Shelley Downey has been acclaimed as the Conservative candidate for North Island—Powell River.
Downey has lived on Vancouver Island since 1991. Born in Fort St. John and spending her childhood in Prince George and Hudson’s Hope, her life has been shaped by experiencing the unique challenges faced by small B.C. communities that rely greatly on natural resource development and the businesses that support them.
After earning a diploma in business administration in accounting from Grande Prairie Regional College, she entered the B.C. CGA program. Downey’s business and industry experience spans numerous aspects of coastal life, notably, fishing, tourism, helicopters, retail and the public sector.
In 2008, Downey focused her attention on the family drug store when they opened a second store in a nearby community. She mastered the balancing act of starting a business, raising a family and volunteering in her community. In the midst of this, Downey completed a bachelor of arts at Trinity Western University. She also ran a junior youth program located within her church and coached high school volleyball for many years.
Downey is currently serving her fourth term as councillor in Port McNeill and has also been a school trustee. She has served her community and region on a variety of committees and boards, currently serving as the treasurer for Mount Waddington Community Futures and her Rotary club.
Married for 32 years, Shelley and husband, Ron take great pride in their four children and fpur granddaughters. They enjoy spending time together as a family and taking in the amenities offered in the region.
Those who know Downey would describe her as a careful listener and an analytical problem solver. She looks forward to putting these traits to work for North Island—Powell River in 2019 as she champions the complex needs and concerns of her constituents as a Member of Parliament.
Downey was not immediately available for comment.