The BC Green Party has revealed Tara Shustarian as its candidate for Burnaby East.
She was announced as the party's first candidate for any of the five Burnaby ridings today, Aug. 28 after nomination votes were finalized Tuesday night, Aug. 27.
“Tara Shustarian represents the very best of what it means to be a BC Green. Her dedication to the environment and her community aligns perfectly with the values our party stands for,” BC Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau said in a release.
“Tara’s work on the ground, from advocating for the Climate Emergency Plan in Burnaby to her leadership in the All on Board transit campaign, makes her an outstanding candidate who will undoubtedly be a strong voice for Burnaby East in the legislature.”
Shustarian has been involved with multiple environmental and social justice causes including anti-TMX pipeline movements.
She has also been a board member at Force of Nature and advocated for a Climate Emergency Plan which was eventually adopted by the City of Burnaby in 2019.
In 2023, Shustarian became a Climate Action Fellow with the Urban Resilient Futures initiative and focused on climate solutions in Burnaby.
"Tara’s dedication to environmental and social causes, along with her focus on participatory democracy through Fair Vote Canada, makes her a valuable asset to her community," a biography on the Greens' website says.
"Her work in promoting sustainable practices and advocating for equitable policies demonstrates her commitment to creating a more just and sustainable future for all."
This isn't the first time she has tried her hand at politics.
Shustarian ran for the Burnaby Green Party in the 2022 municipal election, vying for a seat on city council.
She finished with 6,215 votes (19.3 per cent).
Coun. Daniel Tetrault of the Burnaby Citizens Association claimed the last available council seat with 10,893 votes (33.8 per cent).
“Whether at the local or provincial level, my greatest joy and honour has been to serve and support my community," Shustarian added in the announcement release.
"I am excited to bring my passion for justice and sustainability to the people of Burnaby East. Together, we can make a real difference.”
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