5 minute read
KELLY GREENE
It was a busy end of summer for Richmond-Steveston MLA (2020 to 2024) Kelly Greene as she maximized family time, prepared her three kids to return to school and campaigned for the October 19 B.C. provincial election. Kelly says, “I knocked on a lot of doors over the summer and got to talk to many people about things that matter to them.”
Kelly is committed to making her constituency and province a better place to live.
Her values stem back to her childhood. Kelly recalls her early days as a Girl Guide when she learned to leave this world a little better than you found it. She has upheld this philosophy, which she has passed along to her children, who mirror her capacity to care for others and the planet.
Born at Richmond Hospital, Kelly has lived in Richmond most of her life. Her early days in Steveston are filled with fond memories. She remembers hanging out with friends and having adventures in this safe and closeknit community, which she believes has not changed much.
She attended Diefenbaker Elementary and Hugh Boyd Secondary. She laughs when she reports, “I was a founding member of Hugh Boyd’s store, which was like a mini 7-11.” The student-run concession sold candy and juice and operated out of the old football changeroom.
Kelly savours time at home with her husband and children.
Her work frequently takes her away from home, and Kelly makes their time together count. She says, “I could not do my job without my husband, my parents and my support network.”
Her family’s favourite activities include jumping on their bikes and heading off to Steveston Bakery for cookies or having lunch at Kari House restaurant. Another cherished summer pastime is heading out with buckets to pick blackberries. They also love to visit the docks at Fisherman’s Wharf to choose a salmon for dinner. Kelly says, “It’s a good way to understand where food comes from.”
Kelly got her start in politics in 2016, when sixteen Richmond elementary schools, including her children’s school, were identified for potential closure. Kelly began connecting and advocating with other parents to save the schools.
“I became a parent leader to keep the schools open and get them seismically repaired. At that time, I felt like the government was not investing in our community and that kids and parents deserved better. It has been a full circle moment; some of the schools we succeeded in keeping open have now been seismically updated.”
“I am excited to see a significant investment in projects like the upcoming Diefenbaker Elementary rebuild. It is vital that these upgrades take place as schools would be community hubs should an earthquake occur. These projects are dear to my heart.”
Kelly’s education advocacy led to her involvement in civic politics. In 2018, she ran for city council and was elected. In 2020, she entered provincial politics and was elected MLA for Richmond-Steveston.
There have been many accomplishments during her four years in office, including investing in seniors’ long-term care homes, such as the imminent rebuilding of Lions Manor on the original Fentiman Place site.
“A lot of people are anxious for Lions Manor to return. There will be 58 new beds for a total of 144 beds, and 14 hospice beds, of which there is a serious shortage in Richmond.”
She believes continued work needs to take place to protect and restore the Fraser River Estuary, as we depend on it for our livelihood. She is proud of the Richmond Hospital redevelopment project that is well underway.
When we come together as a community, we can make a real difference.
“I am community driven. Because I live in the riding, the things that affect my neighbours affect me. It makes me a better advocate.”
Kelly mentions that it has been a challenging four years with the pandemic, climate change and global inflation.
“I am proud of our progress, but there’s more to do, and that is why I have chosen to run again. I am committed to continuing to be responsive to emerging needs. I do not want to see this province go back to the days of slashing services.”
“I think a lot about the future and what I can do to make the world a better place. I feel a real responsibility to make my kids proud and have them say you did a good job. There is a lot at stake as an MLA. I feel a responsibility to make things better for people. It is important to care for each other. We are all connected. And when you can help, you should.”
Authorized by Financial Agent Leslie McFarland (604) 284-4242
Story by Sarah Gordon (Sept 2024) @PALLAMEDIA
