Meet Jenn Meilleur

Local government works best when people feel heard, decisions are grounded in good information, and elected officials are willing to listen carefully to perspectives that differ from their own. My approach to public service is grounded in compassion, creativity, transparency, evidence and respect for the dignity of the people and the environment affected by our decisions.

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I have more than 20 years of experience working in community development, sustainability and systems change across local, regional and provincial government and the non-profit sector. I’m currently Director of Programs and Impact at Ecotrust Canada, where I work with an incredible team on community-led approaches to building resilient local economies that support both people and the places they depend on.

Over the years, my work has taken me into food security, climate and sustainability, community engagement, community disaster recovery, and collaboration with First Nations and communities. I’m interested in how people work together to solve complex problems and build healthier, more resilient communities.

My own life and family experiences have given me a close view of economic insecurity, disability and neurodiversity, and the barriers people can face when systems are not designed with everyone in mind.  Those experiences have made me attentive to who is included, who is missing, and how the decisions we make affect people differently.

One of the things I value most about the last four years on Council is the work we have done on how we govern together. Our Council represents a wide range of political perspectives. From the beginning, we put effort into building a respectful working culture and making room for different ideas around the table.
 

Bridge-building is one of the strengths I bring to Council. I try to listen deeply, look for common ground, ask good questions and help create space for constructive conversations and practical solutions.

There have also been issues where I have disagreed strongly with the direction Council ultimately took. I believe part of good governance is being clear about those disagreements while continuing to work respectfully with the people around the table.

Outside of Council and work, I’m a parent to two amazing teens, partner to a wonderful husband, volunteer meditation teacher, trail runner, choir singer, knitter, and enthusiastic reader of books. I’m happiest when I can make time for family, friends, animals, nature and the people and activities that keep me connected, and in service, to this community.

I want Comox to be a community where people can thrive through every stage of life, where natural systems are cared for, where young people have opportunities and places of their own, where people with disabilities can participate fully, where arts and culture flourish, and where people have meaningful ways to shape the future of their community.