Community People Profiles for Elections is a series on the Salt Spring Exchange featuring local personalities on our dynamic Gulf Island who are running for local office. Our People Profiles are short interviews, with one answer questions to share with you a little about what each of the people we will feature are thinking about as they go about their lives living on Salt Spring Island and as they run their respective election campaigns.

This weeks featured local election people profile is: Christine Grimes

Here's a bit about Christine:

Part of my plan in becoming an RMT (Registered Massage Therapist) was to have a bifurcated career, because it is the kind of work that is physically very challenging to do full time and I have a degree from Emily Carr and wanted to be developing a creative practice with a sense of purpose. However, the vibrancy of this community grabbed my attention and supported my passion for environmental and social justice.

It was the Save the Salish Sea Town Hall in Fulford, organized by the Wilderness Committee and Georgia Straight Alliance that really got me involved. As the speakers presented facts about pipelines carrying diluted bitumin in supertankers the size of the Empire State Building right through the Salish Sea, reminding us of the Exxon spill and 2100 km of dead coastline, otters, fish, nudibranchs and birds, I was not the only one in the room with tears in my eyes. As I noticed the sincerity and concern of the people around me I felt a sense of solidarity, a feeling I have shared with countless others on this island since then. Actively working towards a better way of living on this planet at the same time as protecting the things that need it has brought a lot of balance to my life. It feels so amazing to live in a community with people that are so passionate, creative, caring and active.

What brought you to Salt Spring Island?

There are many reasons, but one of the most potent was learning that this constituency had elected Elizabeth May. It was because of that I knew that this community would share many of my core values. I had spent three years in Ontario searching for a rural community that shared my values, where I would feel happy to commit to building a practice, raising a family, and building meaningful relationships with the land and community. I miss my family in Ontario, (who love to visit, of course) but I don't miss Ontario! I am so grateful to be here.

What one thing about Salt Spring would you tell someone who has never visited the island?

The events are constant and impressive. If you want to see the vibrant spirit of the Salt Spring community then find a dance floor; they are wild and packed with people from age one to ninety letting loose with big smiles all around. I once shared the dance floor with this 60 year old man that could jump into the splits; that is unique. Dance is meaningful here on Salt Spring and it is a true gift that this community offers.

If you had a magic Salt Spring wand, what island thing would you change?

I would magically heal all of the water. The more I learn about water, from well known academics like Maude Barlow or from local community groups organizing to help watersheds and shore lines, the more concerned I am about water. Water, like air, does not recognize lot boundaries or governmental jurisdictions so improving water quality requires real commitment, education, collaboration and respect.

Which well known person, living or dead, do you think would be a good addition to the island?

I think that Nicola Tesla would be an asset; on a practical level he could bring us energy independence and make electric motors more affordable for everyone. I would have said Bill Mollison and David Holmgren but we already have so many fantastic permaculturalists here!

Which elected position are you seeking?

Islands Trust Trustee

Why should Salt Springers vote for you?

My vision for Salt Spring is aligned with the Official Community Plan, a guide that was developed through intensive collaboration with the community, more then any other OCP in British Columbia. I am impressed by its wisdom and foresight. Working towards true sustainability through conservation, community engagement and the promotion of green culture are high priorities in the OCP and I am a interested in collaborating with organizations and entrepreneurs that are invested in Salt Spring's local, artistic, and organic culture.

I realize that some people might have concerns about my level of experience. That is fair, still I feel that my strengths and unique perspective are very valuable, and, talking with younger people on this island, I do share a lot of the same concerns that I believe should be represented. In the past year a half I have been building a Registered Massage Therapy practice, with the generous support of my colleagues, and know the challenges of running a business. I have also been quite involved in the community, training in community organizing and leadership with the Dogwood Initiative, organizing with the Save the Salish Sea (Salt Spring) group, being a director and volunteer for Transition Salt Spring, and helping to organize the first direct actions and rally for Grace Islet. I stand up for my values and I will stand up for the community.

Values and skills that I would bring to the Trust:

Respect: I have true respect for every persons perspective. My training and experience as a therapist and as a mental health worker gives me the communication skills that are essential in mediating some of the more challenging aspects of political work and I won't shut people out of the process. I strive to be inclusive of different cultures, perspectives as well as the voice of the ecosystems that surround us.

Resilience: I care deeply about how we can gracefully adapt to a changing world. Climate justice, food security, water security, non-violent communication, inclusiveness and following a green economic path are ways that we are adapting and should be embraced. The OCP was reviewed a few years ago the bylaws need to be updated to reflect those changes; recognizing climate change as a present reality to adapt to is crucial.

Sustainability: The Islands Trust mandate and the Official Community Plan were created with wisdom, foresight, and thoroughness. Prioritizing low-impact developments, green economy, and community participation is important to leaving a legacy rather than an impact.

Is there a really good interview question we should have asked you?

Any favourite quotes?

How would you have answered your question?

There is a man I met through my work with the Grace Islet group that wears a t-shirt saying "Todos iguales, todos diferentes," which means "all equal, all different." It represents a way of being that requires compassion, open-mindedness, humility and self awareness. These are qualities that decision makers should value and uphold for themselves because it is a truly democratic perspective. I really believe in that and would also really like to have one of those t-shirts!

Editorial note: We will feature all local candidates running for all elected positions equally who are interested in being featured on the Salt Spring Exchange. We have attempted to contact all candidates. If you are running for election and you would like to be featured in the Salt Spring Exchange people profile for elections, please contact us.