Don Kattler’s councillor candidate biography
I was born and raised in Victoria, BC and have lived on Vancouver Island my entire life. I am the father of 2 amazing children, Naomi, 23 and Zachary, 20. I have been an honoured guest on the unceded traditional territory of the Kwakiutl the last 4 years.
I am running to bring renewed energy and diversity to the District of Port Hardy Council. I am a hardworking person who loves this community and cares deeply about our most important resource, the people. I am running for three reasons:
1. To improve the quality of life for all members of the community.
2. Invest in the community’s future by addressing the current housing crisis.
3. To build on the existing foundation of talents and abilities in our community to facilitate community economic development.
I have 20 years professional experience in corporate and non-profit financial management, including spending over 10 years with Oak Bay Marine Group including being the Head Financial Accountant. My non-profit work convinced to follow my passion of social advocacy and as a life-long learner I returned to school in 2013. In 2018 I was honoured to be recognized by Camosun College and was awarded the Promising Alumni Award.
With years of hard work and community service, I believe it is time for new energy and change in our municipal government. I have worked directly with community members in Port Hardy over the last 4 years in my professional capacity with Island Health, Ministry of Children and Family Development and Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre. I have listened to the concerns and ideas of community members and if elected I am committed to having those messages heard.
I believe this election is about the future of our community. We need to keep our community moving forward. If elected I will continue bring my passion and energy to make our community a vibrant, healthy and safe place for everyone.
Current Community and Professional Work:
- Board of Directors, Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness
- Co-Chair, Community Consultative Committee, District of Port Hardy
- Mt. Waddington Health Network, Table of Partners
- Mt. Waddington Wellness and Safety Committee
- Keynote Speaker – Western Cities Innovating to Reduce Poverty Conference
- Presenter – National Rural and Remote Homelessness and Housing Conference
- Family Consultant, BC Poverty Initiative, Ministry of Children and Family Development
- Housing First Coordinator, Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre