Qualicum Beach voters return to the polls on May 15 for a byelection to fill the vacant council slot left after Adam Walker was elected MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. The PQB News asked each of the five registered candidates to submit short bios. A question-and-answer feature will also appear closer to election day.
Jean Young
Jean Young has been a resident and business owner in Qualicum Beach for more than 25 years. She raised three children in this community and her experience as a parent, business owner and active volunteer has given her a deep understanding of the issues that face the town.
“It is often the concerns of my fellow citizens and other local business owners that motivates me to pursue positive, supportive actions,” said Jean. “As an owner-operator of a downtown business, it is in this busy hub where I hear first-hand about the concerns of my fellow Qualicum residents. I have made it my priority to listen and to care but most importantly, to take action relative to their concerns.”
A few years ago, after folks voiced the need for local artists to showcase and sell their work, Jean spearheaded the formation of a non-profit society to operate a regular summer uptown market on 2nd Avenue. Participation was free to all local artisans and the weekly event also showcased local musicians. The market operated for several summers in Qualicum Beach until 2020. It will hopefully be back post-COVID. She also gives of her time by serving on the boards of the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce, Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association and Oceanside Women’s Business Network collaborating with people from across the community to realize the shared visions of Qualicum Beach and Oceanside.
READ MORE: Five candidates enter byelection for councillor slot in Qualicum Beach
“I’m excited the town is working with the Chamber of Commerce to capture the identity of Qualicum Beach through the current branding project. And it’s gratifying to see various organizations offering help to local businesses and individuals as we all navigate these challenging times,” says Jean.
In response to concerns from many elder residents in the community, Jean recently reached out to Gord Johns, to ask him to lobby parliament to increase Canada’s Old Age Security and lower the income threshold for Guaranteed Income Supplement for low-income seniors all of whom are struggling with the rising cost of living.
“In the last general election, a key issue was affordable housing for young and old as well as supportive housing for those with health concerns,”(vancouver.ca/people-programs/supportive-housing)
“I would also like to see green building principles incorporated into future building and development guidelines. We live in a beautiful place and we need to look to future developments to keep it that way.”
Jean has a deep respect and love of our community and is an active supporter of several of our wonderful volunteer agencies including 100 Women Who Care, Haven House, Rotary, Legion, Grandmothers to Grandmothers, Aldea Maya, Society of Organized Services, Shriners, Qualicum Beach Cat Rescue, QB Senior Centre, St. Stephen’s Church, and of course our local schools.
“I am non-partisan, and have no political affiliations, or aspirations other than to serve our town. I promise to be a caring, committed, and collaborative councillor, to work hard for you, and to stay true to the values of this unique and exceptional community. I am here for you; I will hear you!”
Email: jeanyoung52@gmail.com