BC Healthy Communities welcomes two new members to its board of directors 

ByPatrick Dunne
Eda Mallhi and Ian Brunskill have joined the BCHC Board of Directors
Eda Mallhi and Ian Brunskill have joined the BCHC Board of Directors

BC Healthy Communities (BCHC) is pleased to welcome Ian Brunskill and Eda Mallhi as the newest members of its Board of Directors. Both bring extensive experience in health leadership, community development, and equity-based approaches to health, strengthening BCHC’s commitment to fostering healthy, connected, and resilient communities across British Columbia. 

Ian Brunskill has more than 30 years of consulting and leadership experience in the health and social services sectors, both in Canada and internationally. His career includes senior management roles at a major provincial cancer agency and an academic health science centre, as well as consulting work with governments, regulators, and health organizations across the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Africa. Now based on Salt Spring Island, Ian is semi-retired and currently serves as Chair of the Board for VHA Home Health Care in Toronto and Salt Spring Literacy. 

Eda Mallhi brings over 15 years of experience in health promotion, disease prevention, and community development, with a strong focus on equity and the social determinants of health. She played a key role in launching and strengthening the local Social Prescribing Program and led the development of the RISE Community Health Centre, engaging more than 400 stakeholders to build one of B.C.’s most effective wraparound service models. As Executive Director of one of the province’s largest seniors’ centres, Eda continues to champion inclusive, intergenerational, and holistic approaches to community health. 

“We’re pleased to welcome Ian and Eda to the board,” said BCHC Executive Director Vanessa Manuel. “Their leadership and commitment to health equity complement the deep experience of our current members, ensuring BCHC continues to advance meaningful change in communities across B.C.” 

Thanking our outgoing Board members

Vanessa Manuel also wanted to thank Chris Lovelace, Jocelyn Stanton, and Mary-Ethel Audley for their many years of service on the BCHC Board and the invaluable support they provided. “On behalf of BC Healthy Communities, I want to express our deep appreciation for the wisdom, dedication, and care Chris, Jocelyn and Mary-Ethel brought to their roles,” said Manuel. “Their contributions have strengthened BCHC’s mission and left a lasting impact on our work to build healthier, more connected communities across British Columbia.” 

Ian and Eda join a dedicated group of continuing board members who bring diverse perspectives and expertise to BCHC’s governance and strategic direction. 

Providing Ongoing Leadership and Guidance

Joshua Tan, Co-Chair, a lawyer who focuses on supporting individuals, local businesses, and non-profit organizations. Fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese, Joshua has deep ties to immigrant and community organizations and brings a strong sense of social responsibility and public service to his role. 

Asma-na-hi Antoine, Co-Chair, from the Toquaht Nation of the Nuu-chah-nulth lands, is an Indigenous Research Project Officer at UBC and recently completed her Ph.D. at Simon Fraser University. With extensive experience in Indigenous education and systems change, Asma-na-hi’s work focuses on reconciliation, decolonization, and creating culturally safe spaces in both academic and community settings. 

Vanessa Lee, Secretary, a Chartered Professional Accountant and educator, combines her expertise in business and finance with a passion for inclusive education and community well-being. She has more than 20 years of experience working with small businesses and non-profit organizations, alongside her ongoing work as a math teacher and advocate for active, healthy living. 

Jack Shewchuk, Treasurer, brings over four decades of financial and public sector leadership to the board. A Chartered Accountant by training, Jack’s career includes senior roles with the BC Ministry of Health and the Office of the Auditor General, where he oversaw audits of major universities and health programs. As former Chair of the Canadian Vital Statistics Council of Canada, he played a pivotal role in advancing legislation to establish gender rights on birth certificates.  

For more information about our Board members, please visit our Board of Directors page on our website.