Sarah brings a wealth of experience from her career as a registered nurse and professor of nursing at VIU, and serving as a long-time member and Chair of the Nanaimo Community Action Team (NCAT) on the Toxic Drug Crisis. She has spent much of her career working with patients affected by poverty and other social determinants of health using a compassionate and evidence-based approach. She is a strong advocate for access to affordable housing, food, and healthcare services. Sarah’s vision and energy are refreshing. The aspirations and priorities in her platform describe a Nanaimo we are inspired to strive for.

Forward Nanaimo

See my full answers to the Forward Nanaimo Candidate Survey

I am a physician serving our community for the past seven years, across the spectrum of age and socioeconomic backgrounds in both the community and hospital setting. I see firsthand the ongoing neglect of our city leaders to address the foundational components of health that foster thriving, robust, connected communities. 

I have become increasingly frustrated by our city’s failure to meaningfully address those foundations. Our current leader has been overtly vocal in his eight years as Mayor about his opinions on solutions to "clean up" our city. To any of us who have studied these issues from a lens of sociology, public health, or human rights, we know that his opinions go directly against expert advice and best evidence. We know that his proposed "solutions" go directly against the proven initiatives that have been successful for other cities in improving health and wellbeing. It should therefore not surprise us that, after years of pursuing essentially the same approaches, the challenges our community members face have continued to grow worse each year. "The very definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting different results" says a common quote, yet our current leader continues to hold fast to views that are outdated, proven ineffective, and rooted in stigmatization and discrimination against those who rely on him most. We need a leader with the intellectual humility and willingness to change when evidence tells us that we should, not dig in their heels. Sarah Lovegrove is that leader.  

I am tired of Nanaimo being named "The City Without Pity." I am tired of living in a city in constant crisis.  We need a leader who understands the key determinants of health -- safe housing and nutrition, clean air and water, community and social supports, education and literacy -- as these are ultimately the factors that lead to thriving individuals, families, and communities.  As a health care worker, as a professor at our university molding young minds, as an active advocate for our most vulnerable neighbours and a decade-long voice for our community, Sarah Lovegrove is that leader.  

I have worked with Sarah across many domains both in and out of the healthcare setting. Throughout this time, I have had the privilege to listen to her dreams and aspirations of a better city for us all. I have witnessed her ability to lead with compassion, without sacrificing pragmatism.  I have seen her ability to inspire connectedness in a society that is increasingly isolated. I have had the joy of watching her approach problems with creativity, curiosity and a willingness to hear all perspectives as she forges ahead with her solution-oriented mindset. It is clear in watching her work that Sarah knows intimately the struggles of the community members she would serve. 

It is time for change. I am proud and honoured to be able to endorse our next mayor, Sarah Lovegrove.  

Signed,  

Dr. Jessica Wilder, MD, CCFP (AM) 

A local family physician and proud Nanaimo community member

I am writing to express my wholehearted and enthusiastic endorsement of Sarah Lovegrove for Mayor of Nanaimo. For nearly a decade, I have had the privilege of working alongside Sarah through various community initiatives, and I have watched her transform our local spaces with a rare, fierce devotion. She possesses a profound understanding of the complex challenges facing our neighborhoods, and she has a unique gift for speaking about these difficult issues with crystal clarity, balance, and insight.

What sets Sarah apart is the genuine heart and immense bravery she brings to community advocacy. She does not shrink away from difficult social issues; instead, she leans into them with deep respect, moral integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of every resident. This compassionate approach is woven into everything she does and is reflected in the deep dignity and care she shows to every person she meets.

During our close collaborations on multiple initiatives at VIU, Sarah proved herself to be an invaluable partner. Working with her is an absolute joy, as she perfectly balances sharp intellect and absolute reliability with a wonderful sense of humor that lifts everyone around her. She is a leader of true integrity who shows up, does the hard work, and keeps her promises.

Our city stands at a crossroads, and we desperately need leaders who care deeply and act bravely. I have absolute confidence that Sarah will bring an unshakeable commitment to the safety, health, and prosperity of Nanaimo. I am incredibly proud to support her journey, and I look forward to seeing her fierce, compassionate voice guide our community as Mayor of Nanaimo. 

Dr. Carmen Lavoie

Professor of Social Work, Vancouver Island University

I am proud to endorse Sarah Lovegrove for Mayor of Nanaimo.

Nanaimo needs leadership that understands that a strong community is one where everyone has a place in its future. I believe Sarah brings the compassion, integrity and collaborative approach we need to address challenges like housing affordability, homelessness, public safety and poverty without losing sight of the people behind those issues.

Sarah listens, brings people together and understands that complex problems require thoughtful, practical solutions. I believe she will lead with empathy while working toward a stronger, more inclusive Nanaimo.

This October, Sarah Lovegrove has my support for Mayor.

Sarah Pump
Executive Director
Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo

I am so delighted to shine on my dear friend and colleague, Sarah Lovegrove, in her ambition and declaration to become the next Mayor of Nanaimo.

I hold such gratitude for all that Sarah is and all that she does, she is truly an inspiration.

I first met Sarah in 2019 and immediately recognized her caring and compassionate nature, which dovetails seamlessly with her drive, her ethics, her incredible intellect, her integrity and personability. She truly cares about which she speaks and consistently demonstrates a commitment to considering multiple points of view and an ability to bring it all back to the greater good.

Sarah is genuine, she is real, and she is equally authentic when she is engaged in one-to-one conversation, guiding a large class of registered nursing students, or delivering evidence in a live radio interview. She offers herself selflessly, yet with purpose, and an understanding of what is required in the moment.

As someone who recognizes the importance of real leadership in our political spheres, from the perspective of nearly three decades in health care, and with a master's in public health & social policy, I am incredibly excited and inspired by Sarah's motivation to enter Nanaimo's local governance. She has a real understanding of the social determinants of health, including public policy, and how our local issues affect us all, including our most vulnerable people.

I truly believe Sarah Lovegrove will make an incredible next Mayor of Nanaimo, and I believe she has everything she needs to work alongside Nanaimo City Council and the residents of Nanaimo to support its continued successes and to address its challenges and social issues across the board.

Sarah Lovegrove has my unwavering support.

With sincerity, gratitude and care,

Griffin Russell