Rachel A. Blaney was elected as the Member of Parliament for the North Island-Powell River electoral district on October 19, 2015

Building on her background as an award-winning non-profit professional, Rachel Blaney was elected in 2015 as Member of Parliament for North Island—Powell River.

Rachel has lived and worked on the Island for over 20 years. She has worked as an employment officer for the Homalco First Nation and, until her election, as Executive Director of the Immigrant Welcome Centre. The Centre grew seven-fold under her leadership, expanding services throughout the North Island—and twice winning the Chamber of Commerce’s Not-for-Profit of the Year award.

Rachel is constantly seeking new ways to help make Island communities stronger and more welcoming. Highlights include her ­­work on the Conference Board of Canada’s Leadership Roundtable on Immigration and on the Campbell River Social Planning Committee.

Rachel is a passionate advocate for responsible development that helps smaller communities thrive. She believes we can build a stronger local economy by supporting small business, protecting our environment and engaging in meaningful dialogue with First Nations.

Rachel’s husband is a former Chief and current Council member of the Homalco First Nation. Together, they are the proud parents of three children. With two beautiful grandchildren, and a third on the way, they are committed to building a Canada we can be proud to leave to the next generation.