They may still in the future!
Biography
Growing up playing Coquitlam Minor Hockey helped Kaden develop a strong connection to his community and the people around him.
Kaden studies Psychology at Simon Fraser University and also has a background in Criminology. He has developed a strong interest in psychology, research, public safety, and social policy. He enjoys researching issues, considering different perspectives, and looking at evidence to understand why problems exist and whether the solutions being used are actually working.
Kaden has experience working in security and public safety, including FIFA operations and on-call assignments at various sites and events. His work has placed him in high-stress environments where he has responded to emergencies, assisted people when their health or safety was at risk, conducted wellness checks, and responded to situations involving mental-health concerns. These experiences have taught him the importance of remaining calm, listening to people, communicating clearly, and de-escalating difficult situations.
His involvement in politics and public service began before his own candidacy. Since 2019, Kaden has volunteered on federal election campaigns and helped at local community events alongside a Member of Parliament. These experiences gave him an opportunity to become involved in the political process and connect with people in his community.
As a young candidate, Kaden believes younger generations should have a voice in decisions that will shape their future. He is particularly interested in education because the young people learning today will eventually become the leaders of tomorrow. At the same time, he believes younger generations have much to learn from the knowledge, skills, and experiences of those who came before them.
Kaden believes good representation starts with listening. He wants to hear what residents have to say, research the issues they raise, consider different perspectives, and help bring their concerns into the places where decisions are made.
Reason for running
2. Accountable government focused on evidence, transparency, and measurable results
3. Listen and represent by bringing residents’ concerns directly into government
1. Bridge generations
As a young candidate, I want to bring a new generation’s perspective to government while learning from the generations that came before us. Young people will eventually become the leaders of our communities and will live with many of the decisions being made today. At the same time, older generations have knowledge, skills, and life experience that we should learn from. I believe we are stronger when we bring those perspectives together rather than divide ourselves by age.
2. Accountable government
My background in Psychology and Criminology has strengthened my interest in research, evidence, and understanding why things happen. I believe government should be willing to critically examine its own decisions and clearly show residents where their tax dollars are going and what results they are getting in return. A policy should not be considered successful simply because it sounds good on paper. We should be able to look at the evidence, measure its results, and be willing to make changes when something is not working.
3. Listen and represent
I believe good ideas and genuine concerns can sometimes go unheard. My experience in public safety has taught me to listen carefully, remain calm under pressure, and look at situations from different perspectives. I am also someone who questions things when they do not seem right and is willing to speak up when something needs to change.
I want to bring that approach to Victoria. I will listen to the people of Coquitlam–Burke Mountain, research the issues they raise, bring their concerns forward, and fight for what I believe is in the best interest of the community I represent.