VICTORIA B.C. – The B.C. Green Party is pleased to announce the nomination of Arzeena Hamir as the candidate for the Courtenay-Comox riding. Leader Sonia Furstenau enthusiastically welcomed Hamir to the team ahead of a community event taking place on Friday in Courtenay.
"We are thrilled to have Arzeena as our candidate for Courtenay-Comox,” said Furstenau. “Arzeena has been a dedicated community leader for decades, and her passion for positive change is evident in her extensive contributions as an organic farmer, as well as her work with Young Agrarians, Comox Valley Community Health Network, and many more community boards. She will be an exceptional representative for the people of Courtenay-Comox and a powerful advocate for B.C. Green values. "
As an agronomist, Arzeena’s career focus has always been the sustainability and well-being of communities. She founded the Mid Island Farmers Institute, helped set up the Comox Valley Organic Cooperative, and sits on multiple agricultural advisory boards.
Hamir shared her perspective on her decision to leave the B.C. NDP and run for the B.C. Green Party: "Like so many British Columbians, I have hoped and waited for the B.C. NDP to make the right choices for our children's futures. They haven't delivered. I know that, as a B.C. Green MLA, I can make a real difference on issues like healthcare, affordable housing, and real climate action in this riding. The Comox Valley needs a strong voice in Victoria, not a Victoria voice in the Comox Valley.”
“I’m no stranger to advocating for what is best for my community,” added Hamir. “Before moving to Vancouver Island, I spearheaded a ban on the use of cosmetic pesticides and GMO in the City of Richmond, as well as supporting the creation of a number of community gardens and food literacy programs. It’s so important to me that our communities, no matter their size, can trust that their MLA is looking out for their well-being and finding sustainable solutions to the most pressing issues. I want to be that MLA for Courtenay-Comox.”
“Residents of the Comox Valley deserve an MLA who listens to them and brings their voice to Victoria. Arzeena has a keen understanding of the issues facing her community and is already a strong advocate for positive change. Her track record as a Regional Director and her experience serving the community on multiple committees makes her the ideal candidate, and a force for change in this region. I look forward to working closely with her in the legislature.”
Creating Community Connections event
|
WHAT: |
Community event to announce CRC candidate. |
|
WHO: |
|
|
WHEN: |
Friday, November 17 at 5:00 PM PT Sonia and the Candidate Arrive at 5:45 PM |
|
WHERE: |
Native Sons Hall, 360 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay |
|
EVENT INFO: https://www.bcgreens.ca/creating_community_connections |
|
Arzeena Hamir Biography
Arzeena Hamir is a business owner and organic farmer in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, where she has lived with her family for over a decade. Arzeena and her family operate Amara Farm, a 25-acre certified organic farm in Courtenay.
As an agronomist, her career focus has always been the sustainability and well-being of communities.
She received her BSc in Crop Science and her Master’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of London, England. After graduation, she worked internationally with small-scale farmers in Jamaica, India, Thailand, and Bangladesh.
Hamir was the staff agronomist with West Coast Seeds from 1997-99, taught soil management at the University of British Columbia, was the Coordinator for the Richmond Food Security Society from 2008-2012, and helped launch the Richmond Farm School with Kwantlen Polytechnic University in 2010.
In 2018, Hamir was elected to municipal office, where she represented her community for 4 years as Director for Area B and Vice Chair on the Board of the Comox Valley Regional District.
Arzeena Hamir currently sits on the following Boards/Committees:
- Young Agrarians (Chair)
- Farmers For Climate Solutions (Farm Advisory Committee)
- Mid Island Farmers’ Institute
- Immigrant Welcome Center’s Welcoming Communities Coalition
- Comox Valley Community Health Network
- Comox Valley Broadcasting Society (CVOX)
- Comox Valley Food Policy Council
- Comox Valley Arts
- National Farmers Union Land Working Group
- 30 -
Media contact
+1 778-650-0597
[email protected]