Recommended by the Vancity Board of Directors
I am running for Vancity’s Board of Directors because I believe credit unions play a crucial role in building just and equitable, communities.
For three decades, my work in community engagement, social and environmental justice, and cultural leadership has focused on bringing people together to address complex urban challenges. As past Director of SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement and Chair of the Vancouver International Film Festival, I have experience in collaborative governance, public dialogue, and forging partnerships between institutions and grassroots communities. As Executive Artistic Director of the Indian Summer Festival, I value the role of the arts in bringing people together and forging new solidarities.
I bring a values-driven approach grounded in inclusion, environmental responsibility, and economic justice. My background in public policy, community development, and social innovation equips me to contribute critically to Vancity’s strategic direction—ensuring members’ needs remain at the center of decision-making.
How to Vote
Voting opens at 9:00 am on April 7
Mobile
Vote on the Vancity mobile app by 4:30 pm on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Please note: Business members can only vote by mail.
Online
Vote online by 4:30 pm on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Please note: Business members can only vote by mail.
Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than Friday, April 24, 2026.
Want a mail-in ballot? Call 604-877-7595 and leave a message with your name and contact information, or email election@vancity.com by April 21, 2026.
In-branch voting is not available, but completed ballots may be dropped off at any Vancity branch by April 24, 2026
I’m supporting Dr. Am Johal’s effort to become a Vancity director.
I’ve known Am for over 30 years, and been impressed with his wide and varied activities. His passion and commitment towards developing sustainable communities, and his focus on climate change, social economy and affordable housing issues will be valuable in helping Vancity renew and re energize.
As an over 50 years member of Vancity, former Vancouver Councillor, Mayor and BC Premier, I’m very supportive of Am in his aim of being elected a director of Vancity.
Mike Harcourt,
former Mayor of Vancouver and Premier of BC
Am Johal would be an outstanding addition to the Vancity Board. He has a long association with Vancity, having served for many years as Co-Chair of the Vancity Community Foundation and Director of SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement. Am has deep ties with so many community and arts networks, he would no doubt serve as an insightful liaison between our credit union and the community. Am is in essence a community-builder and supporter of decisive action on the climate emergency –– just what we want on the Vancity board.
Seth Klein,
author, and climate and policy writer
Am Johal brings the governance discipline and institutional experience required to steward a complex financial cooperative like Vancity. Through his leadership at SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement and his service on multiple non-profit and foundation boards, he has demonstrated fiscal oversight, strategic planning, and accountability at scale. His background in economic development, public policy advising, and cooperative community finance reflects both the technical acumen and values alignment members expect. I am confident Am will bring rigorous judgment, collaborative leadership, and long-term vision to the Vancity Board of Directors.
Khelsilem
Am Johal is a brilliant candidate for the Vancity Credit Union Board and has my enthusiastic support. His deep curiosity about how the world works, dedication to community building, and strong track record as an advocate of a more cooperative, inclusive and sustainable alternative to our extractive and unequal status quo make a vote for Am Johal a no brainer.
Astra Taylor,
author, filmmaker former CBC Massey Lecturer and co-founder of the Debt Collective
Few people can reflect the interests and voices of Metro Vancouver’s diverse cultural communities like Am Johal. His deep experience of of community engagement and this demonstrated financial management skills make him a great candidate for the Vancity Board of Directors
Jan O’Brien,
Former Board Director and Former Chair of the Board for Vancity
Want to help canvass for Am? Download the handbill! Print double-sided and cut.
Handbill – full colour PDF
Handbill – greyscale PDF