My name is Tara Shushtarian, and I am a committed advocate for both environmental sustainability and social justice, with a diverse background in activism and community service.

My passion for creating positive change began during my college years in India, where I took part in significant social and environmental movements, including the renowned Chipko tree-hugger movement. Throughout my career as a copywriter, teacher, and mortgage consultant, I have always prioritized social equity through an environmental lens.

Since moving to Canada in 2002, I have immersed myself in numerous initiatives focused on climate action and social equity. Along with my colleagues at Force of Nature, an environmental NGO, we played a key role in Burnaby’s adoption of a Climate Emergency Plan in 2019. I currently serve my second term on the City of Burnaby’s Environmental Committee.

I am also a strong advocate for Indigenous rights, land titles, and reconciliation, firmly believing that social justice is inseparable from climate justice. My involvement with the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition and the All On Board transit campaign underscores my commitment to equity and accessible public services. But this is just the beginning—affordable housing, expanded health services, and equitable opportunities for business development are just some of the improvements I envision for my community.

In late 2021, I joined the Board of the New Westminster Film Society (NWFS), where we contributed to the annual New West Film Festival and curate films on environmental and social justice issues, including Indigenous rights. Our focus is to engage the community in meaningful dialogue through film.

Recently, I became a member of the South Asian Climate Action Roundtable, engaging in conversations about the impact of the fossil fuel industry on climate change and addressing concerns related to the agriculture industry. As Co-Chair of the West Coast Climate Action Network and an active participant in the Frack Free movement, I continue to push for a just transition to a green economy that benefits all communities.

My dedication to participatory democracy and proportional representation, as a director of Fair Vote Canada, further highlights my commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive future.

I thrive in diversity and would be deeply honoured to serve the vibrant community of New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville.