Committed to Delivering Compassionate Care

Trudi L. Brown, QC, is a lawyer practicing primarily in the area of family law. She has been actively involved in the legal profession as the President of the Law Society of British Columbia (1998) and she has been involved in many community boards including the BC Lottery Corporation, the Victoria Symphony Society, the University of Victoria Board of Governors, Victoria Women’s Transition House Society, Canadian Red Cross, United Way, and Mount St. Mary’s Hospital. She is now concentrating her practice in mediation and arbitration and trying to spend as much time as possible on the golf course.

Sheila Aujla has been a health care professional and real estate entrepreneur for over forty years. Deeply rooted in Victoria, Sheila has a long history of actively building and playing a role in building the safety net and community for which the city is known. For thirty years, she has served as a critical care nurse at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. At the same time, she built a real estate portfolio of multi-family units across Victoria and Vancouver, managing and acquiring properties. In the last ten years, she has worked as a realtor with Macdonald Realty and has been an active member of the Victoria Real Estate Board, serving on several committees and was elected as a two-term Director of the Board in 2019. Sheila has been recognized for her service as an Emergency Services Volunteer in Oak Bay for the past 6 years. She lives in Oak Bay with her husband, David Aujla, and has two sons who live and work in the U.S.

Since graduating from the University of Victoria, Angus has spent more than 25 years as a trusted business advisor providing tax planning strategies to high-net-worth individuals, professionals, and owner-managed businesses. Angus leads the firms U.S. tax practice, focusing on cross-border compliance and planning. Angus grew up on the Island and has volunteered his time with several local non-profit organizations, currently serving on the board of the Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence and the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.  Angus is an avid cyclist and can be spotted riding his bike to and from work on a daily basis.

Jennifer’s traditional name is Hamdzas, translated means that she always welcomes people into her home. She is strongly involved in her Indigenous community, assisting in cultural and community events in Victoria and her hometown of Alert Bay. Some communities that Jennifer provides volunteer support to are the Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw Tribal Council and the ‘Namgis First Nation. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Camosun College, as well as a Master of Education degree (in progress) from the University of Victoria.

Brecon Gage is the owner of Comfort Keepers Victoria. Due to his family's personal experience with the industry, Brecon decided to open Comfort Keepers in 2013 to better support seniors in our community. During Brecon's career in management, his companies have won the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Awards for "Outstanding Customer Service" and "Business of the Year", as well as the Better Business Bureau's Torch Award for Business Ethics & Integrity on multiple occasions. Comfort Keeper Victoria is the only locally, privately owned Home Healthcare Company to be Accredited with Exemplary Standing through Accreditation Canada. Brecon spends his free time with his wife (Jen) and two daughters (Emily and Nyah). His hobbies include fitness, tennis, reading and playing bridge.

As the Former Assistant Deputy Minister with the BC Ministry of Health, Wendy was responsible for the Health Authorities Division which monitored the acute care hospital system, the home and community care system, and the mental health system. As the Vice President and COO for Capital Health in Alberta, Wendy was responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of six community hospitals, regional support services and served as the Chief Nursing Officer for the health region. She has a Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Alberta.

Rachel began her BC Public Service career in 2003 and has served in several leadership positions, including Executive Director roles responsible for the Reconciliation Strategy, Indigenous Social Policy and Social Innovation. She also served as Government Lead for the Government Non-Profit Initiative and was the Province’s lead representative on the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. She is currently the Assistant Deputy Minister of Immigration and Strategic Planning for the Province of BC. Rachel has two decades of experience on provincial and international non-profit boards, including the National College Conference Association, First Peoples’ Cultural Council, Volunteer BC, and Habitat for Humanity, among others. She holds a BA Honours and MA degree from the University of Victoria, and a professional certificate in Strategic Decision and Risk Management from Stanford University. Rachel has a daughter and resides in Victoria.

Christopher Lawless is an economist with background in economic analysis and forecasting, government policy, and pension investment. His roles have included Chief Economist for the BC Investment Management Corporation, Chief Economist for the BC Ministry of Finance, and advisor to House of Commons and Senate committees. He holds an M.A. in Economics from Carleton University and the National Association for Business Economics Certified Business Economist designation. He is Executive-in-Residence at the University of Victoria Gustavson School of Business.

David has 35 years of clinical experience working in the mental health field. Most recently he was a Geriatric Psychiatrist at Island Heath for 27 years, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders and dementia in the elderly. His consulting work involved collaborating with multidisciplinary teams providing clinical services to elderly patients in the community, residential care facilities, outpatient clinics and acute care wards. Later in his career he led the South Island Geriatric Psychiatry group as Site Chief. David completed a Master of Social Work at Wilfred Laurier University, an MD and FRCPC in Psychiatry at McMaster University and a post-graduate Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at UBC.

Lori has been a coroner with the BC Coroners Service since 2008. In addition to conducting sudden death investigations, Lori has represented the Coroners Service in provincial and inter-jurisdictional working groups and contributed to the development of internal policy and procedures in specialized areas of investigation. Prior to joining the Coroners Service, Lori was engaged in commercial real estate management and business administration following a brief career in law both as a Crown prosecutor and as a sole practitioner. Lori’s support for Victoria Hospice aligns with a personal commitment to contribute to enhancing support, care and opportunities for fulfillment for those approaching end of life.

Dawn Nedzelski has over 40 years of healthcare experience. She held various leadership positions, most recently Chief Nursing Officer at Island Health, retiring in July 2020. Dawn has extensive experience in operational leadership at a unit, hospital, community, health authority and provincial level. Her passion for quality care, service, and the frontline staff resulted in receiving the Provincial HEABC Health Hero Award (2015), and the BC Achievement Award (2011). Dawn has a Master of Arts and Leadership, Royal Roads University and a Bachelor of Nursing, University of Victoria.

Laurie is a clinical nurse leader with four decades’ experience in critical care and in curriculum development and instruction for Camosun College. Her roles at the clinical and provincial level have included membership on boards for Cardiac Services BC, the Oak Bay Police, and Women Training and Education (W.H.E.A.T.), an organization supporting projects for women and children in South Africa. Her community involvement includes roles at the provincial bargaining table for BCGEU and in restorative justice forums, community policing issues, and municipality amalgamation discussions.  

Len is a Vancouver Island-based business person and President of Metropolitan Hospitality Management. He was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia. Len furthered his education at Camosun College, graduating with a business diploma in 1983. He completed CPA-CGA in 1987. Len held his license as a Managing Broker with Trading and Rental Property Management Services through the Real Estate Council of British Columbia. Len has several years’ experience as an owner and leader of small and medium-sized businesses that varied from real estate development, start-up businesses, to multi-location retail and hospitality operations. His organization currently manages a diverse real estate based portfolio that includes hotels, restaurants, retail liquor, residential apartments, commercial office and retail buildings. Len has a proven track record of successfully working with diverse groups. His company project manages the design/build process, including arranging equity and financing; and provides ongoing property management services. Len’s efforts have been recognized by the Canadian Home Builders Association, CARE Awards for projects He has received commercial awards of Excellence from the Real Estate Board of Victoria. Len was awarded the Alumni of Distinction at Camosun College in 2014 in recognition of his long-term service to the community and professional development. Len is married to Cathy (35 years) and has two children Robert and Tom. Len enjoys travelling and spending time at their family property on Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island.

Andrew joined the BC Patient Safety & Quality Council in 2009 and is currently the Executive Director, Learning, Analytics & Strategic Initiatives. In addition to leading the Council’s measurement activities, strategic initiatives and learning programs such as the Quality Academy, Quality Forum, workshops and Quality Café, he sits on several provincial committees and is involved in medical quality activities including the development of a Measurement System for Physician Quality Improvement. Andrew is particularly interested in approaches to building capability for quality improvement, the sustainability of improvement initiatives and the use of analytics to inform health system performance. Prior to joining the Council, Andrew spent several years working in the biotechnology industry, with the BC Cancer Research Centre and the BC Ministry of Health. Andrew holds a Masters in Health Administration from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Victoria.

Jason is an Investment Advisor and partner of Aitchison Sikora Financial Group with CIBC Wood Gundy in Victoria. Prior to working with Wood Gundy, Jason’s career included time at a boutique investment counsel office, a real estate-based private equity firm as well as a fintech start-up. He completed his BComm in Entrepreneurial Management at Royal Roads University and holds the Chartered Investment Manager designation through the Canadian Securities Institute. Jason’s interest with Victoria Hospice comes from firsthand experience being alongside family and friends that relied on its unique compassionate care in the final stages of their lives.

Kim is a partner at Dickson Chartered Professional Accountants where she provides comprehensive compliance and tax planning services to both individual and corporate clients. Her focus on trust and estate planning involves working with clients whose long-term financial goals involve an often complex mixture of both economic and personal considerations.

Kim received her Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction in Economics from the University of Victoria and shortly after completed her CA designation. She trained in dance for many years and continues to enjoy it amongst spending time with her husband, Justin, and two daughters, Adilynn and Maliyah.

Kim’s interest in Victoria Hospice comes from her desire to give back to her local community and from the personal experience of watching close friends receive the care and support that Victoria Hospice provides. Since 2012, Kim and Justin have organized an annual golf tournament at Uplands Golf Club where all proceeds are donated to Victoria Hospice.

As the Former Assistant Deputy Minister with the BC Ministry of Health, Wendy was responsible for the Health Authorities Division which monitored the acute care hospital system, the home and community care system, and the mental health system. As the Vice President and COO for Capital Health in Alberta, Wendy was responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of six community hospitals, regional support services and served as the Chief Nursing Officer for the health region. She has a Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Alberta.

Brecon Gage is the owner of Comfort Keepers Victoria. Due to his family's personal experience with the industry, Brecon decided to open Comfort Keepers in 2013 to better support seniors in our community. During Brecon's career in management, his companies have won the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Awards for "Outstanding Customer Service" and "Business of the Year", as well as the Better Business Bureau's Torch Award for Business Ethics & Integrity on multiple occasions. Comfort Keeper Victoria is the only locally, privately owned Home Healthcare Company to be Accredited with Exemplary Standing through Accreditation Canada. Brecon spends his free time with his wife (Jen) and two daughters (Emily and Nyah). His hobbies include fitness, tennis, reading and playing bridge.

Since graduating from the University of Victoria, Angus has spent more than 25 years as a trusted business advisor providing tax planning strategies to high-net-worth individuals, professionals, and owner-managed businesses. Angus leads the firms U.S. tax practice, focusing on cross-border compliance and planning. Angus grew up on the Island and has volunteered his time with several local non-profit organizations, currently serving on the board of the Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence and the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.  Angus is an avid cyclist and can be spotted riding his bike to and from work on a daily basis.