Councillor Mike Klassen was born in Vancouver and resides in the Mountain View neighourhood adjacent to Fraser Street. For over two decades Mike has brought people together within his community, spearheading multiple initiatives such as murals, historical plaques, and street banners to promote neighbourhood vitality, safety, and wellness.
Prior to his election in 2022, Mike served as Vice President, Public Affairs for BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) where he advocated for improvements in health care and housing for seniors. It was at the beginning of the COVID-19 health emergency that Mike took on the duties of BCCPA’s acting CEO, and helped the sector navigate the greatest crisis in its history. He is most proud of how the association helped to reunite seniors in care homes with loved ones kept apart by infection control restrictions.
Among Mike’s many priorities as city councillor is to make Vancouver an age-friendly city where older adults can remain active and socially engaged within their communities.
As president of the board of directors for Performing Arts Lodge (PAL) Vancouver, Mike forged a partnership between multiple parties that led to a ground-breaking 66-unit housing development for arts and entertainment professionals slated to open in 2023.
Mike’s board roles have included Vice-Chair of the Vancouver City Planning Commission, Vice-Chair for the DOXA Documentary Festival, and as board director on the BC Small Business Roundtable and Canadian Association of Long-Term Care.
In 2015, Mike led a province-wide industry consultation that resulted in major regulatory reforms to strengthen BC’s booming wine and grape growing sector.
Mike is a UBC graduate (Bachelor of Arts in English literature and political science) and a Killarney Secondary alum, as well as being a husband, parent, and avid running and fitness enthusiast.
