Your EDA Members
Michelle Craig
Michelle retired from the Government of Alberta five years ago, where she worked as a senior executive in Health and Social Services. These days, in addition to serving on the EDA, Michelle spends her time training and racing as a high performance Dragon Boat paddler, working with her dog, and exploring and getting to know the Comox Valley and Campbell River, which is where she now lives.
CHAIRPERSON
hugh stainsby
VICE CHAIR
Hugh has lived in the riding for the last 17 years, and is happy and proud to call Comox home. After spending 38 years going to sea as a Marine Engineer, he is very pleased to have come ashore here. He is inspired by the diverse communities, friendly people, engaging history and amazing land and sea in the riding and believes that this vibrancy calls us to do our part to help build the future for everyone. Hugh is a member of one of the many local choirs.
Chris bolster
SECRETARY
Chris lives in Powell River and serves as Secretary for the EDA. A human resources professional by trade, he is passionate about community involvement, public policy, and lifelong learning. Outside of work, Chris enjoys reading history, podcasting, travelling, and spending time with his family. He is proud to call North Island–Powell River home and values the strong communities, natural beauty, and civic spirit that make the riding such a special place.
JILL HARRINGTON
TREASURER
Jill has been on the NIPR EDA board since 2012 and has served as Treasurer for the past 8 years. She is completely committed to the grassroots aspect of Federal politics - small brush strokes make up the big picture. She is a retired bookkeeper and a fulltime slave to a large garden of flowers, herbs, berries, shrubs and fruit trees. What’s not to love about North Island – Powell River?!
ORGAINIZATION CHAIR
JEN LASH
Jen lives in Sointula, was the candidate in 2025, and is hoping to be the candidate for the next election. Prior to the election, she worked as a Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of the Environment. Most of her career was spent working to protect the health of our oceans and fisheries and to stop climate change. She is on the Board of the Sointula Co-op Association and is an active volunteer at Mount Cain.
JOHN NEVILLE
POLICY CHAIR
John lives in Comox and recently joined the EDA. John is interested in advancing healthy salmon stocks, a healthy forestry sector, meaningful reconciliation, AI education, and fast tracking nation-building projects. John is a corporate finance specialist and entrepreneur and worked with Paul Martin Jr. in his bid to become Prime Minister. He has worked in Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America. He currently owns and operates the Comox Valley Marina
DIANNE DENNIS
MEMBER AT LARGE
Dianne lives in Campbell River where, although she is retired, she keeps busy dragon boating, and visiting the Sportsplex for exercise classes and the weight room. She also tries to fit in riding her motorcycle and gardening. She enjoys the camaraderie of being with fellow Liberals at the monthly Pints and Politics to discuss current events and other areas of interest. Dianne os also a member of the Senior Liberal Commission.
Anne joined the NIPR board in 2019. She has called this riding home for 54 years. Originally from Deep River, Ontario, she moved through Toronto before making her way to Vancouver Island, where she lived in Merville, Comox, and now Point Holmes. Her working life included childcare, the fishing industry, and supporting individuals with special needs. Now retired, she spends her time enjoying the beach and all that this beautiful community has to offer.
MEMBER AT LARGE
ANNE BELL
MEMBER AT LARGE
PETER SCHWARZHOFF
After a career with Environment Canada, Peter retired to his hometown of Campbell River. He has served on the NIPR EDA in several roles and was the Liberal candidate in 2015 and 2019. He is also a long-serving board member of River City Inclusion where he is the past president and has served on the board of Greenways Land Trust
ELIZABETH BETTENSON
MEMBER AT LARGE
Elizabeth Bettenson is a student studying Canadian History & Politics at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, but she was born and raised in Campbell River and still spends her summers here. She currently works as a Heritage Interpreter for the Museum at Campbell River. Elizabeth is passionate about youth engagement in politics, and hopes to build a career in federal politics in the future.
DR LAUREN EXETER
MEMBER AT LARGE