About Rob
A note from Rob
I grew up in a Japanese family in Taber, where I learned to bridge divides and build community across differences. My mom, a public school teacher for 29 years, personifies the importance of public education. I know the great harm that can come from the UCP's reactionary curriculum and inadequate funding of the education system. My dad, a sheet metal worker, showed me how the world turns thanks to the hard work of labourers.
I have lived in Lethbridge since 1980. I have three amazing adult children who are pursuing their passions in life: one is a roofer, one is a midwife, and one works in retail. My kids have given me three wonderful young grandchildren and they remind me of the challenges that young families face today.
My partner, Erin, was born and raised in Lethbridge and works in front-line program delivery for people with developmental disabilities. She is also a passionate volunteer and board member with the Lethbridge Humane Society. We live with our rescued dogs and cats, Farley, Caesar, Wilma and Betty.
Please read below to see how I am ready to bring my experience, my ability to get results, and my passion for progressive solutions, to fighting for the NDP in Lethbridge.
If you like what you see, I need your help: click here to learn how we can work together to help Naheed Nenshi bring good government back to Alberta.
Sincerely,
Rob.
Rob is ready...
... with four decades of work in community supports
Rob's 40-year career in front-line delivery and development of human services has included:
17 years as Executive Director of the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization, leading programs and advocacy for seniors
7 years leading program delivery for people with developmental disabilities with the Rehabilitation Society of Southwestern Alberta (now Ability Resource Centre)
17 years developing and implementing front-line service for Indigenous families, both on- and off-reserve
Rob is ready...
... with a strong history of volunteering to make life better in Lethbridge
Rob is dedicated to volunteering in Lethbridge, having served in over 50 roles including front-line service work, as well as governance and advisory roles to support:
Seniors (e.g. Age Friendly Lethbridge, Alberta Association of Seniors Centres, Healthy Aging Alberta)
Families (e.g. Lethbridge Family Services)
Economic development (e.g. Team Lethbridge)
Youth and adult community sports (e.g. Little League, Slow Pitch and Hockey)
Visit Rob's Community Involvement page for the full list of roles.
Rob is ready...
... with a successful track record of putting progressive values into action
During Rob's 8 years on City Council, he earned a strong reputation for fighting for and defending progressive community initiatives, such as:
Banning conversion therapy and implementing a non-binary census
Strengthening affordable housing and rent assistance
Building recreation facilities for families
Delivering curbside recycling pickup and funding Environment Lethbridge
Rob resolutely stood against the UCP’s attacks on community health and safety in Lethbridge:
Defending harm reduction in Lethbridge while pushing constructive solutions to the opioid epidemic
When the UCP government chose to abandon us to COVID, Rob put forward the resolution for a mandatory face covering bylaw
Rob is ready...
... with expertise on a wide range of public interest topics
Presenter at two National Independent Living Conferences (Empowerment and Client-Directed Case Planning) St. Louis and Jacksonville.
Presenter, Alberta Municipalities Conference (Lethbridge Intelligent Communities Initiative) Calgary.
Panelist, Institute of Internal Auditors Canada Conference (Municipal Audit)
Panelist, Canadian Urban Institute, CityTalk Series (Impact of COVID-19 on Seniors)
Presenter, Completing the Circle.
Facilitator/Presenter with three discussion groups on Healthy Aging CORE Alberta
Co-Presenter, International Federation on Ageing Conference (The value of collaboration in advancing the age-friendly communities model in Canada)
Click here to learn how - together - we can put these values and experience into action.
