Jane Sterk
Encyclopedia
Jane Sterk is the leader of the Green Party of British Columbia
, a candidate in the Esquimalt-Royal Roads
riding in the 2009 British Columbia provincial election
, and a business professor at University Canada West
. She was elected leader of the provincial Green Party in October 2007, and elected councillor in the Township of Esquimalt
in 2005. She had participated in the 2004 federal election
and the 2005 provincial election
as a candidate in the Esquimalt ridings, placing fourth and third with 9% and 10% of the vote, respectively.
Before moving to Esquimalt in 1997, Sterk had lived in Edmonton. She earned a doctorate from the University of Alberta
in counseling psychology
and worked for Edmonton Public Schools
and the Edmonton Board of Health. In 1983 she co-founded a business, Softwarehouse West, with a co-worker from the Board of Health. She sold computers, hardware, software, and related services until she retired to Esquimalt in 1997 intending to purchase a boat and sail recreationally.
with her father who worked as the dean of education at the University of Alberta
, and a mother who was a pianist
. At 20 years old, in 1967, she married a man named John who went on to become a lawyer and author. Together they raised two sons. Sterk worked as a school teacher for Edmonton Public Schools
for seven years. At the University of Alberta, she earned a master's degree in education
and a doctorate in counseling psychology
. She opened a private psychologist practice and work for the Edmonton Board of Health. In 1983, at 36 years old, she opened a computer store, Softwarehouse West, with Gary Ford, a co-worker from the Edmonton Board of Health. After a difficult first year, the business grew. By 1990 they employed 33 others, had $6 million in annual revenue, and had won the 1989 Alberta Small Business Owners of the Year from the Chamber of Commerce. In 1992 the business split off its information management section with Sterk heading new the company, USConnect Edmonton. After working for another five years, Sterk and her husband retired in 1997 and moved to Esquimalt, British Columbia
with the intention of sailing around the world. The couple purchased a boat and trained how to sail. They sailed in 1999 and passed Cape Flattery off the coast of Washington before turning back due to seasickness. After further preparation, they successfully sailed to Mexico and back in 2001.
and rapid development causing environmental and social damage. She understood that sustainable and responsible development could have avoided the damage. While she had never belonged to a political party before, and had previously voted for parties across the political spectrum depending upon specific candidates, she joined the Green Party in 2001. She ran as the Green Party of Canada
's candidate in the 2004 federal election
for the Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca
riding where she came in fourth of six candidates, garnering 9.2% of the vote. She was the Green Party of British Columbia
's candidate in the May 2005 provincial election
in the Esquimalt-Metchosin
riding. Of the four candidates in the riding she placed third with 10.4% of the vote. Later that year she ran for seat on the Township of Esquimalt
's city council. As a councilor she supported pedestrian rights, urban farming, and using biofuels in the city vehicle fleet. She served as alternate director at the Capital Regional District. While she supported the construction of a regional sewage treatment plant, she, along with the other Esquimalt councilors, opposed locating plant along the waterfront at Esquimalt's Macaulay Point.
She served her three year term as councilor while accepting a faculty position teaching business administration at University Canada West
and becoming leader of the Green Party of British Columbia. She took over for Christopher Bennett had been the interim leader of the party since the previous leader, Adriane Carr
, left in September 2006 to become deputy leader of the national party. The party held a leadership vote during its annual convention in Victoria
in October 2007. Competing for the leadership position against Sterk were small business owner Damian Kettlewell and filmmaker Ben West, both residents of Vancouver, community activist Jack Etkin of Victoria, and Bowen Island
oceanographer Silvaine Zimmermann. Using the preferential ballot
, Sterk won with West coming in second and Kettlewell third. As leader she set party priorities to increase membership, raise funds for the 2009 provincial election
, and open a party office in Victoria. She participated in the October 2008 provincial by-election in Vancouver-Fairview
but came in third with 7.2% of the popular vote. For the 2009 provincial election
she ran in Esquimalt-Royal Roads
the riding where she resides, she placed third behind the NDP and the BC Liberals.
Green Party of British Columbia
The Green Party of British Columbia is a political party in British Columbia, Canada. It is led by former Esquimalt municipal councillor, university professor and businessperson Jane Sterk, she was elected by the party in 2007. Penticton realtor and columnist Julius Bloomfield serves as the deputy...
, a candidate in the Esquimalt-Royal Roads
Esquimalt-Royal Roads
Esquimalt-Royal Roads is a provincial electoral district in British Columbia, Canada established by the Electoral Districts Act, 2008. It was first contested in the 2009 election in which New Democrat, Maurine Karagianis was elected MLA....
riding in the 2009 British Columbia provincial election
British Columbia general election, 2009
The 39th British Columbia general election was held on May 12, 2009 to elect members of the Legislative Assembly in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The BC Liberal Party formed the government of the province prior to this general election under the leadership of Premier Gordon Campbell...
, and a business professor at University Canada West
University Canada West
University Canada West is a private for-profit educational institution in British Columbia, Canada. University Canada West was established by David Strong, a former president of University of Victoria. Dr. Verna Magee Shepherd, a former vice-president of British Columbia Institute of Technology ,...
. She was elected leader of the provincial Green Party in October 2007, and elected councillor in the Township of Esquimalt
Esquimalt, British Columbia
The Township of Esquimalt is a municipality at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada. It is bordered to the east by the provincial capital, Victoria, to the south by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, to the west by Esquimalt Harbour and Royal Roads, to the northwest by the...
in 2005. She had participated in the 2004 federal election
Canadian federal election, 2004
The Canadian federal election, 2004 , was held on June 28, 2004 to elect members of the Canadian House of Commons of the 38th Parliament of Canada. The Liberal government of Prime Minister Paul Martin lost its majority, but was able to form a minority government after the elections...
and the 2005 provincial election
British Columbia general election, 2005
The 38th British Columbia general election was held on May 17, 2005, to elect members of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia , Canada. The BC Liberal Party formed the government of the province prior to this general election under the leadership of Premier Gordon Campbell...
as a candidate in the Esquimalt ridings, placing fourth and third with 9% and 10% of the vote, respectively.
Before moving to Esquimalt in 1997, Sterk had lived in Edmonton. She earned a doctorate from the University of Alberta
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1908 by Alexander Cameron Rutherford, the first premier of Alberta and Henry Marshall Tory, its first president, it is widely recognized as one of the best universities in Canada...
in counseling psychology
Counseling psychology
Counseling psychology is a psychological specialty that encompasses research and applied work in several broad domains: counseling process and outcome; supervision and training; career development and counseling; and prevention and health...
and worked for Edmonton Public Schools
Edmonton Public Schools
Edmonton Public Schools is the largest public school district in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The district offers a variety of alternative and special needs programs, and many are offered in multiple locations to improve accessibility for students...
and the Edmonton Board of Health. In 1983 she co-founded a business, Softwarehouse West, with a co-worker from the Board of Health. She sold computers, hardware, software, and related services until she retired to Esquimalt in 1997 intending to purchase a boat and sail recreationally.
Before politics
Jane Sterk was born and raised in EdmontonEdmonton
Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta and is the province's second-largest city. Edmonton is located on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Capital Region, which is surrounded by the central region of the province.The city and its census...
with her father who worked as the dean of education at the University of Alberta
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1908 by Alexander Cameron Rutherford, the first premier of Alberta and Henry Marshall Tory, its first president, it is widely recognized as one of the best universities in Canada...
, and a mother who was a pianist
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...
. At 20 years old, in 1967, she married a man named John who went on to become a lawyer and author. Together they raised two sons. Sterk worked as a school teacher for Edmonton Public Schools
Edmonton Public Schools
Edmonton Public Schools is the largest public school district in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The district offers a variety of alternative and special needs programs, and many are offered in multiple locations to improve accessibility for students...
for seven years. At the University of Alberta, she earned a master's degree in education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
and a doctorate in counseling psychology
Counseling psychology
Counseling psychology is a psychological specialty that encompasses research and applied work in several broad domains: counseling process and outcome; supervision and training; career development and counseling; and prevention and health...
. She opened a private psychologist practice and work for the Edmonton Board of Health. In 1983, at 36 years old, she opened a computer store, Softwarehouse West, with Gary Ford, a co-worker from the Edmonton Board of Health. After a difficult first year, the business grew. By 1990 they employed 33 others, had $6 million in annual revenue, and had won the 1989 Alberta Small Business Owners of the Year from the Chamber of Commerce. In 1992 the business split off its information management section with Sterk heading new the company, USConnect Edmonton. After working for another five years, Sterk and her husband retired in 1997 and moved to Esquimalt, British Columbia
Esquimalt, British Columbia
The Township of Esquimalt is a municipality at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada. It is bordered to the east by the provincial capital, Victoria, to the south by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, to the west by Esquimalt Harbour and Royal Roads, to the northwest by the...
with the intention of sailing around the world. The couple purchased a boat and trained how to sail. They sailed in 1999 and passed Cape Flattery off the coast of Washington before turning back due to seasickness. After further preparation, they successfully sailed to Mexico and back in 2001.
Politics
Sterk got involved in Green Party politics following her trip to Mexico where she witnessed ocean pollutionMarine pollution
Marine pollution occurs when harmful, or potentially harmful effects, can result from the entry into the ocean of chemicals, particles, industrial, agricultural and residential waste, noise, or the spread of invasive organisms. Most sources of marine pollution are land based...
and rapid development causing environmental and social damage. She understood that sustainable and responsible development could have avoided the damage. While she had never belonged to a political party before, and had previously voted for parties across the political spectrum depending upon specific candidates, she joined the Green Party in 2001. She ran as the Green Party of Canada
Green Party of Canada
The Green Party of Canada is a Canadian federal political party founded in 1983 with 10,000–12,000 registered members as of October 2008. The Greens advance a broad multi-issue political platform that reflects its core values of ecological wisdom, social justice, grassroots democracy and...
's candidate in the 2004 federal election
Canadian federal election, 2004
The Canadian federal election, 2004 , was held on June 28, 2004 to elect members of the Canadian House of Commons of the 38th Parliament of Canada. The Liberal government of Prime Minister Paul Martin lost its majority, but was able to form a minority government after the elections...
for the Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca
Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca
Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca is a federal electoral district in the province of British Columbia, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons since 1988.-Demographics:-Geography:It initially consisted of:...
riding where she came in fourth of six candidates, garnering 9.2% of the vote. She was the Green Party of British Columbia
Green Party of British Columbia
The Green Party of British Columbia is a political party in British Columbia, Canada. It is led by former Esquimalt municipal councillor, university professor and businessperson Jane Sterk, she was elected by the party in 2007. Penticton realtor and columnist Julius Bloomfield serves as the deputy...
's candidate in the May 2005 provincial election
British Columbia general election, 2005
The 38th British Columbia general election was held on May 17, 2005, to elect members of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia , Canada. The BC Liberal Party formed the government of the province prior to this general election under the leadership of Premier Gordon Campbell...
in the Esquimalt-Metchosin
Esquimalt-Metchosin
Esquimalt-Metchosin was a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada from 1991 to 2009. It is succeeded by the Electoral District of Esquimalt-Royal Roads.- Demographics :- Member of Legislative Assembly :...
riding. Of the four candidates in the riding she placed third with 10.4% of the vote. Later that year she ran for seat on the Township of Esquimalt
Esquimalt, British Columbia
The Township of Esquimalt is a municipality at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada. It is bordered to the east by the provincial capital, Victoria, to the south by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, to the west by Esquimalt Harbour and Royal Roads, to the northwest by the...
's city council. As a councilor she supported pedestrian rights, urban farming, and using biofuels in the city vehicle fleet. She served as alternate director at the Capital Regional District. While she supported the construction of a regional sewage treatment plant, she, along with the other Esquimalt councilors, opposed locating plant along the waterfront at Esquimalt's Macaulay Point.
She served her three year term as councilor while accepting a faculty position teaching business administration at University Canada West
University Canada West
University Canada West is a private for-profit educational institution in British Columbia, Canada. University Canada West was established by David Strong, a former president of University of Victoria. Dr. Verna Magee Shepherd, a former vice-president of British Columbia Institute of Technology ,...
and becoming leader of the Green Party of British Columbia. She took over for Christopher Bennett had been the interim leader of the party since the previous leader, Adriane Carr
Adriane Carr
Adriane Carr is a Canadian academic, activist and politician with the Green Party in British Columbia and Canada. She is also a Councillor-elect on Vancouver City Council. She was a founding member and the Green Party of British Columbia's first leader from 1983 to 1985, whereafter the party...
, left in September 2006 to become deputy leader of the national party. The party held a leadership vote during its annual convention in Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. The city has a population of about 78,000 within the metropolitan area of Greater Victoria, which has a population of 360,063, the 15th most populous Canadian...
in October 2007. Competing for the leadership position against Sterk were small business owner Damian Kettlewell and filmmaker Ben West, both residents of Vancouver, community activist Jack Etkin of Victoria, and Bowen Island
Bowen Island
Bowen Island, British Columbia, is an island municipality in Howe Sound, is part of the Greater Vancouver Regional District, and is an island included within the jurisdiction of the Islands Trust . Approximately 6 km wide by 12 km long, the island at its closest point is about 2 km...
oceanographer Silvaine Zimmermann. Using the preferential ballot
Preferential voting
Preferential voting is a type of ballot structure used in several electoral systems in which voters rank candidates in order of relative preference. For example, the voter may select their first choice as '1', their second preference a '2', and so on...
, Sterk won with West coming in second and Kettlewell third. As leader she set party priorities to increase membership, raise funds for the 2009 provincial election
British Columbia general election, 2009
The 39th British Columbia general election was held on May 12, 2009 to elect members of the Legislative Assembly in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The BC Liberal Party formed the government of the province prior to this general election under the leadership of Premier Gordon Campbell...
, and open a party office in Victoria. She participated in the October 2008 provincial by-election in Vancouver-Fairview
Vancouver-Fairview
Vancouver-Fairview is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada.- Demographics :-MLAs:#Gary Farrell-Collins, Liberal #Gregor Robertson, NDP #Jenn McGinn, NDP...
but came in third with 7.2% of the popular vote. For the 2009 provincial election
British Columbia general election, 2009
The 39th British Columbia general election was held on May 12, 2009 to elect members of the Legislative Assembly in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The BC Liberal Party formed the government of the province prior to this general election under the leadership of Premier Gordon Campbell...
she ran in Esquimalt-Royal Roads
Esquimalt-Royal Roads
Esquimalt-Royal Roads is a provincial electoral district in British Columbia, Canada established by the Electoral Districts Act, 2008. It was first contested in the 2009 election in which New Democrat, Maurine Karagianis was elected MLA....
the riding where she resides, she placed third behind the NDP and the BC Liberals.