Sharon Hartwell was elected MLA for Bulkley Valley-Stikine in 2024. She currently serves as Critic For Rural Communities and Rural Development.
Sharon is deeply rooted in the Bulkley Valley, a place she proudly calls home. Born and raised in this picturesque rural area, she has not only built her life here but has also instilled her values of community engagement and growth in her two sons, who have chosen to remain in the same region.
From an early age, Sharon was raised to be community-minded and to actively participate in shaping the future of her beloved community and its surroundings. Her commitment was to elevate the standards for small communities within the riding and beyond.
As a business owner, Sharon recognized the need to showcase the beauty and potential of her community to the outside world. She sought to promote the area’s natural beauty and economic opportunities while encouraging business growth.
Sharon’s dedication to her community led her to run for the Village Council in Telkwa, where she served a term and a half. Her desire to make a more significant impact drove her to run for the position of Mayor, where she spent an impressive 12 years championing the interests of small and rural communities. During her tenure, she engaged with Provincial and Federal Governments to address crucial issues facing these communities.
Sharon’s innovative program, Team BC, celebrated the splendor of small and rural communities in British Columbia. It became a resounding success with all 82 communities participating, highlighting their unique attributes.
Recognizing the need for infrastructure development, Sharon represented small communities as the Small Community Representative at UBCM. She successfully lobbied for a grant process that transformed the relationship between these communities and the Provincial and Federal Governments, promoting a partnership approach rather than dependency.
Sharon has always been a champion of healthcare and infrastructure. Her leadership as the chair of the North West Regional Hospital District saw improvements in healthcare delivery, including the construction of a new hospital in Masset. To address the need for more healthcare professionals, she initiated the Northern Health Connections Bus, a program that provides vital transportation for medical appointments and post-hospital discharge.
Recognizing the importance of representation at the national level, Sharon ran and was elected to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). Here, she actively participated in the Rural Forum and successfully advocated for changes in the infrastructure formula for rural communities in Canada.
Sharon’s commitment to safety led her to become Vice-Chair of Transportation and Infrastructure for FCM, where she oversaw airport-related matters. She also joined the Safety Committee, representing all Canadian communities in rail safety issues.
In her role as a director on the FCM Board, Sharon served on the Environment Committee, exploring innovative technological solutions to enhance communities.
Throughout her 20-year journey in public service, Sharon has consistently worked towards building strong and healthy communities. Her unwavering commitment is to be a resounding voice for the people of the Bulkley Valley-Stikine Riding, advocating for positive change and a brighter future for all.
