Ms. Chrest, appointed by the Minister of Transport, is a seasoned lawyer with expertise in dispute resolution and mediation with experience understanding complex legislation and strategic policy. She is also greatly involved in our community. Highlights of her current community involvement include:

• Director of the Alberni Valley Hospice Society
• Member of the Alberni-Clayoquot Advisory Planning Committee
• Vice-Chair of the National News Media Council

Additionally, Ms. Chrest has been the Chair of the BC Press Council; Co-Chair of the Provincial Child Care Council; and Director of West Coast LEAF.

Mr. Cook is very well-known in Port Alberni and throughout the region for his work on behalf of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations and as a volunteer for many community groups. Some highlights of Mr. Cook’s success and community involvement includes:

• Elected Chief Councillor of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations (2011-2015)
• Creating a positive working relationship and development of a Protocol Agreement between the Huu-ay-aht First Nations and PAPA to collaborate on the development of the proposed Port Alberni Transshipment Hub (PATH)
• Negotiating an agreement with Steelhead LNG to explore an LNG plant and shipping port within Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ Treaty Settlement Lands
• Recording Secretary, Port Alberni Toy Run Society
• Director, Alberni Community Women’s Society

Mr. Haggard has a vast array of construction experience with a number of marine and industrial-related projects. Examples of such projects include:

• Development of new container terminal at Centerm in Vancouver
• Installation of site services for Vancouver Ship Yard in North Vancouver
• Construction of a Reef Point Marina in Port Moody

Throughout his career in construction management Mr. Haggard has liaised with Ministry of Environment, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, First Nations, Coast Guard and various municipal officials.

Mr. Jonsson is a well-known Port Alberni businessman, having owned a General Motors dealership for 27 years. During his involvement with the dealership Mr. Jonsson led the construction of a larger, new facility that is still operating today and served as a director on the General Motors British Columbia Marketing Advisory Board. He was actively involved in a number of community volunteer activities such as:

• 20 years’ experience with Sproat Lake Fire Department
• City of Port Alberni Harbour Quay Committee
• BC Assessment Court of Revision
• Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce

Ms. Dick is a member of the Tseshaht First Nation and has been appointed by the Province of BC. She brings her vision to continue the work of creating a brighter future for the community and future generations. Ms. Dick believes that through more community engagement she will be able to work towards common goals and visions on behalf of Tseshaht people. As the proud mother of a young daughter she holds value in creating a better place for future generations as her highest motivation.

In addition to her cultural and professional perspectives, Ms. Dick’s formal education includes a degree in Sociology and Psychology and Certificate in Management Skills for Supervisors from Vancouver Island University which contributes a unique perspective to board discussions.

Mr. Elias, appointed to the Board by the City of Port Alberni, is well-known locally as the Vice Chair of the Air Quality Society and President of the Marine Rescue Society. Furthermore, he has an impressive background in the marine, transportation and resource management sectors with a PhD and an MBA from the University of British Columbia. With a focus on sustainability, Dr. Elias has conducted a number of important studies and participated in numerous initiatives within these sectors including:

• Marine sector academic research for Port of Vancouver, the cruise industry and the Neptune undersea project
• Strategic advisor on sustainable energy for Blue Energy Canada tidal generation corporation
• Founding of Canada’s National Cycling Federation and initiated the current National Active Transportation Strategy
• Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games’ Transportation Demand Management (TDM) study and transportation action plan
• Produced many trucking studies, conferences, and technical and keynote talks, on the future of transportation
• North American Super Corridor Coalition (NASCO)