First elected in 2005, Jonathan X. Coté served three terms on New Westminster City Council before being elected as Mayor in 2014. As a New Westminster Councillor, Jonathan earned a reputation as a strong leader around issues such as transportation, our local economy and parks and recreation facilities. Jonathan has recently been appointed to several Metro Vancouver Committees and will serve as Vice Chair of the Regional Planning Committee, a member of the Housing Committee, the Mayors’ Committee, Performance and Procurement Committee and the Zero Waste Committee. He is also a member of the TransLink Mayors’ Council. During his time as a Councillor, he was Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee and co-Chaired the Master Transportation Committee.

Outside of council, Jonathan worked in the insurance industry as a Senior Injury Litigation Adjuster and also completed his Master’s Degree in Urban Studies at SFU. In his spare time, Mayor Coté enjoys New Westminster’s recreation facilities with his family and stays active cycling, swimming and playing tennis.

Karim Hachlaf

Karim Hachlaf is the Superintendent / CEO for New Westminster Schools. As an experienced educational leader, he oversees the operations of the entire school district and is committed to each student learning in a safe, engaging and inclusive environment. Through his work, Karim has developed strong relationships within the New Westminster community and is both excited and honored to bring his experience as a new Police Board member. In his spare time, Karim enjoys outdoor activities with his family.

Heather Boersma

Heather is an experienced leader who is driven by her passion to improve systems through innovative practices. She has had numerous leadership roles within the health authorities and the ministry of health. She is currently the Regional Director -Virtual Health at Vancouver Coastal Health in this role her work has focused on improving health care processes and patient experience through the use of technology. In her spare time, she enjoys pottery, swimming, and walks within her community.

Shirley Heafey

Shirley Heafey is currently a member of the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal – Vancouver/New Westminster 2017 – 2020. Working with police services and conducting civilian oversight has been a big part of her professional work. She spent 10 years as Chair of the RCMP Public Complaints Commission and another eight years as Public Complaint Director at the Calgary Police Commission as well as a member of the Alberta Human Rights Commission. She has practiced in Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa as a lawyer and mediator. She was appointed to the BC Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal and has just been re-appointed for another five years.