Tell us about your skills and experience.
Hi, my name is Dr. Matt Dow and I am the former Corporate Officer (2024-25) of the Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District (District hereafter). I hold a PhD and MA in Political Science from York University, Toronto, with specializations in International Relations and Canadian Politics. Prior to my employment as a Corporate Officer, I was both Lecturer and Teaching Assistant at York University. I was also an assistant treasurer, union representative, and strike coordinator for CUPE 3903. I have substantial experience & knowledge of best standard governance and labour practices, bylaws, policies, budgets, and FOIs (Freedom of Information) and am familiar with both the inner workings of the District and Fire Department. Please also visit my website at: mattdow.ca for more information.
Why should I vote for you?
In the Sounder & on my website are analysis-driven and specific reasons why I think you should vote for me. I hope it is okay with the Chronicles’ Staff that I give a more sensitive-passionate response here. In all honesty, I believe the current Board should be celebrated for their achievements and accomplishments for adopting some good governance practices. Democracy and good governance practices are extremely messy and at times can flare up peoples’ very strong beliefs, but spirited debates and transparency are essential pillars of creating trust in any governing institution.
I think the current Board is at a crossroads between the Old-Way and New-Way.
The first path (the Old-Way) is to turn around and head back to an outdated anti-democratic, anti-transparency way with questionable financial practices. These practices have created resentment amongst many public members who are then forced to turn to the 2019 election lawsuit and the submission of FOI requests to get access to information they rightfully should be entitled to (See Trustee Mercier’s websites Ignorant Nonsense & gfpidiculous). I hope this is not the direction we are heading as it is far cheaper & easier for the Board to be transparent, as Professional Fees continue to escalate, being paid by your taxes. While Professional Fees, at times, are necessary, they do not contribute to helping the Volunteer Firefighters do their job in any capacity.
There are many free resources available to help the Board avoid these unnecessary Third-Party Contractors and Lawyers when it comes to properly conducting meetings, elections, to FOI requests, and so much more.
The direction of the District matters, especially for the Fire Department and its operation. Contrary to popular belief, there is no separation between the District and the Fire Department. The District creates the Fire Department through what is outlined and written in Bylaw 98, which is outdated. Furthermore, the Volunteer Firefighters have unionized which to me signals that they no longer have confidence or trust in the Board of Trustees and Management.
If a significant portion of the public and volunteer firefighters do not have confidence or trust in the Board of Trustees, I think it is time to try another path and elect new trustees.
The second path (New-Way) is to continue toward the road of good governance and attempt to mend the relationship between the Volunteer Firefighters and the Board. I think this is where my skills suit the position of Trustee.
- Democracy, Inclusion, & Governance Matter. I will try to expand the electoral franchise. I want to have special committees that include both volunteer firefighters and members of the public. I would also like to substantially change how the District conducts General, In-Camera, and Committee Meetings to make them more democratic, transparent, and in alignment with good governance practices.
- Transparency is the Pillar of Public Trust. I will attempt to persuade the Board to adopt more transparent practices such as making sure necessary financial and other information is always available. I will also try to discourage the Board from having any more secret meetings, third party hirings, lease agreements, contracts, mutual aid agreements, without the public consultation.
- Concrete Fiscal Responsibility. I will encourage the Board to adopt the Auditors’ suggestions that will make the District more financially secure and that there will be comprehensive, detailed, breakdown budgets, and financial Actuals reports. There is absolutely no need for a third Fire Chief.
- Respectful Structures for both District and Fire Department. I hope to persuade the Board to adopt clear & concise policies/guidelines for Trustees, clear & concise job descriptions for staff, and help implement a wide variety of necessary human resource policies & resources.
- Climate Change & the Long-Range Plan. I would like to have as much input as possible from ratepayers to local experts to make the Long-Range Plan into an actual plan and not just a shopping list at the ratepayers’ expense.
Please Vote For Me! Let’s Transform This Fire Improvement District Together from a ‘Fire Family’ to a Fire Community!
Learn more
Website: mattdow.ca
Email: use form on website
Meet and greets
April 16th from 5:00pm to 6:50pm, Gabriola Library
For all candidates, we recommend that those interested in their campaign
