Thank You, Gabriola
John Rankin, CPA, CA, MBA, DIFA
Candidate for Trustee, Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District
Thank you to the homeowners and residents of Gabriola for your strong support in this election, and for placing your trust in me as one of your Fire Protection Improvement District trustees. I’m honoured by the confidence you’ve shown and will work hard to provide steady, transparent financial oversight for our fire service.
Over the campaign period, it has been a real pleasure to meet and chat with so many Gabriolans, and to hear your questions, concerns, and hopes for our fire protection services.
This campaign website will remain online for one more week as a simple thank you and information resource, and will then be taken down.
With appreciation,
John Rankin
About John
John Rankin is a Certified Public Accountant with over 40 years of experience in financial management, governance, and executive leadership. He also holds an MBA and a Diploma in Forensic Accounting (DIFA).
Throughout his career, John served as Chief Financial Officer, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, and senior advisor to elected officials and senior management. He also served on multiple boards of directors, providing financial and governance oversight. He oversaw budgets exceeding $40 million and led teams of up to 90 staff.
Most recently, John held senior management roles with a Vancouver Island Modern Treaty First Nation, where his responsibilities included financial oversight, long-term planning, audits, emergency management oversight and coordination, policy development, and intergovernmental negotiations.
His work consistently centered on transparency, fiduciary responsibility, informed decision-making, and respect for governance roles.
Having lived on Gabriola Island for over five years, John maintained a deep understanding of the importance of preparedness, careful planning, and strong local services in an island community.
The Role of a Trustee
During the 2026 campaign, John defined the role of Trustees as being elected to provide leadership and oversight. Trustees exercised their authority collectively through bylaws and resolutions to ensure the organization operated within its legal mandate, used resources responsibly, and maintained long-term financial stability.
The campaign emphasized that Trustees did not manage day-to-day operations, as that responsibility belonged to staff and operational leadership. This clear distinction between governance and operations was a cornerstone of John’s proposed approach to support stability and accountability.
The 2026 Platform for the Fire Department’s Long-Term Plan
John’s campaign centered on supporting the Fire Department’s 10-Year Long Range Plan (2025–2034). He advocated for the plan as a living document to be reviewed and amended with appropriate consultations. His platform focused on ensuring this plan was carried out responsibly, transparently, and with disciplined financial oversight.
Financial Stability & Planning
- Advocated for sustainable reserves
- Focused on stable levy planning
- Promoted clear financial reporting
People & Training
- Supported responder progression
- Prioritized firefighter safety
- Addressed staffing level needs
Emergency Preparedness
- Endorsed equipment goals
- Encouraged regional coordination
- Supported response standards
Infrastructure & Equipment
- Advocated for capital replacement
- Promoted facility standards
- Focused on infrastructure planning
Historical Leadership Approach
During the 2026 campaign, John approached governance with a steady, thoughtful style that was grounded in:
- Preparation and due diligence in all processes
- Commitment to respectful collaboration
- Informed, evidence-based decision-making models
- Strict legal and regulatory compliance
- Clear, transparent community communication
- Direct accountability to Gabriola residents
John maintained the belief that strong public institutions were built on sound policies, practical best practices, and clear strategic direction.
Throughout his campaign, he supported developing and maintaining policies that were workable, current, and meant to be consistently applied. He valued constant engagement with trustees, firefighters, and the broader community, ensuring campaign platforms reflected both operational realities and public expectations.
With a focus on thoughtful long-term planning, regular review, and responsible oversight, John was committed to helping the Fire District operate in a way that remains stable, respectful, and financially sound.
Contact
If you would like to share your thoughts, ask questions, or support John’s candidacy, please get in touch.
Email: JohnRankinForTrustee@gmail.com
Website: johnrankinfortrustee.ca