Originally aired October 18, 2022.
Our Earnscliffe team and special guests Jonathan Coté, Elizabeth Model and Erin Seeley reviewed the results of the 2022 civic election in Metro Vancouver and examined what’s in store for local governments in the region over the next four-year term. We also took viewers’ questions in real time.
Panelists
Naseam Ahmadi
Moderator
Anna Lilly
Principal, Earnscliffe Strategies
Anna Lilly is a Principal at Earnscliffe Strategies in Vancouver, with 25 years of experience in media, government and communications. Anna specializes in local government affairs, having worked with and for municipal and regional governments to support the development of critical infrastructure, public transit and housing. In the private sector, Anna has led a variety of communications and public affairs initiatives for clients in the transportation, healthcare, natural resources, recycling, retail and real estate sectors. Prior to being a public affairs consultant, Anna was a journalist and worked in communications in the tech sector and at the City of Vancouver.
Jonathan Coté
Former Mayor of New Westminster and Chair of the Mayors’ Council
Jonathan Coté was first elected in 2005 and served three terms on New Westminster City Council before being elected as Mayor in 2014 and 2018. As chair of the TransLink Mayors’ Council, Metro Vancouver’s Regional Planning Committee and the New Westminster Police Board, Jonathan has earned a reputation as a strong leader around issues such as transportation, affordable housing and urban planning. Outside of his work in local government, Jonathan supports the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation and is a member of their Redevelopment Steering Committee. He holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Studies/Planning at Simon Fraser University and worked as a litigation adjuster in the insurance industry.
Elizabeth Model
CEO, Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association
Elizabeth Model has a strong and diverse business background in a variety of industries, currently holding the position of CEO for the Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association, where she is contributing to the new buildout of Surrey City Centre. Previously, she was general manager for a land development company, executive director of the Tri Cities Chamber of Commerce, and was owner/operator of tourism and retail businesses. Elizabeth is also an elite athlete, as the first woman to compete in every Ironman Triathlon event in the world.
Erin Seeley
CEO, YWCA Metro Vancouver
Erin Seeley was appointed CEO of YWCA Metro Vancouver in June 2022. She oversees a team delivering supportive and compassionate programs and services, and advocating for systemic change to empower women, gender-diverse people and families. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President of Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at the BC Financial Services Authority, CEO of the Real Estate Council of BC, and senior leadership roles with the Government of BC. Erin holds a BA in Political Science and Hispanic Studies from the University of Victoria and an MA in International Studies from Simon Fraser University.
