00:10:29,908 --> 00:10:32,689
help that we've had over the
years from the Islands Trust.
167
00:10:32,829 --> 00:10:36,150
And I'm curious, because of our
unique relationship, what do you
168
00:10:36,170 --> 00:10:38,670
believe their role should be in
Bowen's future?
169
00:10:38,831 --> 00:10:41,111
CAROLINE PARKER: Well, I guess I
start by looking at the history
170
00:10:41,571 --> 00:10:47,213
of Islands Trust. It came into
being because of concerns about
171
00:10:47,613 --> 00:10:53,155
subdivision approvals that were
mounting up in various island
172
00:10:53,175 --> 00:10:53,915
communities.
173
00:10:54,491 --> 00:10:57,554
And there was a concern that
there was going to be a loss of
174
00:10:57,555 --> 00:11:01,957
the culture that makes the
islands so beautiful, not just
175
00:11:01,958 --> 00:11:04,660
for the people who live on them,
but the people who visit them.
176
00:11:05,040 --> 00:11:09,444
So I would like to see,
obviously, a continuation of the
177
00:11:09,484 --> 00:11:13,327
mandate to preserve and protect.
I think that, I mean, it's only
178
00:11:13,447 --> 00:11:17,871
fair that you should scrutinize
what it is we contribute to the
179
00:11:17,971 --> 00:11:19,933
Islands Trust and make sure that
it's fair.
180
00:11:20,353 --> 00:11:23,395
But there are many intangible
benefits. That come from the
181
00:11:23,495 --> 00:11:27,917
Islands Trust. And I think that
overall, it's a tremendous
182
00:11:28,037 --> 00:11:32,419
benefit to have that kind of
umbrella protecting the island
183
00:11:32,719 --> 00:11:33,000
with more of a long view.
184
00:11:34,460 --> 00:11:37,761
DON SHAFER: Council often has to
make decisions where there's no
185
00:11:37,901 --> 00:11:41,583
obvious right answer and people
strongly disagree. How do you
186
00:11:41,663 --> 00:11:45,685
approach disagreement? And what
do you think good governance
187
00:11:46,065 --> 00:11:46,565
looks like?
188
00:11:46,725 --> 00:11:49,726
CAROLINE PARKER: I think good
governance looks like respecting
189
00:11:49,987 --> 00:11:53,273
the other people. Who are
participating in the process, no
190
00:11:53,333 --> 00:11:57,316
matter whether or not you agree
with them. And at the end of the
191
00:11:57,336 --> 00:11:59,958
day, you can advocate for your
position.
192
00:12:00,379 --> 00:12:03,742
But if you Don't have the votes
and you're on the losing side,
193
00:12:04,022 --> 00:12:07,885
then it's your responsibility to
put your best effort behind what
194
00:12:07,905 --> 00:12:11,148
is moving forward, even if it
wasn't your top choice. And
195
00:12:11,188 --> 00:12:13,970
that's, I think, how I would
approach it if I were on
196
00:12:13,990 --> 00:12:14,390
Council.
197
00:12:14,751 --> 00:12:16,792
DON SHAFER: So personal
question, what skills,
198
00:12:16,853 --> 00:12:20,115
experience and strengths do you
think you bring to this
199
00:12:20,175 --> 00:12:22,076
conversation that Council needs?
200
00:12:22,456 --> 00:12:24,417
CAROLINE PARKER: I think I've
touched briefly on my
201
00:12:24,577 --> 00:12:29,399
professional background in terms
of community engagement and
202
00:12:29,479 --> 00:12:34,661
interest in policy, negotiating.
I think part of what I bring is
203
00:12:34,761 --> 00:12:38,402
just the experience of living
here for 17 years and being
204
00:12:38,442 --> 00:12:41,484
involved with a number of
organizations on the island.
205
00:12:41,684 --> 00:12:46,546
And it's funny thinking about
them, you know, they've changed
206
00:12:46,606 --> 00:12:51,208
over the years based on really
partly the age of my children,
207
00:12:51,348 --> 00:12:56,890
but I've served on the board of
BIRD back in the day before it
208
00:12:56,990 --> 00:13:00,491
was part of Bowen Waste.
Sustainability is always
209
00:13:00,531 --> 00:13:03,553
something I cared about. I
learned a ton from doing that.
210
00:13:03,933 --> 00:13:07,454
As I mentioned, I was involved
in various children's
211
00:13:07,514 --> 00:13:12,156
organizations on the island,
particularly Family Place, where
212
00:13:12,196 --> 00:13:16,558
I helped to draft the standards
of practice for Family Place
213
00:13:16,618 --> 00:13:20,080
that were approved by the
province. I think my experience
214
00:13:20,100 --> 00:13:25,064
of being co-chair of the pack at
BICS was something that taught
215
00:13:25,065 --> 00:13:27,006
me a lot about community
engagement.
216
00:13:27,266 --> 00:13:32,070
And I guess, you know, looking
at organizations like the Fish
217
00:13:32,090 --> 00:13:37,774
And Wildlife Club and being a
streamkeeper volunteer was very
218
00:13:37,854 --> 00:13:42,518
helpful. So I feel like my
experience of being part of a
219
00:13:42,578 --> 00:13:46,521
wide range of organizations on
the island has given me the
220
00:13:46,541 --> 00:13:48,283
chance to get to know a lot of
people.
221
00:13:48,643 --> 00:13:54,405
And while I'm a big fan of
decisions based on empirical
222
00:13:54,445 --> 00:13:57,686
data, I think in a small
community like this, there's
223
00:13:57,766 --> 00:14:03,247
really no substitute for
actually getting out there and
224
00:14:03,248 --> 00:14:07,208
having conversations with
people. And as someone who spent
225
00:14:07,228 --> 00:14:10,189
my professional time in an
office, I'd say one of the
226
00:14:10,209 --> 00:14:13,290
things I've learned from living
on this island is how much the
227
00:14:13,350 --> 00:14:16,111
skilled tradespeople bring to
the table.
228
00:14:16,711 --> 00:14:20,634
Just Through the volunteer work
that I did, I found the skilled
229
00:14:20,654 --> 00:14:23,356
tradespeople who live on the
island did a lot of the heavy
230
00:14:23,476 --> 00:14:28,020
lifting, quite literally. And I
consider them the backbone of
231
00:14:28,021 --> 00:14:28,620
our community.
232
00:14:28,961 --> 00:14:30,102
DON SHAFER: Nice shout out.
Thank you.
233
00:14:30,902 --> 00:14:34,065
What do you want people to know
about you that we may not know?
234
00:14:34,465 --> 00:14:35,786
Is there anything you haven't
shared?
235
00:14:36,086 --> 00:14:37,568
CAROLINE PARKER: I suspect
there's quite a bit they Don't
236
00:14:37,588 --> 00:14:38,208
know about me.
237
00:14:39,910 --> 00:14:45,314
And so I wouldn't presume to
read their minds. But I guess I
238
00:14:45,315 --> 00:14:49,416
would say that. I hope to be out
and about in the community and
239
00:14:49,436 --> 00:14:52,462
available to answer questions.
You know, I didn't want to go
240
00:14:52,742 --> 00:14:58,090
into. Too much detail about
various experiences I've had
241
00:14:58,350 --> 00:15:00,772
volunteering on the island and
also professionally.
242
00:15:00,852 --> 00:15:06,496
But if somebody wanted to find
out more about my views on a
243
00:15:06,516 --> 00:15:11,360
particular issue in the past as
a way to predict the future, I'm
244
00:15:11,400 --> 00:15:13,321
happy to talk about past issues.
245
00:15:13,541 --> 00:15:16,844
But I think it would be
presumptuous for me to lay out
246
00:15:17,144 --> 00:15:20,642
what exactly I'm going to do
because, as I said, I would be
247
00:15:20,822 --> 00:15:26,706
one of six Council members. I'm
excited about the people who are
248
00:15:26,927 --> 00:15:31,049
possibly returning and also
considering running. And I think
249
00:15:31,410 --> 00:15:33,771
no matter who wins this
election, I think it's going to
250
00:15:33,772 --> 00:15:34,632
be a strong Council.
251
00:15:35,032 --> 00:15:35,292
DON SHAFER: Okay.
252
00:15:36,193 --> 00:15:37,734
What haven't we talked about
that we should?
253
00:15:38,374 --> 00:15:40,556
CAROLINE PARKER: I think there
are many topics that we could
254
00:15:40,596 --> 00:15:42,277
talk about that we haven't yet.
255
00:15:43,378 --> 00:15:48,061
One of them is, I just want to
acknowledge the contribution
256
00:15:48,221 --> 00:15:51,864
that you're making. By doing
these podcasts. I can tell it
257
00:15:51,904 --> 00:15:55,807
seems like a labor of love, but
it's a significant amount of
258
00:15:55,827 --> 00:15:59,070
time, especially as the field is
growing more crowded.
259
00:15:59,771 --> 00:16:02,413
So I just wanted to acknowledge.
Thank you.
260
00:16:02,853 --> 00:16:08,738
DON SHAFER: Thank you. But I've
enjoyed doing it. I get to speak
261
00:16:08,739 --> 00:16:13,062
to great people like you, and
I'm learning tons about our
262
00:16:13,102 --> 00:16:16,285
community. Anyways, you're kind.
Thank you. Is there anything
263
00:16:16,365 --> 00:16:19,107
that we haven't talked about?
You want to make sure we do?
264
00:16:20,387 --> 00:16:23,788
CAROLINE PARKER: I think I do
want to say a word about the
265
00:16:23,828 --> 00:16:29,551
members of Council who have
served in the past term who are
266
00:16:29,591 --> 00:16:33,973
not returning. And I want to
acknowledge the contribution
267
00:16:34,033 --> 00:16:37,554
that they made. And when I told
people that I was going to run
268
00:16:37,614 --> 00:16:42,576
for Council, a few people said
it's very little money and very
269
00:16:42,616 --> 00:16:43,336
little thanks.
270
00:16:44,837 --> 00:16:48,855
And I think that there is a lot
that... People do on Council
271
00:16:49,235 --> 00:16:54,578
that the public doesn't
necessarily know about or have a
272
00:16:54,618 --> 00:16:57,140
full understanding of in terms
of the time commitment.
273
00:16:57,780 --> 00:17:01,802
So I think I would like to at
least acknowledge that people
274
00:17:02,062 --> 00:17:06,145
have laid the groundwork. If I'm
fortunate enough to be elected,
275
00:17:06,365 --> 00:17:10,767
I think that I will owe a lot to
the people on the island who
276
00:17:10,807 --> 00:17:11,688
have come before me.
277
00:17:12,388 --> 00:17:12,689
DON SHAFER: Nice.
278
00:17:13,369 --> 00:17:16,611
I really want to thank you for,
hanging out with us. It's been
279
00:17:16,651 --> 00:17:17,651
nice to get to know you.
280
00:17:18,492 --> 00:17:22,034
I'm excited for you and wish you
the very best.
281
00:17:22,274 --> 00:17:22,835
CAROLINE PARKER: Thank you, Don.
282
00:17:24,295 --> 00:17:26,257
DON SHAFER: We've been talking
with Caroline Parker, who's
283
00:17:26,297 --> 00:17:29,699
running for Council in the Bowen
Island Municipal Election. You
284
00:17:29,700 --> 00:17:32,821
can learn more about Caroline on
various social media platforms
285
00:17:33,121 --> 00:17:36,263
and through the 2026 election
page on the Bowen Island
286
00:17:36,303 --> 00:17:40,185
Municipal website. This podcast
is produced in a little cabin in
287
00:17:40,186 --> 00:17:41,586
the woods on Bowen Island.
288
00:17:41,990 --> 00:17:45,132
On the traditional and unceded
territories of the Squamish
289
00:17:45,192 --> 00:17:48,375
Nation, living, working, and
playing here carries with it a
290
00:17:48,395 --> 00:17:51,897
responsibility to understand the
history of this island and to
291
00:17:51,917 --> 00:17:54,979
keep learning what
reconciliation asks of us who
292
00:17:55,019 --> 00:17:55,860
now call it home.
293
00:17:56,601 --> 00:17:58,322
Thanks for listening. I'm Don
Schaefer.
00:00:00,180 --> 00:00:02,901
DON SHAFER: Welcome to the Bowen
Island Podcast and election
2
00:00:02,902 --> 00:00:03,762
2026.
3
00:00:04,442 --> 00:00:07,003
Here we're talking with
candidates and getting to know
4
00:00:07,043 --> 00:00:10,324
the people a little bit better.
We're asking for a vote. What
5
00:00:10,384 --> 00:00:12,986
matters to them? How do you
think? And what they hope to
6
00:00:13,026 --> 00:00:16,387
contribute to Bowen's future. In
this episode, we're talking with
7
00:00:16,427 --> 00:00:18,568
Caroline Parker. I hope you can
join us.
8
00:00:20,329 --> 00:00:23,210
So the first question is the
easiest. Can you introduce
9
00:00:23,230 --> 00:00:25,131
yourself and tell us a little
bit about you?
10
00:00:25,531 --> 00:00:28,752
CAROLINE PARKER: Sure. My name
is Caroline Parker. And I've
11
00:00:28,852 --> 00:00:34,436
lived on Bowen Island for 17
years. I live with my husband
12
00:00:34,576 --> 00:00:41,321
and my two daughters. And before
moving to Canada in 2008, my
13
00:00:41,381 --> 00:00:45,965
professional background was as a
transactional lawyer focusing on
14
00:00:46,005 --> 00:00:50,508
mergers and acquisitions. And
after that, I was a policy
15
00:00:50,608 --> 00:00:55,351
advisor for a federal agency.
And after that, I was a campaign
16
00:00:55,411 --> 00:00:56,272
finance lawyer.
17
00:00:57,116 --> 00:01:01,397
But since moving to Bowen and
starting a family, I became
18
00:01:01,437 --> 00:01:06,079
quite involved in early
childhood development and
19
00:01:06,419 --> 00:01:11,120
elementary education on Bowen.
And I had the privilege of
20
00:01:11,180 --> 00:01:16,181
working with a number of amazing
people here on the island who
21
00:01:16,261 --> 00:01:21,203
specialize in that. And that got
me interested in going back to
22
00:01:21,283 --> 00:01:28,286
school. And so in 2019, I worked
at... Finding a way to get the
23
00:01:28,306 --> 00:01:32,169
credentials I needed to actually
work at the school. And I went
24
00:01:32,289 --> 00:01:37,754
to Sprout Shaw College and got a
special education teaching
25
00:01:37,874 --> 00:01:38,935
assistant certificate.
26
00:01:39,475 --> 00:01:44,500
I worked at BICS for five years,
had a terrific time doing that.
27
00:01:44,780 --> 00:01:50,224
And last year, I got busy with
some family matters relating to
28
00:01:50,244 --> 00:01:53,707
my father's dementia and
switched back to being a
29
00:01:53,727 --> 00:02:00,350
volunteer. And so now I am
involved in the Little Red
30
00:02:00,450 --> 00:02:05,571
Church. I am the food bank
liaison. I still volunteer at
31
00:02:05,572 --> 00:02:11,233
the school, and I've decided to
run for Council. And I can tell
32
00:02:11,273 --> 00:02:15,134
you why and more thoughts on
that, but maybe you have another
33
00:02:15,174 --> 00:02:15,514
question.
34
00:02:15,854 --> 00:02:17,934
DON SHAFER: No, Tell us why. I'm
curious.
35
00:02:18,194 --> 00:02:21,555
CAROLINE PARKER: Well, one of
the reasons was, at least the
36
00:02:21,575 --> 00:02:25,837
word on the street on Bowen was
that several counselors were not
37
00:02:25,917 --> 00:02:29,338
returning and there was some
concern about whether there were
38
00:02:29,339 --> 00:02:34,180
going to be enough candidates to
fill the slots. I think, as your
39
00:02:34,220 --> 00:02:38,662
podcast will show, that the
field is starting to fill, so
40
00:02:38,722 --> 00:02:42,764
that is less of an issue. But in
terms of why I would put my name
41
00:02:42,804 --> 00:02:47,826
forward, I'm very interested in
community engagement. Through my
42
00:02:47,906 --> 00:02:50,947
professional work, I've done a
lot of negotiating. And I also
43
00:02:51,807 --> 00:02:55,169
have a real love of policy. Not
everybody loves policy.
44
00:02:56,550 --> 00:02:58,772
DON SHAFER: It wasn't my first
pick.
45
00:02:59,573 --> 00:03:02,855
CAROLINE PARKER: I think you
have to be someone who enjoys
46
00:03:02,976 --> 00:03:08,660
trying to prevent future
problems from arising through a
47
00:03:08,700 --> 00:03:11,723
broad framework. And that's why
I'm actually kind of thrilled
48
00:03:11,783 --> 00:03:17,327
that the OCP is in the process
of being revised, because I
49
00:03:17,328 --> 00:03:20,129
think it's a wonderful
opportunity to look at how
50
00:03:20,690 --> 00:03:24,416
circumstances have changed since
the last time. The OCP was
51
00:03:24,536 --> 00:03:29,619
revised and to make sure that we
are good stewards of the island
52
00:03:29,879 --> 00:03:34,801
and thinking ahead to what
future inhabitants of the island
53
00:03:35,061 --> 00:03:36,062
would want from us.
54
00:03:36,382 --> 00:03:39,823
DON SHAFER: I want to come back
and talk about the OCP, but from
55
00:03:39,943 --> 00:03:44,325
30,000 feet, what do you think
the biggest issues are facing
56
00:03:44,425 --> 00:03:45,006
Bowen today?
57
00:03:45,586 --> 00:03:48,707
CAROLINE PARKER: One of the most
important issues is building
58
00:03:48,747 --> 00:03:53,474
resilience. You As time has gone
on and climate change has
59
00:03:53,554 --> 00:03:57,997
worsened, there are things that
the Council has to consider that
60
00:03:58,218 --> 00:04:01,600
I think just were not on
people's radar in previous
61
00:04:01,940 --> 00:04:07,064
years. So as our climate changes
and as we need to prepare for
62
00:04:07,464 --> 00:04:11,708
potential disasters on this
island, there is more of a need
63
00:04:11,928 --> 00:04:16,731
for coordination both on the
island and with agencies outside
64
00:04:16,732 --> 00:04:17,432
of the island.
65
00:04:17,836 --> 00:04:21,277
So that's kind of a backdrop.
That's an issue that I started
66
00:04:21,397 --> 00:04:24,498
to think about when I was on the
board of the Children's Center
67
00:04:24,538 --> 00:04:28,699
many years ago and was given the
emergency preparedness portfolio
68
00:04:29,099 --> 00:04:32,340
and started thinking about, you
know, what about the most
69
00:04:32,380 --> 00:04:35,101
vulnerable people on our island?
How are we going to look out for
70
00:04:35,121 --> 00:04:35,301
them?
71
00:04:35,421 --> 00:04:38,942
So I think that is something
that Council is very aware of.
72
00:04:39,422 --> 00:04:43,523
And I would say it's more about
just making sure that practices
73
00:04:43,543 --> 00:04:47,044
are implemented, but more
broadly in terms of resilience.
74
00:04:47,384 --> 00:04:50,526
Economic resilience for the
people of this island, I think,
75
00:04:50,787 --> 00:04:54,249
is a much greater issue than it
was certainly when I moved to
76
00:04:54,250 --> 00:04:57,992
the island. We hear a lot of
talk about affordable housing.
77
00:04:58,672 --> 00:05:01,534
It's been really interesting
talking to people who have been
78
00:05:01,535 --> 00:05:05,957
in the trenches on those issues
and to hear the progress that
79
00:05:05,997 --> 00:05:11,121
they have made really motivates
me to try to continue the work
80
00:05:11,161 --> 00:05:14,543
that they've done. We have some
counselors who are not
81
00:05:14,603 --> 00:05:17,949
returning. Who I think really
moved the ball forward. So I
82
00:05:17,950 --> 00:05:22,191
would say that's one of the main
issues relating to economic
83
00:05:22,251 --> 00:05:23,392
resilience on the island.
84
00:05:23,932 --> 00:05:25,913
DON SHAFER: Thanks for sharing.
Those are great examples.
85
00:05:26,293 --> 00:05:29,514
Municipalities are always
balancing what a community wants
86
00:05:29,615 --> 00:05:32,636
with what it can realistically
afford and deliver.
87
00:05:33,327 --> 00:05:35,929
How would you decide what
Bowen's priorities should be?
88
00:05:36,249 --> 00:05:38,290
CAROLINE PARKER: Well, I would
say, first of all, I'm running
89
00:05:38,350 --> 00:05:43,114
for Council, and it is one of
six positions, right, on
90
00:05:43,174 --> 00:05:48,257
Council, plus there's a mayor.
So I would never decide that
91
00:05:48,857 --> 00:05:53,160
what my agenda was necessarily
going to prevail.
92
00:05:53,861 --> 00:05:57,984
I think it's incredibly
important to have feedback, not
93
00:05:58,064 --> 00:06:01,906
just from other Council members,
but obviously all of the
94
00:06:01,966 --> 00:06:06,937
stakeholders. So looking at the
strategic plan that's already in
95
00:06:07,017 --> 00:06:12,881
place, I think that is something
that can really move us forward
96
00:06:12,941 --> 00:06:14,041
in the right direction.
97
00:06:14,261 --> 00:06:17,423
But I think it becomes a
question of what do you want to
98
00:06:17,463 --> 00:06:22,766
accomplish and what finances do
you have for that? And are there
99
00:06:22,786 --> 00:06:25,948
things that people in the
community feel strongly about
100
00:06:25,988 --> 00:06:29,790
that maybe are not necessarily
best handled by the
101
00:06:29,870 --> 00:06:30,671
municipality?
102
00:06:31,703 --> 00:06:35,444
I think that's the main thing,
to approach it with a certain
103
00:06:35,464 --> 00:06:39,145
amount of humility and to
recognize the importance of
104
00:06:39,225 --> 00:06:42,926
listening to other people who
might have different opinions.
105
00:06:43,446 --> 00:06:45,927
DON SHAFER: Earlier, you were
talking about the official
106
00:06:45,987 --> 00:06:46,867
community plan.
107
00:06:47,607 --> 00:06:51,289
I'm wondering if you've had a
look at it, if you've talked to
108
00:06:51,309 --> 00:06:55,670
other people about it, if you
have any concerns or issues or
109
00:06:56,170 --> 00:06:56,950
what you think about it.
110
00:06:57,230 --> 00:06:59,891
CAROLINE PARKER: Yes. I mean, I
have looked at it and...
111
00:07:00,335 --> 00:07:03,076
Certainly when I filled out
questionnaires about it in the
112
00:07:03,077 --> 00:07:06,437
past, I was just doing that sort
of as a private citizen. But
113
00:07:06,757 --> 00:07:10,158
since I've been looking into
running for Council, I've had
114
00:07:10,198 --> 00:07:14,619
some interesting talks with
people about the OCP. And it
115
00:07:14,659 --> 00:07:18,920
seems to me some of the concerns
relate to process and just
116
00:07:19,060 --> 00:07:23,301
understanding where potential
changes are coming from.
117
00:07:23,801 --> 00:07:28,103
I think we have a fantastic OCP
steering committee. I attended
118
00:07:28,183 --> 00:07:31,445
one of their events. And I think
there's no question that
119
00:07:31,525 --> 00:07:34,347
everybody is trying to work in
the best interest of the island.
120
00:07:34,627 --> 00:07:38,010
But if there are going to be
changes, do they benefit the
121
00:07:38,011 --> 00:07:39,311
community as a whole?
122
00:07:39,612 --> 00:07:43,275
If particular neighborhoods are
going to be impacted, what is
123
00:07:43,335 --> 00:07:47,258
the justification for that? And
so at this point, I would just
124
00:07:47,318 --> 00:07:53,624
keep my comments about the OCP
fairly broad and continue to
125
00:07:53,724 --> 00:07:58,227
watch the process. But I think
the more people... On the island
126
00:07:58,228 --> 00:08:02,569
who are doing a deep dive and
raising questions now, I think
127
00:08:02,570 --> 00:08:05,010
it will be a much better product
at the end of the day.
128
00:08:05,650 --> 00:08:08,631
DON SHAFER: Bowen Island is
within the traditional territory
129
00:08:08,671 --> 00:08:12,113
of the Squamish Nation, and
reconciliation is increasingly
130
00:08:12,233 --> 00:08:15,034
shaping how governments think
about land, governance, and
131
00:08:15,054 --> 00:08:18,115
decision-making. What do you
believe reconciliation requires
132
00:08:18,155 --> 00:08:18,696
of Bowen?
133
00:08:19,056 --> 00:08:23,297
CAROLINE PARKER: I think that we
all have a responsibility to try
134
00:08:23,298 --> 00:08:26,039
to make some kind of
contribution towards truth and
135
00:08:26,059 --> 00:08:26,959
reconciliation.
136
00:08:27,575 --> 00:08:32,737
From the standpoint of the
municipality versus individuals
137
00:08:32,817 --> 00:08:37,419
on the island, I think certainly
consultation with the Squamish
138
00:08:37,499 --> 00:08:41,381
Nation is always something that
should be welcome. I also
139
00:08:41,461 --> 00:08:45,162
recognize the Squamish Nation
has a limited amount of time and
140
00:08:45,182 --> 00:08:52,625
resources. So I think we want to
be mindful of when we ask
141
00:08:52,745 --> 00:08:54,666
something of the Squamish
Nation.
142
00:08:55,547 --> 00:09:00,368
I feel like what is... Already
been asked of all of us is to
143
00:09:01,148 --> 00:09:06,770
reach out and try to understand
a culture that has survived for
144
00:09:06,830 --> 00:09:10,371
thousands of years. And
particularly at this point of
145
00:09:10,431 --> 00:09:14,012
time in our history, when
sustainability, healthy
146
00:09:14,152 --> 00:09:18,313
ecosystems are things that we
are very concerned about, I
147
00:09:18,314 --> 00:09:21,254
think there's a tremendous
amount to be learned from
148
00:09:21,554 --> 00:09:23,514
traditional ecological
knowledge.
149
00:09:23,894 --> 00:09:26,375
DON SHAFER: So connected to
that, What do you believe
150
00:09:26,436 --> 00:09:29,698
Bowen's environmental priorities
should be, and how should they
151
00:09:29,838 --> 00:09:32,020
influence decisions about the
island?
152
00:09:32,260 --> 00:09:34,923
CAROLINE PARKER: Well, I think
there's a fairly broad consensus
153
00:09:35,043 --> 00:09:38,846
that we want to be good stewards
of the land, and I really
154
00:09:38,906 --> 00:09:43,009
commend the Conservancy for
taking the lead through their
155
00:09:43,089 --> 00:09:47,053
Caring For Nature program. I
personally learned so much from
156
00:09:47,113 --> 00:09:51,696
it. I think as a private
landowner, it has really
157
00:09:51,796 --> 00:09:54,699
enhanced my understanding of
what my obligations are.
158
00:09:55,323 --> 00:09:59,184
I think we all understand that
living on an island, we have
159
00:09:59,264 --> 00:10:02,825
limited resources such as water.
And if we do not have a healthy
160
00:10:02,985 --> 00:10:08,547
ecosystem, then it is very
difficult for us to maintain a
161
00:10:09,027 --> 00:10:10,567
flourishing watershed here.
162
00:10:11,247 --> 00:10:17,089
So I would say that in terms of
priorities, we certainly Don't
163
00:10:17,109 --> 00:10:21,490
want to lose what we have. And
if possible, we want to do what
164
00:10:21,491 --> 00:10:26,174
we can to strengthen. Our
environmental resilience.
165
00:10:26,627 --> 00:10:29,588
DON SHAFER: So a lot of our
resilience, I think, comes from
166
00:10:29,908 --> 00:10:32,689
help that we've had over the
years from the Islands Trust.
167
00:10:32,829 --> 00:10:36,150
And I'm curious, because of our
unique relationship, what do you
168
00:10:36,170 --> 00:10:38,670
believe their role should be in
Bowen's future?
169
00:10:38,831 --> 00:10:41,111
CAROLINE PARKER: Well, I guess I
start by looking at the history
170
00:10:41,571 --> 00:10:47,213
of Islands Trust. It came into
being because of concerns about
171
00:10:47,613 --> 00:10:53,155
subdivision approvals that were
mounting up in various island
172
00:10:53,175 --> 00:10:53,915
communities.
173
00:10:54,491 --> 00:10:57,554
And there was a concern that
there was going to be a loss of
174
00:10:57,555 --> 00:11:01,957
the culture that makes the
islands so beautiful, not just
175
00:11:01,958 --> 00:11:04,660
for the people who live on them,
but the people who visit them.
176
00:11:05,040 --> 00:11:09,444
So I would like to see,
obviously, a continuation of the
177
00:11:09,484 --> 00:11:13,327
mandate to preserve and protect.
I think that, I mean, it's only
178
00:11:13,447 --> 00:11:17,871
fair that you should scrutinize
what it is we contribute to the
179
00:11:17,971 --> 00:11:19,933
Islands Trust and make sure that
it's fair.
180
00:11:20,353 --> 00:11:23,395
But there are many intangible
benefits. That come from the
181
00:11:23,495 --> 00:11:27,917
Islands Trust. And I think that
overall, it's a tremendous
182
00:11:28,037 --> 00:11:32,419
benefit to have that kind of
umbrella protecting the island
183
00:11:32,719 --> 00:11:33,000
with more of a long view.
184
00:11:34,460 --> 00:11:37,761
DON SHAFER: Council often has to
make decisions where there's no
185
00:11:37,901 --> 00:11:41,583
obvious right answer and people
strongly disagree. How do you
186
00:11:41,663 --> 00:11:45,685
approach disagreement? And what
do you think good governance
187
00:11:46,065 --> 00:11:46,565
looks like?
188
00:11:46,725 --> 00:11:49,726
CAROLINE PARKER: I think good
governance looks like respecting
189
00:11:49,987 --> 00:11:53,273
the other people. Who are
participating in the process, no
190
00:11:53,333 --> 00:11:57,316
matter whether or not you agree
with them. And at the end of the
191
00:11:57,336 --> 00:11:59,958
day, you can advocate for your
position.
192
00:12:00,379 --> 00:12:03,742
But if you Don't have the votes
and you're on the losing side,
193
00:12:04,022 --> 00:12:07,885
then it's your responsibility to
put your best effort behind what
194
00:12:07,905 --> 00:12:11,148
is moving forward, even if it
wasn't your top choice. And
195
00:12:11,188 --> 00:12:13,970
that's, I think, how I would
approach it if I were on
196
00:12:13,990 --> 00:12:14,390
Council.
197
00:12:14,751 --> 00:12:16,792
DON SHAFER: So personal
question, what skills,
198
00:12:16,853 --> 00:12:20,115
experience and strengths do you
think you bring to this
199
00:12:20,175 --> 00:12:22,076
conversation that Council needs?
200
00:12:22,456 --> 00:12:24,417
CAROLINE PARKER: I think I've
touched briefly on my
201
00:12:24,577 --> 00:12:29,399
professional background in terms
of community engagement and
202
00:12:29,479 --> 00:12:34,661
interest in policy, negotiating.
I think part of what I bring is
203
00:12:34,761 --> 00:12:38,402
just the experience of living
here for 17 years and being
204
00:12:38,442 --> 00:12:41,484
involved with a number of
organizations on the island.
205
00:12:41,684 --> 00:12:46,546
And it's funny thinking about
them, you know, they've changed
206
00:12:46,606 --> 00:12:51,208
over the years based on really
partly the age of my children,
207
00:12:51,348 --> 00:12:56,890
but I've served on the board of
BIRD back in the day before it
208
00:12:56,990 --> 00:13:00,491
was part of Bowen Waste.
Sustainability is always
209
00:13:00,531 --> 00:13:03,553
something I cared about. I
learned a ton from doing that.
210
00:13:03,933 --> 00:13:07,454
As I mentioned, I was involved
in various children's
211
00:13:07,514 --> 00:13:12,156
organizations on the island,
particularly Family Place, where
212
00:13:12,196 --> 00:13:16,558
I helped to draft the standards
of practice for Family Place
213
00:13:16,618 --> 00:13:20,080
that were approved by the
province. I think my experience
214
00:13:20,100 --> 00:13:25,064
of being co-chair of the pack at
BICS was something that taught
215
00:13:25,065 --> 00:13:27,006
me a lot about community
engagement.
216
00:13:27,266 --> 00:13:32,070
And I guess, you know, looking
at organizations like the Fish
217
00:13:32,090 --> 00:13:37,774
And Wildlife Club and being a
streamkeeper volunteer was very
218
00:13:37,854 --> 00:13:42,518
helpful. So I feel like my
experience of being part of a
219
00:13:42,578 --> 00:13:46,521
wide range of organizations on
the island has given me the
220
00:13:46,541 --> 00:13:48,283
chance to get to know a lot of
people.
221
00:13:48,643 --> 00:13:54,405
And while I'm a big fan of
decisions based on empirical
222
00:13:54,445 --> 00:13:57,686
data, I think in a small
community like this, there's
223
00:13:57,766 --> 00:14:03,247
really no substitute for
actually getting out there and
224
00:14:03,248 --> 00:14:07,208
having conversations with
people. And as someone who spent
225
00:14:07,228 --> 00:14:10,189
my professional time in an
office, I'd say one of the
226
00:14:10,209 --> 00:14:13,290
things I've learned from living
on this island is how much the
227
00:14:13,350 --> 00:14:16,111
skilled tradespeople bring to
the table.
228
00:14:16,711 --> 00:14:20,634
Just Through the volunteer work
that I did, I found the skilled
229
00:14:20,654 --> 00:14:23,356
tradespeople who live on the
island did a lot of the heavy
230
00:14:23,476 --> 00:14:28,020
lifting, quite literally. And I
consider them the backbone of
231
00:14:28,021 --> 00:14:28,620
our community.
232
00:14:28,961 --> 00:14:30,102
DON SHAFER: Nice shout out.
Thank you.
233
00:14:30,902 --> 00:14:34,065
What do you want people to know
about you that we may not know?
234
00:14:34,465 --> 00:14:35,786
Is there anything you haven't
shared?
235
00:14:36,086 --> 00:14:37,568
CAROLINE PARKER: I suspect
there's quite a bit they Don't
236
00:14:37,588 --> 00:14:38,208
know about me.
237
00:14:39,910 --> 00:14:45,314
And so I wouldn't presume to
read their minds. But I guess I
238
00:14:45,315 --> 00:14:49,416
would say that. I hope to be out
and about in the community and
239
00:14:49,436 --> 00:14:52,462
available to answer questions.
You know, I didn't want to go
240
00:14:52,742 --> 00:14:58,090
into. Too much detail about
various experiences I've had
241
00:14:58,350 --> 00:15:00,772
volunteering on the island and
also professionally.
242
00:15:00,852 --> 00:15:06,496
But if somebody wanted to find
out more about my views on a
243
00:15:06,516 --> 00:15:11,360
particular issue in the past as
a way to predict the future, I'm
244
00:15:11,400 --> 00:15:13,321
happy to talk about past issues.
245
00:15:13,541 --> 00:15:16,844
But I think it would be
presumptuous for me to lay out
246
00:15:17,144 --> 00:15:20,642
what exactly I'm going to do
because, as I said, I would be
247
00:15:20,822 --> 00:15:26,706
one of six Council members. I'm
excited about the people who are
248
00:15:26,927 --> 00:15:31,049
possibly returning and also
considering running. And I think
249
00:15:31,410 --> 00:15:33,771
no matter who wins this
election, I think it's going to
250
00:15:33,772 --> 00:15:34,632
be a strong Council.
251
00:15:35,032 --> 00:15:35,292
DON SHAFER: Okay.
252
00:15:36,193 --> 00:15:37,734
What haven't we talked about
that we should?
253
00:15:38,374 --> 00:15:40,556
CAROLINE PARKER: I think there
are many topics that we could
254
00:15:40,596 --> 00:15:42,277
talk about that we haven't yet.
255
00:15:43,378 --> 00:15:48,061
One of them is, I just want to
acknowledge the contribution
256
00:15:48,221 --> 00:15:51,864
that you're making. By doing
these podcasts. I can tell it
257
00:15:51,904 --> 00:15:55,807
seems like a labor of love, but
it's a significant amount of
258
00:15:55,827 --> 00:15:59,070
time, especially as the field is
growing more crowded.
259
00:15:59,771 --> 00:16:02,413
So I just wanted to acknowledge.
Thank you.
260
00:16:02,853 --> 00:16:08,738
DON SHAFER: Thank you. But I've
enjoyed doing it. I get to speak
261
00:16:08,739 --> 00:16:13,062
to great people like you, and
I'm learning tons about our
262
00:16:13,102 --> 00:16:16,285
community. Anyways, you're kind.
Thank you. Is there anything
263
00:16:16,365 --> 00:16:19,107
that we haven't talked about?
You want to make sure we do?
264
00:16:20,387 --> 00:16:23,788
CAROLINE PARKER: I think I do
want to say a word about the
265
00:16:23,828 --> 00:16:29,551
members of Council who have
served in the past term who are
266
00:16:29,591 --> 00:16:33,973
not returning. And I want to
acknowledge the contribution
267
00:16:34,033 --> 00:16:37,554
that they made. And when I told
people that I was going to run
268
00:16:37,614 --> 00:16:42,576
for Council, a few people said
it's very little money and very
269
00:16:42,616 --> 00:16:43,336
little thanks.
270
00:16:44,837 --> 00:16:48,855
And I think that there is a lot
that... People do on Council
271
00:16:49,235 --> 00:16:54,578
that the public doesn't
necessarily know about or have a
272
00:16:54,618 --> 00:16:57,140
full understanding of in terms
of the time commitment.
273
00:16:57,780 --> 00:17:01,802
So I think I would like to at
least acknowledge that people
274
00:17:02,062 --> 00:17:06,145
have laid the groundwork. If I'm
fortunate enough to be elected,
275
00:17:06,365 --> 00:17:10,767
I think that I will owe a lot to
the people on the island who
276
00:17:10,807 --> 00:17:11,688
have come before me.
277
00:17:12,388 --> 00:17:12,689
DON SHAFER: Nice.
278
00:17:13,369 --> 00:17:16,611
I really want to thank you for,
hanging out with us. It's been
279
00:17:16,651 --> 00:17:17,651
nice to get to know you.
280
00:17:18,492 --> 00:17:22,034
I'm excited for you and wish you
the very best.
281
00:17:22,274 --> 00:17:22,835
CAROLINE PARKER: Thank you, Don.
282
00:17:24,295 --> 00:17:26,257
DON SHAFER: We've been talking
with Caroline Parker, who's
283
00:17:26,297 --> 00:17:29,699
running for Council in the Bowen
Island Municipal Election. You
284
00:17:29,700 --> 00:17:32,821
can learn more about Caroline on
various social media platforms
285
00:17:33,121 --> 00:17:36,263
and through the 2026 election
page on the Bowen Island
286
00:17:36,303 --> 00:17:40,185
Municipal website. This podcast
is produced in a little cabin in
287
00:17:40,186 --> 00:17:41,586
the woods on Bowen Island.
288
00:17:41,990 --> 00:17:45,132
On the traditional and unceded
territories of the Squamish
289
00:17:45,192 --> 00:17:48,375
Nation, living, working, and
playing here carries with it a
290
00:17:48,395 --> 00:17:51,897
responsibility to understand the
history of this island and to
291
00:17:51,917 --> 00:17:54,979
keep learning what
reconciliation asks of us who
292
00:17:55,019 --> 00:17:55,860
now call it home.
293
00:17:56,601 --> 00:17:58,322
Thanks for listening. I'm Don
Schaefer.
