Community Involvement
Rishi has served on:
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District of Saanich Technical Accessibility Committee
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UVic Continuing Studies Business Management Advisory Board
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Gordon Head Residents Association
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Minerva BC
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Fixed Ash Road Now
He has also contributed to safer and more inclusive workplaces through initiatives with the BC Centre for Women in the Trades and the BC Construction Association’s Builders Code.
Listening & Leadership
Rishi believes strong communities are built through respectful dialogue, transparency, and meaningful engagement.
He holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University, where his graduate research focused on how open and sometimes difficult conversations can strengthen trust and relationships.
That philosophy continues to shape his leadership style today.
Real-World Experience
Rishi understands affordability, housing, infrastructure, and workforce challenges because he has lived them firsthand.
He completed training through Camosun College’s trades program, worked as an ironworker on high-rise construction projects, and worked in forestry at Leslie Forest Products.
His family has worked in residential construction since the 1980s, and he and his wife have completed housing and rezoning projects in Saanich and Langford.
Meet Rishi Sharma
Lifelong Saanich resident, community leader, instructor, parent, business owner and former senior public servant focused on affordability, safety, and healthy community, a Saanich that listens.
Building Partnerships & Communities
Throughout his career, Rishi has focused on bringing people together to solve problems and strengthen communities.
His work has included intergovernmental relations, Indigenous engagement, stakeholder collaboration, workforce development, and public policy focused on improving outcomes for British Columbians.
Today, he continues this work as:
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Instructor, UVic Continuing Studies
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Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, Construction Foundation of BC
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Founder of Daya Strategies Ltd.
Leadership Experience
Rishi brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across government, community organizations, trades, and the private sector.
In senior leadership roles with the Government of British Columbia, including working in the Office of the Premier and serving as Chief of Staff to provincial ministers, he helped navigate complex issues, build partnerships, and deliver practical solutions for communities.
Rooted In Saanich
Rishi Sharma has proudly called Saanich home for more than 46 years. Raised in the community since the age of four, Saanich is where he and his wife raised their family, coached youth sports, volunteered locally, and built lifelong relationships.
As a husband, father of three daughters, coach, and longtime volunteer, Rishi understands the priorities and challenges facing families, seniors, and local residents.
Focused On Saanich’s Future
Rishi remains deeply committed to helping create a more affordable, safe, healthy, and welcoming Saanich where families, seniors, businesses, and future generations can thrive.