The speech I delivered at the Crofton All Candidates’ meeting hosted by the Crofton Community Centre Society, Wednesday evening, October 7th, 2026. A link to the recording of the meeting is posted here. I appear early on in the video at the 3:30 mark.
Good evening. I’m Derek Masselink. Thank you to the Crofton Community Centre Society for organizing this evening’s event. I want to acknowledge that we are meeting on the traditional and unceded territories of the Hul’qumi’num-speaking people.
My wife Michelle and I farm in Chemainus. I have a background in ecology, agriculture, landscape architecture, and planning and have spent 30 years working in British Columbia and the Island. I teach leadership, governance, and sustainability science at Royal Roads University.
This is the last all-candidates meeting before October 17th. During the campaign, I’ve learned a lot more about North Cowichan and Crofton. You have a rich history and identity that is much more than the mill or the BC Ferry terminal. But what happens with those sites matters – and will shape your future.
The campaign has also highlighted fundamental differences between candidates’ platforms and beliefs that will also shape your future.
Some firmly believe that growth is necessary and should be aggressively pursued. That guiding constraints laid out in our OCP and associated plans should be relaxed or removed. That growth and the economy should be prioritized and valued above everything else.
I don’t agree.
A healthy economy and community depend on a healthy environment. It’s not the other way around. These elements need to be carefully considered, ensuring that development, when it occurs, is done responsibly and generates meaningful long-term benefits for our communities and for Crofton.
Today we are once again facing a number of significant challenges. You need a council that represents your interests, who listens and involves you. And ensures that any future development involving the Mill site and BC Ferry terminal results in real and lasting benefits for Crofton.
This isn’t the first time Crofton has had to deal with industry and economic change. Your experience and advocacy remind us that development should be done in a manner that considers the needs of your entire community, improving its long-term health and wellbeing.
You’ve been clear that it’s important to you. I want you to know that I’ve heard you. It’s important to me.
We can do this. We can figure out how to make and do things better. On October 17th, choose a council that respects and reflects your values, is willing to work hard to protect your town, and is committed to the long-term.
I would be honoured to be on Council working with you and for you. Thank you.