My opening and closing statements to the Cowichan Community Social Service Consortium All Candidates’ meeting held at the Moose Road Hall on Thursday, September 24th, 2026. A recording of the meeting has been posted by the organizers on YouTube.
My opening statement:
Good evening. Thank you to the organizers who have convened this event. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Derek Masselink. My wife Michelle and I live and farm in Chemainus. I have a background in ecology, landscape design and planning, and agrology. I’ve spent most of my 30 year career working here in BC and on the Island. I currently teach leadership, governance and sustainability science at Royal Roads University.
I grew up in a household where public service was held in high regard – that our communities and society are made better through acts of public service.
That public service is best delivered by an ecosystem of providers – of which non-profits play an essential role. And when well-funded and supported – are able to respond and deliver in ways that government and the private sector can’t.
That a healthy environment and planet are necessary for high functioning, equitable and stable social economic systems.
These days this all feels like it’s under threat. We’re facing an increasing number of crises that are challenging our communities and institutions in ways we couldn’t have imagined a few short years ago. It is expected that this will continue and possibly get worse.
And while I don’t have any immediate answers to address this, I do have some ideas. I also fundamentally believe that strong, resilient communities are made up of strong, capable and involved people.
With all of the important work you have been doing here, in this place, across so many areas, for so many years, I’m looking forward to hearing your ideas and suggestions.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your thoughtful questions.
And my closing statement:
Thank you again to the organizers of this event. Sessions like this give me hope. One of the benefits of standing for office is that you develop a more complete understanding of your community. You see the brilliant work being done and by whom.
You also start seeing the challenges, which are significant and growing.
One challenge requiring our collective attention and imagination is food security. Our Municipality has started work on a Food and Agriculture Strategy. Together we have an opportunity to work together on the development and implementation of a plan that reflects who we are, addressing our needs, embodying our brilliance, helping make this place and our lives better and more resilient.
Thank you again for this opportunity. I look forward to your support on October 17.