Candidate Biographies

Beatrice Arwen Knapp

Submitted August 6, 2026

Hello!   My name is Bea and I am asking for your vote as a R1N delegate to convention ! I currently work in Sayward at an RPT station as a PCP, and have worked in temporary FT positions, spent years as an EMR, and as an on- call, casual employee. This would be my 4th year representing you and your voices at the 2026 APBC convention. I have served in roles such as shop steward, and currently serve as a DOSH and APS (AUC) at my home station. I am part way through a return of service agreement with the EMR to PCP pathway that BCEHS offers, and can ensure to represent the unique challenges that this path brings, in addition to working in a rural/remote setting. Between shifts, you can often find me hiking with my lab Waylon, swimming at the lake, painting or baking up a storm. Thank you for the opportunity to attend the 2026 APBC Convention as a R1N delegate.

Brooke Lewis

Submitted August 6, 2026

My name is Brooke Lewis, and I am seeking your support to attend the 2026 APBC Convention as a Delegate. I would like to share my experience, advocacy work, and commitment to representing our members with fairness, respect, and integrity. My career has taken me across the North Island, including Stations 126, 151, 108, 136, and 130, and ultimately to Station 155 in Gold River, where I currently serve as Paramedic Supervisor. I have seen the evolution of our profession firsthand, including a time when paramedics were paid $2.00 an hour. That experience has reinforced my belief that sustained advocacy can move our profession forward, and I understand that meaningful progress must continue. Before stepping into my current role, I spent the better part of a decade as a Shop Steward. During that time, I represented members at 1104/1105 meetings, assisted with grievances, and helped members understand and navigate our collective agreement. I believe that advocating for one another strengthens our profession as a whole. If elected as a Delegate, I will bring that same steady, respectful approach to representing our members. For the past several years, I have served on the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee, working alongside members to develop, refine, and strengthen resolutions that have contributed to meaningful change within our union. Although I sit on this committee, that role does not provide me with a seat on the Convention floor, which is why I am asking for your support. If elected, I will be available to discuss the resolutions coming forward to Convention, listen to your perspectives, and ensure your voice is represented in Convention discussions and voting. I will bring my experience, dedication, and steady commitment to the Convention floor on behalf of our members. I believe in listening carefully, advocating respectfully, and helping ensure that the decisions shaping our profession reflect the voices of our membership. I would be honoured to earn your support and your vote. Thank you for your consideration.

Liam Doughty

Submitted August 4, 2026

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read and vote!  My name is Liam Doughty, and I'm currently in an RPT position at Station 134 (Ucluelet). I'm hoping to attend as a delegate to convention this year, believing that I bring a wealth of different insights to the Union, of which I feel important to share and advocate on. I have previously worked within BCEHS as an EMR, a PCP; a Casual member, FT, and currently RPT; in Rural stations, and Metro (of note, 103, 124, 126, 205, and 249) and have seen the concerns that can vary in all those different areas of the service. I spent my time at 124 Port Alberni as Shop Steward, and was able to be involved in supporting our members during 11.04/11.05 meetings, lengthy grievance processes, and through the 2025 strike vote, and subsequent Collective Agreement. I believe that my commitment to any member who approaches me for support will leave them feeling that I have given my full time and effort to help resolve their concerns, and that I have been a true advocate and ally. I am also a previous Instructor with the Canadian Red Cross, and a Veteran of the UK Armed Forces, having had a career with the Royal Navy, where It became clear that without Union representation, individuals can easily become powerless against employer grievances. I hope that with your vote, I will be able to continue making a difference and helping to shape how our Union advocates for us all, regardless of license level or employment status, and I encourage anybody who would like support or has questions to reach out!

Anthony Powell

Submitted August 4, 2026

Good Afternoon. My name is Anthony Powell and I’m currently working out of and one of the shop stewards at station 150 in Courtenay. Last year was my first time attending convention and this year I would be proud to go back and represent our members from 1 North. I’d be happy to answer any questions, have some conversations, and speak on behalf of any resolutions that have been put forward. I’ve always enjoyed this job, and going forward I want to be a part of improving it for the next generation. Thank you for your consideration!

Josephine Miladinovic

Submitted August 4, 2026

Hello APBC sisters and brothers, my name is Josephine Miladinovic, and I am seeking re - election as a delegate to the annual APBC Union Convention. I would be honoured to represent Region 1N and the members I care deeply about. My union involvement has become an important part of who I am. I have served our members as a Shop Steward for ten years in Tahsis, as Public Education Director for Region 1N, and now as Chief Shop Steward and Regional Recording Secretary for Region 1N. These roles have deepened my respect for our members, strengthened my commitment to our union, and shown me what we can accomplish when we support one another. The most meaningful part of this work has been supporting members directly, listening to their concerns, and helping them feel heard and respected. Union work is not always easy, but it is about people, fairness, and standing together. My time as a steward and in regional leadership has taught me the value of patience, communication, compassion, and advocacy.I have attended convention for the past number of years, and each time I have gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of prepared, engaged, and thoughtful delegates. Convention is where members’ voices are carried forward and decisions are made that affect the future of our union. I have put forward resolutions at previous conventions to invoke meaningful change and better our working environment. I have also stood at the microphone to voice my perspective, whether for or against resolutions on the convention floor, because I believe it is important to speak up respectfully when decisions affect our members and workplace. I take that responsibility seriously and value the trust members place in their delegates.I am dedicated to our membership and committed to continuing this work with honesty, respect, and care for region 1N and the broader membership. If elected, I will bring my experience, commitment, and genuine care for our members to convention. I will listen, advocate, participate fully, and represent our region in a way that reflects members’ concerns, priorities, and voices. I would be truly grateful for your support and the opportunity to continue serving as a delegate to the annual APBC Union Convention. In solidarity,   Josephine Miladinovic

Brent Monsieurs

Submitted August 4, 2026

Hello everyone,

I have been a paramedic for the past 20 years, serving in multiple regions throughout British Columbia. Working in a variety of communities has given me a firsthand understanding of the unique challenges and priorities faced by members across different areas of our province. Those experiences have reinforced the importance of ensuring every region has a strong voice when decisions are being made.

In previous years, I have been proud to represent my region at convention. During those conventions, I made it a priority to speak up on issues that mattered to the members I represented and to ensure their concerns were heard. I believe delegates have a responsibility to listen, ask questions, and advocate for the interests of the members who have placed their trust in them.

Today, I serve as a supervisor on Gabriola Island while continuing my commitment to our profession and our union. I am also a father, which has given me an even greater appreciation for the importance of the decisions we make together. The work we do at convention affects not only our members but also their families, making thoughtful discussion and informed decision-making more important than ever.

Convention provides an opportunity for members from across the province to come together, share perspectives, debate important issues, and shape the future of our union. I value respectful discussion and believe that every member deserves to have their concerns represented, regardless of where they work.

I would be honoured to represent the members in my area once again. If elected as a delegate, I will continue to advocate for our region, listen to your concerns, and ensure your voice is part of the conversations that guide our union. I welcome anyone to reach out to me with the issues that matter most to you. Your perspective is important, and I will work to represent it with integrity and accountability. Thank you for your consideration. Brent

Juergen Wasner

Submitted August 4, 2026

Hello everyone, my name is Juergen, and I am once again putting my name forward to be a delegate at this year's convention.   I am incredibly proud to be a Paramedic and a member of this union. I am by no means a career politician, but I am a dedicated union member committed to serving Region 1N with integrity.   I believe that my experience in both management (in a previous career) and as a frontline worker (with BCEHS and other employers) will serve well in helping make things better for our future.   My goal is to represent Region 1N, along with all the other delegates, with fairness and a clear focus on what will make our lives and careers better. I've seen firsthand the power of us working together.   I would be very grateful for your vote.   Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Nils Maximilian Thaysen

Submitted July 30, 2026

Hi --  Max here. I'd be pleased to serve the region as delegate to convention.  Read on to hear a bit about my experience with the union and our work and why I think I'd make a good choice for delegate. I have experience with the issues that paramedics face across the region. I was hired on to station 169, Cortes Island, in 2017 when it was kilo at $2/hr. I've been shop steward for the past 6 years or so.  Last year I got to go to the APBC in-person training for shop stewards. An early memory of standing up for others comes from Grade 7 when my teacher told my friend and classmate that he couldn't audition for a particular role in a play we were putting on.  I felt it was so unfair and I was so committed to fighting this injustice that I can recall being the hall in tears arguing with the teacher.  I've spent much of my life standing with others, demanding fairness.  And I'd be happy to do that on your behalf as delegate. My experience isn't limited to my station.  I've also been taking notes for the union regionally for the past year.  This means that I attend investigation meetings and 11.04/11.05 meetings.  So I've been exposed to a lot of different issues and challenges.  I have been working with our RVPs Jeff and Steven last year, and Jeff and Troy this year, and Samantha and Josephine as chief shop-stewards to support members through our challenges.  I've had good working relationships with these hard working union officials, and I believe they appreciate my care and diligence in my work for the union. I've also had the honour of representing APBC at our CUPEBC conventions for the past several years, as one of our delegates. There, I was exposed to the wider issues that CUPE members face across the province and even across the country.  I have been told that my presence there along side some of our union executive is helpful and appreciated.  I was appointed by APBC to the CUPEBC Environment and Climate Justice Committee for 2023-24.  I have taken a couple of CUPE BC trainings in political action and social democracy. This year I was appointed to the APBC Environment and Climate Change committee. Aside from this experience, I bring some relevant training and practice in critical thinking, organizing and problem solving.  I've taken courses and read multiple books on common thinking errors/cognitive biases and how to overcome them.  This will help me to make clear and clean decisions on resolutions that come to the floor of convention.  I've studied communication which helps me to understand the ways our work is received in the wider world, which could help guide our union's direction. I would like to represent you and our profession and our working/living conditions at convention, so please support me with your vote. Thanks.

Ian Johnston

Submitted August 4, 2026

Convention Delegate Biography 2026

Hello all,

My name is Ian Johnston and I am seeking your vote as a Convention delegate for Region 1S. I believe I have the experience and skills to represent members from Region 1S at Convention.

I am an On-call paramedic at Station 105 in Central Saanich. My paramedic career started at Burns Lake (Stn 753) in 1989 when I  moved there for a job with the BC Forest Service. As was common then, the local Unit Chief got wind that a new OFA3 person was in town and invited me out for coffee and a recruiting pitch. A couple of years in Burns Lake was enough for my wife and in 1991 I transferred to the East Kootenays, for both my BC Forest Service and my BCAS jobs, settling in Kimberley (Stn 414). After 34 years in Kimberley I have recently moved to Saanich. I am a husband, father to two grown daughters and proud a grandfather.

I have lot of Union experience by having attended many Conventions in previous years, being a shop steward, doing a term as an acting RVP, and working on several Provincial committees. I am very proud to have been part of the APBC Negotiations Committee for the last three collective agreements and have recently stepped down after completing my third term. I am also a proud member of the APBC Ceremonial Unit and have represented the Union at many events in BC and in other provinces.

Thank you for considering me in this election and I hope you can allow me to represent you this fall at Convention.

C. Benjamin Hansler

Submitted August 4, 2026

Ben Hansler Nominee for Union Delegate 2W Paramedics of BC CUPE 873

I am a full-time Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) at Station 219 in Pemberton and am currently in my 30th year of service with BCEHS.

With over 10 years of convention attendance as a delegate, I have actively participated in the debates, discussions, and democratic process that shape our union. During that time, I have submitted resolutions, spoken in debate on both my own resolutions and those brought forward by other members, and voted on the issues that directly impact our profession.

I have had the opportunity to be actively involved during one of the most significant periods of growth in our union's history. Throughout that time, our membership has achieved some of the greatest gains in our collective agreements through the democratic process—debating and voting on resolutions, and electing the bargaining committees and Board members who represent us.

I believe our union is strongest when it remains accountable to its membership. Delegates have a responsibility to represent the views of those who elect them, ask thoughtful questions when necessary, and ensure decisions are made transparently and in the best interests of frontline paramedics.

If re-elected, I will continue to be an engaged, informed, and approachable delegate who listens to members, represents their concerns, and works to ensure your voice is heard on the convention floor.

Thank you for your support.

Christopher Wayne Reimer

Submitted August 4, 2026

Hello Brothers and Sisters,   Once again we gather to do the business of the Union at Convention. I would be honored to be a Delegate for 2W and I promise to represent you all to the best of my ability and make decisions in the best interests of advancing the needs of our membership. In Solidarity  

Sarah Chambers

Submitted August 4, 2026

Hello! I'd love to represent our 2W Part-Time employees at Convention this year. I've worked rural stations, Vancouver Post and now I'm in Lions Bay 233 as a part-time PCP Shop Steward. I understand the frustrations 2W part-time employees have with the uncertainty of work and fighting for shifts in their area. I seek to support part-time employees in getting their voices heard - whether they are brand new EMRs sent hours away from their homes with minimal support, or retired PCPs just hoping to support the service and work a few shifts in their local area. Always open to a chat, so say hello next time you see me on offload delay at W or H!  

Jestene Johnston

Submitted August 4, 2026

Hi! I’m Jestene! 👋🏼 a PTCC Charge on team 4 and I care about union matters! Vote for me! Thank you!

Daniel Lyle Bott

Submitted August 4, 2026

Howdy! I am Daniel, I have been a primary care paramedic for the past 10 years, currently serving in Williams Lake. In addition to my duties as a paramedic, I am also the co-chair for IW – Cariboo West Committee and I am the shop steward for Station 348. when I’m not at work, I am playing at home with my wife Jackie and our two children,  daughter (13), and son (3).

Christine Bell

Submitted August 4, 2026

Hello Everyone, I have been a member of APBC for the past nine years, spending most of my career serving rural and remote communities throughout British Columbia, with some experience working in Vancouver. For the last four years, I have been working as a Community Paramedic in Revelstoke. This is a first-time nomination to attend a union convention. I am hoping for the opportunity to learn, contribute to discussions, and to advocate for issues affecting all frontline workers, while ensuring Community Paramedics have a strong voice and representation within the union.  

Elysha Lydeen Skipper

Submitted August 4, 2026

Hi everyone!

Boyd Pyper

Submitted August 4, 2026

My name is Boyd Pyper, but everyone in the Service knows me as "Blue". I work out of 308 - Clinton for the past three and a half years. Started this career later in life - was structural firefighter and a park ranger in the Yukon prior to joining BCEHS. I have never been gone to convention, although I have some limited experience being involved with my union up north, I want to become more engaged with our union and our working conditions.  

Lesley Tessier

Submitted July 30, 2026

Psst....Psst... You! Ya you!! Are you like me and enjoy heights as a thrill? Maybe jumping from an airplane? Or jumping off of a bridge because your friends did. (okay maybe mine wasn't a free fall but more of a bungee with a free fall until being yarded back up again), or maybe you are a boy mom like myself. How about being a mascot? You know, the big fuzzy unbreathable costumes? Yes I might do that too (and crazy enough, i enjoy it) If this intrigues you in any way, please continue reading. (I promise its not long!) My name is Lesley Tessier and I am an EMR currently with station 308 in Clinton BC I may be fresh off the block this year in the BCEHS world, but I am no stranger to the emergency services side of things. I have been with a First Responder Association for the last 4 years until current,  which has also included the role of Vice President in the past, as well as their current Training Instructor through Canadian Red Cross. I am extremely passionate when it comes to my fellow responders whether its the FR level or the Paramedics level. I look forward to one day attending this conference and seeing what that side of things is all about. I yearn to learn. A 'keener' if you will. Please cast a vote my way, supporting my next steps to hopefully making a difference somewhere, with someone. Cheers!

Kyrykas Pitaoulis

Submitted July 30, 2026

Thank you for taking the time to vote for delegates to convention and also for reading my Bio. Revelstoke is my home station and I have been in Region 3 for over a decade and worked for the service for much longer than that. I have been involved within the union during my career in a number of roles including the Bi-law committee for 4 years, delegate to convention 4 times and now part of the Bargaining committee. Convention is very important to me as I feel it sets the tone and direction for all the union does each year.  I have seen how resolutions let the executive know what is important to all the front line staff and where they would like the union to direct there time and attention.  I also see the benefit to getting together face to face to strengthen relationships and work out any issues our region and collective are having. If voted in I will always vote the way the collective choses even if that means voting differently then my wish, and commit to making myself available to hear what is important to you when it comes to voting for resolutions. Thanks for reading and happy voting! Kyrykas (Kirk)  

Fallon Rose Wingenbach

Submitted August 4, 2026

Hello, My name is Fallon and I work out of 426 Salmo, and have worked through out the West Kootenays. I attended last years Convention wishing to see and learn the process of how the Union works and votes, and I enjoyed being able to speak up about Challenges facing smaller stations, rural stations, RPT stations and the unique landscape Reg 4 has. I am seeking again to attend again as a Representative of Reg 4 so that I may vote for changes that would benefit the greater good of those in Reg 4, whether that be part time, casual, RPT and Full time. My aim is to vote on items and changes that will provide better work and life balance for as many staff, across the board. Thank you for your consideration. Fallon

Matt Singleton

Submitted August 4, 2026

Hi everyone, I am incredibly honoured to be nominated as a Delegate Union Convention 2026. My journey with BCEHS started over 20 years ago in Lytton. Since then, my career has taken me across this beautiful province—from Boston Bar and Madera Park to the Fraser Valley in Mission and Abbotsford. After working in Abbotsford, I spent six years working full-time in Metro Vancouver. In 2016, We decided to head north to Prince George, which opened up new chapters for me. I spent some time with the Community Paramedic program, served as a Paramedic Supervisor in Burns Lake, hopped over to Vanderhoof, and eventually spent a few years as the off-car Paramedic Supervisor right here in Prince George. Every single step of that 20-year path allowed me to work alongside truly amazing people. Recently, I transitioned into my current role as a full-time coordinator with the CISM team based out of Prince George. It has been a deeply rewarding shift for me. I spent decades caring for the hurt and injured people of BC, and later supporting the logistics of daily operations as a Paramedic Supervisor. Now, my focus is strictly on supporting you—the people who make this service run. Outside of work, I have also spent the last 10 years volunteering with my local fire department. Between that frontline experience, my career timeline, and volunteering with my therapy dog, Bandit, through St. John Ambulance, I have been fortunate to see our emergency services family from a lot of different angles. I really hope to bring that well-rounded perspective to the table to help support our members. I truly believe in the vital, amazing work that our union does to protect and uplift its members. I would be proud to represent your voices and advocate for our membership as your delegate, and I thank you so much for your vote and your trust.

Patricia Anne Janczyn

Submitted August 4, 2026

Hello fellow members, I am running for delegate to convention 2026 for the region 5-8. Below are just a few reasons to vote for me to be a voice for you. Please feel free to call me Trish.  I have resided and worked in Burns Lake for the past 6 years. Prior to that I worked in Bear Lake while living in Prince George. Prince George is my home city. I was born and raised there. My husband and I have been together for the past 6 years as well. He is a retired RCMP constable who retired due to a PTSD diagnosis. We have 2 cats that we treat as our kids. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, working out, cooking, spoiling my cats, going for walks and watching movies. I have always lived and worked in the North. I can understand the challenges that can come with that. Our resources up here can be limited and the weather can create problems. I am a huge advocate for mental health. Everyday I help my husband navigate the troubles he faces with his PTSD. I wish this never happens to any of us but unfortunately it does to so many. I hope that every one of us is able to receive adequate and appropriate help with mental health. I also have a goal to eradicate bullying and harassment. It’s an ambitious one, but I know it’s achievable with help from everyone. I have been a victim of the mean girl scenario more than a few times and it’s devastating to a persons confidence in their personal and professional lives. I am also an advocate for women’s issues. I am a middle age woman who is learning to navigate the challenges of perimenopause. I had no idea how this issue was affecting my work until I started talking to other women who are going through the same thing. There is power in community and it is really nice to see a community for us to be open about issues that may not have been previously understood or felt shame about. Sexual harassment and misconduct also has no place in the work environment. Unfortunately, I have also been a victim of this. There is still a lot of work to be done in this area.  

Dawn Reierson

Submitted August 4, 2026

29 years ago I walked into an ambulance station to ride third and I was hooked. After stopping University, I joined BC Ambulance in 1999 and found my calling. Working in the home town you grew up in has it's challenges but even more blessings. I was also blessed to pursue many teaching opportunities and have had the privilege to help guide many of my coworkers in their medical careers over the years.  As a driver preceptor I have the good fortune to mentor many new recruits on what is usually their first day with us. I am also your newly appointed Region 5-8 Public Education Rep and am still figuring out how to do this to the best of my ability. My greatest joys though are my three children who are all off and running now with the last one graduating this spring. Now I am looking at new ways to harness my energy and attention on things that matter to me. (Like looking after my place full of horses, cats and a dog isn't enough. lol) I am interested in what happens at convention and where our union is heading. I have always been and advocate for looking after us boots on the street. I want to see how we can improve the lives of our members both on and off work hours. Thank you for your valuable time