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The K’ómoks Guardian Watchmen are they eyes and ears of the K’ómoks First Nation on the lands and waters within the Traditional Territory of the Nation. The Guardians not only protect these lands from those who would do them harm but actively engage in many activities to enhance or restore habitat and ecosystems.
“That administration review the Comox Youth Climate Council’s proposed Green New Deal policies, provide recommendations to Council, and incorporate the analysis into the reporting of the Town’s green initiatives as part of the upcoming Green Open House.” (Motion was introduced on Feb 2nd and passed on Feb 16th.)
“I care deeply about the health of our community, the health of all Comox residents, the health of our local businesses, and the health of our beautiful natural environment. I will bring a community-wide health lens to every decision, and I will represent Comox residents with dedication, hard work, optimism, compassion, and integrity.” Dr. Jonathan Kerr, MD, CCFP, FCFP.
Jonathan brings a wealth of relevant experience to Comox Council, including senior management and organizational skills, running a small business, budget management, high level communication and public speaking, chairing and facilitating meetings, strong interpersonal skills, writing, researching and publishing experience, event management, coaching, volunteering with local non-profits, and caring for citizens from all walks of life. He is a dedicated husband and father to two kids, ages 12 and 13.
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Jonathan also competes provincially and nationally in biathlon.
Other hobbies include: playing sports with his two amazing kids, hiking, camping, running, cycling, and board games.
“Comox residents have been telling me that they are concerned about:
“Listening to our citizens is important. I will work hard at realizing this list of issues and goals to ensure Comox is the best place in Canada to live, work, play, and retire.” Dr. Jonathan Kerr
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The Town should use the money it already collects from large development projects and purchase vacant lots in Town.
Comox must be a leader to ensure that the servers in our Town’s restaurants, baristas in our coffee shops, tellers in our stores, single-income parents, seniors on a fixed income, and everyone else, has place to call home.
Seek out innovative housing solutions so that Comox is an affordable Town for our children and grandchildren.Enable Comox to be a leader in climate change and adaptation solutions. (Up to half of Canada’s carbon pollution is influenced by local policy decisions. Source: Federation of Canadian Municipalities)
Transition the Town’s vehicle fleet to 100% electric vehicles by 2030.
Increase the number of electric vehicle charging stations in Town, taking advantage of the CleanBC Communities Fund.
Planning, monitoring and constructing infrastructure that can resist local effects of climate change flooding, fire, and heat.
Work with local businesses to eliminate single-use plastics.
Strengthen policies and bylaws to promote clean air and reduce wood smoke.
Provide education and promote financial incentives to help people switch from wood to healthier forms of heat.
Promote urban agriculture and community gardens.
Champion active transportation (see section below).
Promote the transition of the Town’s gas-powered equipment (leaf blowers and lawn mowers) to electric-powered equipment, to reduce both noise and greenhouse gas emissions.
Continue alignment with the BC Energy Step Code efficiency standards for new developments and existing buildings.
Encourage existing house/apartment/condo owners to take advantage of BC Hydro rebates for energy efficiency upgrades.
Require that 100% of new homes and apartment/condo buildings have electric vehicle charging stations.
Consider starting a municipal rebate for home energy efficiency upgrades (similar to Powell River).
Actively support clean energy initiatives aimed at zero carbon emissions.
Create incentives for local businesses to recycle, reduce waste, and decrease our carbon footprint.
Continue to support the Comox Youth Climate Council and adopt the proposed Green New Deal.
Reduce pollution of our land, air, and water.
Goals: Recruit 4 new family doctors to Comox in 2021, and 4 more in 2022.
Provide reliable roadside pickup of garbage, recycling, and organics.
Collaborate with the province and other municipalities on addressing the opioid crisis.
Work with local non-profits to improve the social conditions that are feeding this crisis.
Advocate for more rehabilitation and treatment options.
Make all decisions using a social justice and community health lens.
Improve accessibility of our downtown, sidewalks, and greenways.
Act with compassion and respect towards all individuals in our society.
Utilize the Canadian Index of Wellbeing framework for strategic planning and tracking how well we are doing as a community.
“I have known Dr. Kerr for many years and he is the perfect person to fill my seat on Council. Jonathan is dedicated to the health and well-being of the residents of Comox and I know he has the listening skills, passion, intelligence, and decision-making ability needed for the role. I endorse Dr. Kerr for Comox Council 100%.”
Pat McKenna, recent Councillor, Town of Comox
“I wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Jonathan Kerr for our Town of Comox Council in this by-election. His dedication to his work, family, and community shows up in everything he does. He is knowledgeable, hard-working, and holds a unique moral and ethical code that our community and world needs more of.”
Nicole Minions, Councillor, Town of Comox
“Jonathan is one of the brightest people I know. He is passionate, energetic, and gets things done. As a Councillor for the Town of Comox, I would see him contributing valuable input to our decision-making, especially with mitigating climate change and tackling the shortages of affordable housing.”
Alex Bissinger, Councillor, Town of Comox
“Dr. Kerr would contribute a compassionate, logical, caring, and science-based voice to the Council table. I believe he has a genuine commitment to the health and well-being of Comox residents and I would be excited to work with him.”
Stephanie McGowan, Councillor, Town of Comox
“We feel that Dr. Jonathan Kerr has the best platform for climate action in Comox. Jonathan has a clear platform for housing affordability, healthy environment, tackling climate change, parks, forests, shorelines, wildlife, active transportation, relationship with K’omoks First Nation, Garbage, Recycling, Inclusion, Diversity, Caring for all residents and more. Jonathan actively engages with the community and supports the CYCC’s Green New Deal.”
Comox Youth Climate Council
“One candidate, Jonathan Kerr… answered ‘yes’ to the remaining questions, which indicates the greatest alignment with Breathe Clean Air’s approach to dealing with wood smoke in our towns.”
Breathe Clean Air Comox Valley
“Jonathan Kerr has a deep understanding of key issues and how we should go about fighting climate change and help foster equity and fairness to all of our citizens.”
Joe Keithley, Burnaby City Councillor
*** Listen to Jonathan’s answers at the 2021 All Candidates Forum (click here)
How can I request a Lawn Sign?
Watch Dr. Kerr’s TEDx Talk: “How many doctors does it take to change a lightbulb?”
Take the Community Health Check-up survey to share what is most important to you in creating a healthy community.
How can I make a Campaign Contribution?
Connect with Dr. Kerr at healthycomox@gmail.com
Dr. Jonathan Kerr is endorsed by:
I respectfully acknowledge that I live, work, and play on the Unceded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation.
Select photos courtesy of: Sean Wood, Ali Roddam, Laura Johnston, and Bill Jorgensen
Material on this site may not be reproduced without permission.
Authorized by Christy Wagner (healthycomox@gmail.com)