UNA Elections 2024

The 2024 UNA Board of Directors election is scheduled to run from November 4 to 26.

The UNA Society Members will elect seven members to its Board of Directors.

Notice of Election

Candidates for Directors

Nine candidates have been nominated to run for the seven seats on the UNA Board of Directors. A list of the candidates and their statements is available below.

Ronald Bourgeois
Hampton Place
Eagle Glassheim
Wesbrook Place
Michael Kerns
Hawthorn Place
Yanbo (Paul) Li
Wesbrook Place
Evan Luo
Wesbrook Place
Rochelle Mazar
Wesbrook Place
Nidhi Raina
Wesbrook Place
Sandy Song
Hawthorn Place
Jake Wiebe
Hampton Place

Candidate Statements

I have been a resident of Hampton Place since 2006. I currently serve on the Council of West Hampstead Strata and have been its past President. A retired Chartered Accountant, my career was as a chief financial officer of several publicly listed companies.

My reasons for running for UNA Council are twofold: Fiscal responsibility and UBC’s controversial land use plan that provides for a density twice downtown Vancouver. The 2024-25 budgeted expenditures exceed $8.1 million a significant increase from $6.5 Million incurred in the 2023-24 fiscal year. Over the last 4 years expenditures have increased by 69%. UNA’s primary responsibility is to administer the Neighbours Agreement with UBC on our behalf. The purpose of this agreement is to provide municipal services to our neighbourhoods. There is a need to refocus the UNA Council on this mandate.

Although UBC Properties has developments on land they own in Arcadia, Wesbrook South and Stadium, their plan includes doubling the density of Hampton, Hawthorne, and Chancellor Places by 2050. This will require land assembly with established stratas years earlier. Certainty is required for the affected stratas for planning of renovations and individual owners need to know their future.

It is a pleasure and privilege to live and work on the traditional territory of the Musqueam people, at UBC, in the UNA neighbourhoods. This is a unique place, and the UNA plays a unique role as caretaker of our roads, parks, community centres, volunteer networks, summer camps, Zumba classes, local newspaper, and more. The UNA also represents resident interests with the University and Province. In my three years on the UNA Board, I have tried to guide UNA operations and to give voice to resident interests, with a focus on sustainability, community building, and quality of life in the neighbourhoods. As chair of the UNA’s Land Use Advisory Committee, I’ve advocated for more rental housing and green space in UBC’s Land Use Plan. As chair of the Newspaper Editorial Committee, I’ve supported the return of our community newspaper, The Campus Resident. As a gardener, a parent of teenagers, a dog person, a bird and tree lover, a bike commuter, and an aficionado of green urbanism, I’m committed to nurturing vibrant, green, and safe public spaces in our neighbourhoods.

I have been a UNA resident since moving to Vancouver in 2018 with my wife, Connor and oldest son Finn. Since living here, first in Wesbrook and now in the Hawthorn neighbourhood, we have welcomed our second son, Rowan into our lives. Currently, Finn is in third grade at Norma Rose Point, Rowan is in the UBC daycare program, Connor is a tenured faculty member in UBC’s Department of Psychology and I both work at UBC as a Chan Centre CUPE stagehand and am currently a full-time Masters student in UBC’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). Our lives are here on campus and the health of the University Neighbourhoods and the UNA is tantamount to our family’s current and future wellbeing. I hope to do what I can to serve the needs of this vibrant and growing community as a member of the UNA Board.

Among my priorities are equity and inclusion in the development of UBC neighborhoods and the UNA; increasing pedestrian and cyclist safety on our streets and pathways as well as expanding the network of dedicated pedestrian and cyclist pathways; and expansion of UNA recreational spaces as our neighborhoods continue to grow. I also would personally like to better get to know my neighbours, so would like to see more opportunities for both formal and informal social gatherings and engagement.

As a long-term Wesbrook Place resident and PhD student in Public Health at UBC, I’m deeply integrated into our community, experiencing daily challenges alongside my neighbors. My platform focuses on expanding UNA card privileges and enriching our community life through diverse, affordable events—ranging from cultural celebrations to health-focused workshops. I’ve actively contributed by speaking at community events like the Senior Afternoon Tea on respiratory health.

My commitment extends to enhancing public safety and convenience with pragmatic solutions to issues like parking, speeding, noise, and dog leash compliance. I leverage a data-driven approach to address transportation, public safety, and community engagement, ensuring decisions enhance our collective quality of life.

Additionally, as a Green Club eco-tour guide volunteer, I lead monthly treks and promote environmental education among student newcomers, neighbourhood residents, and seniors across Metro Vancouver. This role reflects my dedication to biodiversity, sustainability, and fostering multicultural understanding, crucial for nurturing cross-cultural ties within our diverse community.

Above all, I want to strengthen the bonds between students, new immigrants, and long-term residents by fostering open communication and collaboration. Together, we can build a more inclusive, connected, and supportive community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and well-being.

The UNA has been my home since 2010. During this time, I have earned a Master’s degree, raised two boys who now attending NRP school and built a career as data analyst, and pursued a career in education. I have also contributed in various capacities to several non-profit organizations, volunteering whenever there was a call. Over the past 14 years, I’ve witnessed the growth of our community and I am deeply committed to ensuring that UNA remains one of the most livable places for all residents.

Looking ahead, with UNA’s population projected to double by 2050, we must prioritize effective traffic management and road development, enhance safety and security, and optimize community facilities and activities to ensure that everyone feels included. I also believe in fostering our multicultural identity, as it embodies the very foundation of Canadian values.

I’m running for the UNA board because I am inspired by the promise of the neighbourhoods to be a place that put people first. I am a librarian, and a huge part of my work has been focused on designing and stewarding spaces where all people feel welcome, comfortable, and included. I am deeply invested in ensuring that we make space for the shared places that are necessary for a healthy community. There are so many ways we can do that: we can include places to throw pottery, or paint, or tinker with an engine; we can have spaces dedicated to reading and sharing, or for cooling down on a hot day. We can shape our space to make it easy to meet people and feel connected to our broader community. We can design outdoor spaces for maximum play potential, and for taking long walks without dodging traffic or encountering obstacles. Building an accessible, walkable, and amenity-rich neighbourhood includes ensuring we have great transit connecting us to the rest of UBC and Vancouver. The vision of what our neighbourhoods can be makes me want to do everything I can to help get us there.

As a UNA resident and volunteer for over 12 years, I am deeply committed to enhancing our community’s livability through sustainable practices. My vision is to create a thriving, inclusive environment where every resident feels connected and valued.

I have organized cultural events, like Diwali, to celebrate our diversity and strengthen community bonds. As an artist and designer with roots in South Africa and India, I believe art and culture are powerful tools for bringing people together. One of my most rewarding projects was collaborating with residents to create the recycled art mural at the Wesbrook Community Centre, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.

I am dedicated to listening to residents and ensuring that future development meets their needs. Many are seeking more opportunities to connect, better access to public transit, and affordable housing options. With careful planning, we can preserve the heart of our community while investing in green spaces and sustainable growth.

I am excited about the opportunity to represent you and to help shape a more welcoming, vibrant community where everyone can live, work, and thrive.

My name is Sandy Song. I have been a UNA resident in Hawthorn Place for 12 years. My goals as a member of UNA Board of Directors are to serve residents, engage communities and create belonging.

Serve Residents. Listen to the voice of residents and take action. Based on my work experience as a lawyer and a director of corporate and private banking, providing legal and financial services, I will promote the well-being of residents with regard to safety, recreation, communication, culture, and sustainability.

Engage Communities. My eight years of public services at City of Vancouver and Invest in Canada will help me to collaborate with UNA members, UBC, BC Government, Metro Vancouver and other entities to keep green space, add amenities, enhance access to UBC facilities, and increase community capacities.

Create Belonging. I’m proud of being a resident at our diverse and inclusive community, where I volunteered at U-Hill PAC, UNA Elections Advisory Committee, UNA Emergency Preparedness Committee and more. I’m looking forward to building a thriving and unique university society with you all.

Together, we can make our community an even better place to live. I hope to earn your vote to bring these goals to life.

As a 25 year resident of Hampton Place I am eager to join the board because I care about the future of our neighbourhood and am passionate about advancing the mission and vision of the UNA. With a solid background in finance and operations, I bring valuable skills and insights that align with the board’s strategic goals. My experience in fiscal management, in the corporate world, including governance within a Canadian and US registered charity, has prepared me to help drive meaningful change, foster innovation, and support growth.

As a committed professional, I have a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by organizations like this, and I am enthusiastic about collaborating with fellow board members to navigate them. I also value transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership, qualities I have consistently proven in my career and community work.

I look forward to contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of the UNA by providing strategic direction, advocating for its mission, and engaging in thoughtful decision-making processes. Being a part of this board will allow me to give back to a cause I care deeply about while leveraging my skills to make a positive impact.

Election Process

Electronic Voting
This election, UNA Society Members will be able to vote electronically using a secure online voting system. This system is designed to make voting simple and accessible from a phone, computer, or tablet, while also safeguarding the integrity and security of the election.

Election Package
As we transition to electronic voting, the UNA is providing a physical package of information on the election to bring awareness to this new process. This package will contain information on each candidate and instructions to access one’s voter ID and voting password and vote online. It will not contain each member’s unique voter ID and voting password – those credentials will only be accessible via email.

The election package will be mailed to all UNA Society Members who are registered by October 24. Anyone who signs up to become a UNA Society Member after October 24 can pick up an election package at the Wesbrook Community Centre at 3335 Webber Lane or view an electronic copy on this page.

Representation Across Neighbourhoods
In order for all neighbourhoods to be represented on the Board, in the event that more than three candidates who reside in a particular UNA neighbourhood or designated building receive the larger number of votes, the provisions in UNA Bylaw 5.18 will apply.

How to Vote
On November 4, UNA Society Members will receive an email with a voter ID and voting password, unique to each voter. Using a voter ID and voting password, a member can log on to the voting website to vote. Anyone who signs up to be a UNA Society Member from November 4 to November 22 will still receive an email with their voter ID and voting password within one business day. Anyone who signs up after November 22 will not be eligible to vote and will not receive an email to vote. Voting will close on November 26 at 4:30 p.m.

A copy of our voter guide is available below and is included in the mail-out election package.

Important Dates

Please note the dates of the deadlines and events related to this election below. The UNA will also announce all key information and events through the UNA Community Newsletter and by email to UNA Society Members.

  • September 20: Notice of election; call for nominations
  • October 4: Deadline to submit nominations; announcement of candidates
  • November 4: Voting period begins
  • November 14: All-Candidates Forum
  • November 22: Deadline to register as a UNA Society Member and be eligible to vote
  • November 26: Voting period ends; ballot counting; announcement of election results

Candidate Resources

For candidates or interested UNA Society Members, a list of candidate resources is provided below. The UNA encourages candidates to review all of the listed resources.

FAQ

  • Why are we not using paper ballots anymore?

    At the 2023 UNA Annual General Meeting, the UNA Society Members voted to change the UNA Bylaws to require that voting in an election take place online. This decision was preceded by a community-wide consultation process, during which an overwhelming percentage of participants were in favour of replacing paper ballot voting with electronic voting.

  • Is this online voting system safe to use?

    Yes, the online voting system is safe to use. It is designed with reliable and effective cybersecurity and data privacy measures to minimize the risk of voter fraud, security breaches, and other malfeasance. Your voters are kept anonymous and safe. Simply Voting, the provider of this system, has worked with other governments, associations, and businesses to successfully conduct their elections.

  • How do I register to vote?

    To be eligible to vote, you must sign up to be a UNA Society Member.

    If you are a UNA Society Member by November 22, you will receive an email with your voter ID and voting password. If you sign up to be a UNA member after November 22, you will not be eligible to vote in this election.

  • I have a UNA Card/UNA Account. Does this mean I can vote?

    You must be a UNA Society Member in order to vote.

    The UNA Card allows cardholders to receive benefits related to certain facilities managed by the UNA, UBC, and the Vancouver Public Library. However, registering for a UNA Card does not automatically register you as a UNA member.

    The UNA Account allows users to access various UNA services, such as signing up for UNA recreation programs. However, creating a UNA Account does not automatically register you as a UNA Society Member.

  • I signed up to be a UNA Society Member on/after November 4. Will I still receive an email with my voter ID and voting password?

    Yes, as long as you are signed up by November 22, you will still receive an email with your credentials within one business day following your registration. For example, if you register on Friday, November 22, you should receive an email with your credentials by Monday, November 25.

  • I recently changed my email address/I do not have access to an email address. Can I still vote? 

    If you recently changed your email address, please ensure you have updated the email address associated with your UNA Account.

    An email address is required to sign up to be a UNA Member and vote in this election. If you do not have access to an email address, you will need to create one in order to sign up to be a UNA Society Member and vote in this election.

     

  • I do not own a device that can access the internet (e.g. laptop, smartphone, tablet). Can I still vote?

    Yes, you can still vote. Kiosks will be available during weekdays for you to vote. With your unique voter ID and voting password handy, visit one of the kiosks at either of the following locations to cast your ballot:

    • Wesbrook Community Centre at 3335 Webber Lane
    • Old Barn Community Centre at 6308 Thunderbird Boulevard
  • I did not receive a mail-out election package. Can I still vote?

    Yes, you can still vote. As long as you are registered as a UNA Society Member by November 22, you will receive an email containing your voter ID and voting password to vote.

    The mail-out election package only contains information in paper-form on each candidate and instructions to find one’s voter ID and voting password and vote online. You can pick up a copy at the Wesbrook Community Centre, the Old Barn Community Centre, or the UNA Main Office. You can also find an electronic copy on this page.

  • I cannot find my voter ID and/or voting password. Can I receive a new one?

    Please contact elections@myuna.ca with the subject line “2024 ELECTION LOST CREDENTIALS”.

  • Why am I being contacted by candidates?

    The UNA is required by the Societies Act to keep a register of members that includes the name of each member, and the contact information provided by each member. In accordance with section 24(1) of the Societies Act, UNA Society Members have the right to inspect the register of members. However, section 25(1) permits the board of directors to restrict the members’ right to inspect the register of members. Despite this, section 25(7) allows a member to inspect, copy, and use the register of members only in connection with, amongst other activities, an effort to influence the voting of members.

    During its meeting on July 20, 2021, the UNA Board approved the following two resolutions, restricting access to the register of UNA Society Members:

    • THAT the Board confirm, in accordance with Section 25 (1) of the Societies Act, that members’ right to inspect the UNA’s register of members is restricted on the basis that inspection would be harmful to the UNA and to the privacy and other interests of its members.
    • THAT the Board further resolve that a candidate for election to the UNA Board (each a “Candidate”) may, upon application under section 25(3) of the Societies Act, be granted, temporary possession and use of electronic information containing a copy of the members’ register, listing each member and their name, mailing address, email and phone number, if available, on condition that: (a) the electronic information will be returned to the UNA within three days of the end of the election; (b) the members’ information will only be used for the purposes of legitimate election campaigning; and (c) all electronic and paper copies of the members’ information will be deleted promptly upon the conclusion of the election.

    To comply with the Societies Act, the UNA cannot accept requests from UNA Society Members to opt-out of having their name and contact information shared with candidates in the 2024 UNA Board of Directors Election.

  • Why is this election being held separately from the Annual General Meeting (AGM)?

    In a previous version of the UNA Bylaws, elections were held on the same schedule as the AGMs. The change in timing for elections is necessitated by: (1) the requirement in the UNA Bylaws that the AGM be held by September 30 of each calendar year; and (2) the timing of each step of the election process being specified in the UNA Bylaws. The change in timing avoids the need for the election to begin in the middle of the summer.