RISHI FOR MAYOR Saanich 2026 — GETTING THE FUNDAMENTALS RIGHT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rishi Sharma Announces Campaign for Mayor Focused on Affordability, Accountability and Getting the Fundamentals Right
SAANICH, BC – Long-time Saanich resident, former senior public servant, instructor, coach, community volunteer, and strategic advisor Rishi Sharma has announced his candidacy for Mayor of Saanich in the upcoming municipal election.
Sharma is running on a platform focused on affordability, infrastructure renewal, climate adaptation, economic vibrancy, public safety, and restoring trust between residents and local government.
"I care deeply about Saanich. I have spent my life here, raised my family here, volunteered here, and served here. I want to help ensure Saanich remains a community where future generations can afford to live, work, raise a family, and retire."
"The purpose of planning isn't to tell people how they should live. The purpose of planning is to understand how people do live and help create a better future from there."
For more than 27 years, Sharma has served British Columbians in public service, most recently as Director of Intergovernmental Relations with the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
- Forum of Labour Market Ministers
- Council of Ministers of Education, Canada
- Seamless Canada Spousal Employment Committee supporting spouses and partners of Canadian Armed Forces members
Closer to home, Sharma currently serves on Saanich's Accessibility Technical Committee and previously served on Saanich's Accessibility, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, which was subsequently discontinued by Council.
He currently serves on the University of Victoria Continuing Education Business Management Committee. He currently serves as Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships for the Construction Foundation of BC and is the owner of consultancy business Daya Strategies. He has coached youth soccer with Saanich Fusion, coached Gordon Head Middle School field hockey, helped found the Fix Ash Road Now community group, served on a Parent Advisory Council, and previously served as a Director with the Gordon Head Residents Association.
Sharma is also a certified trainer for the BC Lions Be More Than a Bystander Program and helped manage and deliver the BC Builders Code Initiative, supporting increased participation of women and underrepresented groups in the skilled trades.
Over the past several months, Sharma has undertaken a detailed review of Saanich's Official Community Plan, budget documents, infrastructure reports, and long-term planning priorities.
"What I heard from residents and what I found through my review pointed to the same conclusion: local government must remain focused on its core responsibilities."
Sharma's campaign is focused on four themes:
- Affordable Communities
- Safe Communities
- Healthy Communities
- Accountable Government
Recent reviews of Saanich's infrastructure reports reinforced Sharma's concerns about long-term affordability and fiscal sustainability.
According to Saanich's State of Assets Report, the District owns approximately $5.8 billion in infrastructure and estimates that approximately $106 million should be invested annually to maintain and replace aging assets. Current funding is approximately $55 million annually, leaving an infrastructure funding gap of approximately $51 million per year.
"Residents deserve to understand not only the vision for the future, but also the costs of achieving that vision and how we plan to pay for it."
"If we neglect economic vibrancy and long-term financial planning, we will struggle to afford the roads, parks, recreation facilities, public safety services, climate adaptation investments, and infrastructure renewal our community expects."
Sharma has committed to launching a 100-Day Fiscal and Infrastructure Review if elected Mayor. The review would focus on:
- Infrastructure obligations
- Asset management planning
- Growth-related infrastructure requirements
- Long-term liabilities
- Economic development opportunities
- Climate adaptation priorities
- Opportunities for greater efficiency and transparency
"Good governance isn't measured by the number of plans we create. It's measured by the results we achieve."
Sharma also expressed appreciation for the endorsement and support he has received from Save Our Saanich and the many residents, volunteers, and community leaders who have encouraged him to run.
"I am honoured to have received the support of Save Our Saanich and to stand alongside a team of candidates committed to accountability, affordability, transparency, and meaningful community engagement."
"Saanich is the largest municipality in Greater Victoria. We have tremendous opportunities ahead of us, but we must remain focused on getting the fundamentals right."
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Media Contact
Rishi Sharma Candidate for Mayor of Saanich 250-704-8931
rishiformayor@gmail.com www.rishiformayor.com
Learn more about the Save Our Saanich team: www.votesaveoursaanich.com
Authorized by Krishna Sharma, Financial Agent, Rishi Sharma for Mayor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAVE OUR SAANICH CALLS FOR TRANSPARENCY AND IMMEDIATE ACTION ON ISLAND DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING CENTRE
Saanich, BC — Rishi Sharma and the Save Our Saanich team are calling for immediate transparency and urgent action regarding the closure of the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre following reported funding cuts.
“The reported closure of the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre is deeply concerning,” said Rishi Sharma, Candidate for Mayor, Saanich | Save Our Saanich.
“For many deaf and hard-of-hearing residents, this centre is far more than a service provider — it is a vital lifeline offering advocacy, support, accessibility, connection, and dignity.”
Sharma said more transparency is urgently needed regarding the rationale behind the funding decision.
“Before governments make decisions with such significant community impact, residents deserve clear explanations. We need to understand what funding was cut, why this decision was made, and whether alternatives were properly explored.”
Save Our Saanich is calling on mayors and councillors across Southern Vancouver Island to send a unified message to Premier David Eby and the Province of British Columbia: provide transparency, engage directly with the Centre, and work immediately toward a solution that preserves these critical services.
“If we cannot care for the most vulnerable members of our community, then we are failing in our responsibility to provide compassionate, responsible, and respectable government,” Sharma said.
Alex Cook, Save Our Saanich council candidate, echoed those concerns.
“Accessibility and inclusion are not optional services,” said Cook. “A strong community is measured by how it supports those who need help most. We must ensure deaf and hard-of-hearing residents are not left behind.”
Rishi Sharma and Save Our Saanich are urging the Province to immediately clarify the funding rationale, pause any closure process if possible, and work with community partners toward a sustainable path forward.
Media Contact:
Rishi Sharma
Candidate for Mayor, Saanich | Save Our Saanich
250-704-8931
rishi@rishiformayor.com
https://rishiformayor.com
https://votesaveoursaanich.com
TEMPLATE LETTER TO PREMIER EBY
Save Our Saanich encourages municipal leaders, organizations, and residents to use or adapt this letter to advocate for continued support of these essential services.
Dear Premier Eby,
I am writing to express deep concern regarding the closure of the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre following reported provincial funding cuts.
This centre provides essential services, advocacy, education, and community connection for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents across Vancouver Island. Its closure would create significant hardship for individuals and families who rely on these supports.
I respectfully urge the Province of British Columbia to provide transparency regarding this funding decision and to immediately explore options to preserve these critical services.
Accessibility and inclusion are not optional services. They are essential responsibilities of government. A compassionate, responsible, and respectable government must ensure vulnerable residents are not left without support.
The potential closure of this centre sends a troubling message to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and to all British Columbians who value accessibility and inclusion.
I ask that you clarify the rationale behind this decision, engage directly with the Centre, and work toward a sustainable solution that protects these vital services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Learn more about the Save Our Saanich team: www.votesaveoursaanich.com
Authorized by Krishna Sharma, Financial Agent, Rishi Sharma for Mayor