The City of Vancouver has elected Mike Klassen – high profile, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA), VP, Public Affairs – to City Council. Klassen, will be sworn in alongside the City’s new Mayor, Ken Sim, and a Better City (ABC) majority. This follows a landslide win by the party, with Klassen receiving 65,586 votes, making him the fourth most popular Councillor hopeful on the ballot.
BCCPA and EngAge BC would like to express our sincerest congratulations to Mike, who has been a valued colleague and friend to those at the Association, and across the sector.
Over more than six years with the Association, Mike has been well known by members of government at all levels and all affiliations, acting as a trusted stakeholder and influencing policy in the senior living and care sector. Mike has led the Association to be recognized for its thought leadership and to be sought after by local and national media for their views on a range of issues relating to Canada’s continuing care sector.
One of Mike’s most significant accomplishments has been his management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking on the role of Acting CEO during the worst days of the global health crisis and at the most challenging time in the sector’s history, Mike ensured that BCCPA was a stalwart champion for operators, those working on the front lines, seniors needing care and for the family members and friends who support them. As a result, his efforts have been looked to by similar associations across the country.
As a Board member of the Canadian Association of Long-Term Care (CALTC) Mike also plays a key role in the sector’s federal advocacy. Through CALTC, and BCCPA Mike has brought the government and the public’s attention to one of the most significant issues facing the province – the health human resource crisis.
Mike will be a notable addition to Vancouver’s City Council as a valued representative for his constituents as well as a huge supporter of age-friendly community planning. You can continue to follow him through his social media on Twitter and LinkedIn. We wish him the best of luck as he takes on this remarkable role!
