{"id":423,"date":"2026-09-01T06:15:40","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T06:15:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alliforsaanich.ca\/?page_id=423"},"modified":"2026-09-12T22:03:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-13T05:03:54","slug":"about-alli-deelstra-for-saanich-council-crd-director","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.alliforsaanich.ca\/?page_id=423","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"
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PREPARED. PRINCIPLED. LISTENING.<\/span><\/p>\n

ABOUT<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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I\u2019m Alli Deelstra, a lifelong Saanich resident of 32 years, now raising my two young children in Gordon Head, in the same family home that has welcomed three generations of our family.<\/span><\/p>\n

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With a background in accounting, financial management, board governance and volunteering.<\/span> <\/strong>I’ve spent much of my professional and volunteer life working in roles where preparation matters, difficult questions need to be asked, and decisions have real financial and organizational impacts.<\/span><\/p>\n

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My professional background is in accounting and financial management. I graduated from the <\/span>University of Victoria in 2018 with a Bachelor of Commerce<\/strong>, and I now have more than eight years of diverse accounting experience in public practice, private industry and managerial accounting.<\/span><\/p>\n

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That experience has shaped the way I approach decisions. Understand the numbers. Ask what something will cost over the long term. Identify the risks. And make sure there is a clear reason for spending money.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Volunteer Leadership and Governance<\/strong><\/p>\n

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I currently serve as Treasurer of the <\/span>B.C. Wildlife Federation<\/a>, an organization representing more than 40,000 members across British Columbia. In that role, I have worked closely with budgeting, financial reporting, audits, governance, strategic planning and board-level decision-making. Serving an organization with both urban and rural members has also reinforced the importance of listening to people whose experiences and priorities may be very different from one another.<\/span><\/p>\n

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I also serve as a Director (previously Vice Chair) of the <\/span>B.C. Conservation Foundation<\/a>, where my involvement combines my commitment to board business and a longstanding interest in conservation, habitat and responsible stewardship.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Previously, I served as Treasurer of the <\/span>Island Rangers Society<\/a>, adding another perspective on volunteer organizations representing over 400 members across Vancouver Island with private land access for recreational activity. <\/span><\/p>\n

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A wonderful community experience I recently participated in was the 2025-2026 <\/span>Roots of Empathy<\/a> program with my son. We attended an elementary classroom once a month during the school year with a lovely facilitator. It gave me the opportunity to support classroom learning around empathy, emotional development, and understanding others through the perspective of my baby’s first year. It was a meaningful reminder that strong communities are built early, and we can teach children to relate to one another in early childhood. <\/span><\/p>\n

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In addition to my non-profit society commitments, I volunteer at <\/span>Claremont Secondary’s<\/a> bi-annual capstone projects presented by senior students. This is an opportunity that I’m grateful to participate in, as I was a graduate from the school and enjoy observing what youth are motivated to achieve.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Continued below… <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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IN THEIR WORDS<\/span><\/p>\n

WHAT OTHERS SAY<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Perspectives from people I’ve worked with and served alongside.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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“<\/span><\/p>\n

\ufeffI’m proud to support Alli because I know how genuinely she cares about our community. <\/span><\/p>\n

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She’s hardworking, compassionate, practical, and committed to responsible decisions that protect our community and the outdoors we value.<\/span><\/p>\n

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– Mike W. <\/em><\/p>\n

Last name withheld for privacy<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Have we worked together, served alongside one another, or connected through the community? I\u2019d love to hear your perspective.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to share a testimonial, please email me at<\/span> <\/span>hello@alliforsaanich.ca<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Community and Conservation<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Outside of my professional and board responsibilities, conservation and community involvement have been significant parts of my life. I am currently a member of the following organizations:<\/span><\/p>\n

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