Carla Janis is one of 19 candidates running for councillor in the District of Mission.
Originally from Edmonton, Janis lived in the Lower Mainland from 1994-2004 after which she left to pursue a career in environmental science in Northern Alberta and more recently, her Master’s Degree in international-intercultural communications at Royal Rhodes university in Victoria.
In 2016, she embraced Mission as her new home.
Janis has never felt compelled to run for council in a community until she moved to Mission.
“Mission is a special place with so much potential. It is an exciting time to witness the growth in Mission but, we have to be cognizant of environmental stewardship as we grow,” she said.
Local business is also an issue she believes needs to be addressed.
“I think working towards having more of us being able to live and work in Mission is a realistic goal. We are starting to see businesses embrace our community in areas such as manufacturing, because they can see the potential that Mission has to offer and commuting has become so prohibitive for their employees.”
As a cancer survivor her drive to ensure proper healthcare for all residents of Mission is particularly important.
“I would like to see expanded healthcare in Mission. With our aging population, preparing for a maintaining our healthcare facilities, including assisted living is paramount.”
Janis is excited to see the revitalization of the downtown, “but I would like to extend this spirit in assisting those with addiction issues to get the help they need, which in essence ties into healthcare and safety for our families.”
In addition to Janis’ background in managing an environmental lab, she enjoyed a successful career in executive recruitment and continues to work in the film industry in the lower mainland. Her volunteer experience includes teaching inner-city kids in Vancouver drama at elementary schools.