Our Board and Trustees

Board of Directors 2018 – 2019

linda-flegel-president

Linda Flegel

President

Linda Flegel brings more than 20 years’ experience in business development and operational improvements. She joined Houle Electric in 2015 as Strategic Change Project Manager and, previously, led the City of Vancouver’s $26M permits software implementation as Business Transformation Project Manager. She was a project manager on the team that completed Science World’s $35M building expansion and renewal, as well as development of their new outdoor science park from 2010 – 2013. Linda handled media relations for Tourism Whistler during the win-the-bid phase of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, as well as managed the worldwide satellite feed launching Whistler Blackcomb’s Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Along with her PMP, PRINCE2, Prosci, Lean Green Belt, and Business Analysis certifications, Linda is currently enrolled in BCIT’s Construction Management degree program.
guyle-clark-director

Guyle Clark

Vice President

Guyle brings a wealth of board experience to New Vista, having sat on many non-profit, municipal and corporate boards past and present. He is a partner at Clark Woods LLP, a law firm dedicated to civil litigation matters, and entrepreneur with several other business interests in sectors ranging from hospitality to finance. Guyle has been committed to the ongoing growth and wellbeing of Burnaby for many years and currently sits on Burnaby’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission. In his position as a Director, Guyle is dedicated to expanding the reach and success of New Vista for years to come.
sonny-dhillon-director

Sonny Dhillon

Treasurer

Sonny Dhillon, CPA, CA is the founding partner and business advisor at Intel CPA. Sonny received his Bachelor’s in Accounting from BCIT in 2007 and became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia in 2010. He was employed as a manager at one of Canada’s leading national accounting firms before joining Intel. Sonny has over 11 years of experience working in the accounting and auditing field.  He is highly proficient, well versed with current knowledge of applicable accounting standards and shows a high level of productivity and attention to detail. Sonny’s primary focus is providing assurance – audit and review engagement services to not-for-profit organizations and private enterprises. Sonny also provides value added tax planning solutions including estate planning services – family trusts, Holdings Company set up and estate freeze. He has a genuine ability to connect with business owners and key decision makers to help them navigate complex tax and regulatory compliance issues that impact their organization. Sonny has a passion for community involvement and engagement. He has served on the boards of not-for-profit organizations for over five years.
board-placeholder

Leaf Alifu

Director

Leaf Alifu is a multifaceted individual and local business owner with a passion for Social Media. He focuses on improving a business’ exposure using the many unique forums available today and works closely with a number of companies, including a Chinese social media channel, developing strategies to expand their social media presence. Leaf also founded the Vancouver International Volunteer Association (VIVA), providing volunteer opportunities to bridge the gap between youth and local communities. He cares very deeply about social involvement and uses his fluency in Mandarin and English to promote and connect his Chinese culture within the community. Leaf describes being a part of The New Vista Society as “an honourable opportunity to serve seniors in our society and to appreciate what they have done for our community.”
michael-chang-director

Michael Chang

Director

Michael Immigrated to Canada from Korea in 2006 and became a Canadian Citizen in 2011. He is very involved in community projects and is the Outreach Director of the Korean Veteran Association and Korean War Veterans Association. Michael was a driving force in securing space at New Vista for the Korean War Veterans to meet and is the Managing Director of the Korean Sports Association and Korean Tennis Association Canada Branch.
antara-deb-director

Antara Deb

Director

Antara Deb was born and raised in India, one of the most multi-dimensional countries in the world, and immigrated to Canada in 2008. Currently an Information System Analyst with BC Hydro, Antara has also worked in GIS and CAD roles, and has technical diplomas in GIS and Architecture. Since 2008, she has volunteered with the Lower Mainland Bengali Cultural Society of British Columbia promoting Bengali culture and heritage. Serving as Vice President, she focused on fundraising, sponsorship and events planning, as well working with seniors in the community. Antara has also volunteered with Dress for Success’ clothing drive to support women re-entering the work force, as well as those fleeing Violence.
board-placeholder

Michael Hwang

Director

Michael Hwang is a lawyer with more than 30 years’ experience advising diverse not-for-profit organizations. He has also served on the boards of many local and international organizations dedicated to community development, including Burnaby Multicultural Society, Burnaby Chamber of Commerce, Presbyterian World Service & Development, and Sharons Credit Union. Michael’s advocacy for culturally sensitive senior care began in 2001, when he organized the first Korean Heritage Festival in Burnaby, bringing the community together to raise awareness and support for seniors with special needs. He is excited to join the New Vista Society’s Board, which has embraced culturally sensitive care for the Korean community in our new care home. Michael continues to practice law on a part-time basis, while operating a heritage theatre to promote reconciliation and social justice through performing arts.
board-placeholder

Barbara Larkin

Director

Barbara Larkin is a counsellor in private practice in New Westminster with a focus on the treatment of anxiety. She is a Commissioner on the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission; acts as Vice Chairperson and liaison for the Seniors Societies; and is a Board member appointed to the College of Opticians of British Columbia.

As an adult student, Barbara received a Master of Social Work while raising two children and working full-time. Her MSW thesis was on the topic of “End of Life Care in Long Term Care.” She previously worked for Fraser Health Authority as a social worker and mental health therapist.

As a member of the Board of Directors, Barbara is pleased to bring to The New Vista Society knowledge and experience in the community, healthcare, small business ownership, and board governance.

board-placeholder

John Morrison

Director

John Morrison is a lawyer specializing in real estate and real estate finance. As a resident of Burnaby for most of his life, he has joined the Board of Directors of The New Vista Society to contribute to his local community in a way that utilizes his experience and expertise. In his spare time, John enjoys his family, travel, and participating in a variety of sports and outdoor activities.
board-placeholder

Benjamin Nelson

Director

Benjamin attended business school at the Richard Ivey School of Business and the majority of his career has been focused on real estate and land development. He builds and develops his own investment projects, focused on residential and mixed use. He is the Director of Development and asset Management for the Solterra group of companies, which includes residential, multi-family, mixed-use and industrial in both Canada and the US. He was involved in Intrawest Resort Development and mixed-use villages in both countries, as well as Polygon homes for multi-families.
eunice-oh-director

Eunice Oh

Director

Eunice has provided partial funding for the Society’s new Care Home to include a floor geared towards the cultural sensitivities of Korea. This has been a dream of hers for decades and she works tirelessly towards preserving her native culture. A pharmacist by trade, Eunice is the recipient of numerous awards for her service including: Canada 150 Award; Awards for Social Service from the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea; Gwanak Award for the Excellence from the Seoul National Alumni Association; and the Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Government of Canada in 2013.
perry-saran-director

Perry Saran

Director

Perry is a serial Entrepreneur with a foundation in the lumber industry. He has successfully developed a global network of manufacturing and distribution of wood products since 1992. This has established his organization, North Mitchell Lumber Company, as one of the key players in the lower mainland. His operations extend into Asia with previous manufacturing facilities in China as well as in Canada. In addition, Perry also owned and operated a recycling business, Abby Bin Service, for the disposal and recycling of construction and industrial waste; established in 1999 and grew it by 7%/year and was sold in 2014. Using a successful foundation in business, Perry has developed a portfolio of real estate holdings across the lower mainland, located in Whistler, Agassiz, Burnaby and Fraser Valley and the Prairies. He continues to be a sophisticated investor, offering both equity and expertise in construction and property management to the partnership. Perry is active in the communities he operates in, fostering good relationships with community leaders. When not focused on business, Perry enjoys skiing, golfing and spending time with both his young daughters.

Board of Trustees 2018 – 2019

katy-atkins-jang-trustee

Katy Atkins-Jang

Trustee

paul-mcdonell

Paul McDonell

Trustee

baljinder-narang-trustee

Baljinder Narang

Trustee

board-placeholder

M.D. (Dave) Fairhall

Trustee

jeffery-yu-trustee

Jeffrey Yu

Trustee

New Vista Society Membership

The Society maintains a Nomination and Membership Committee and all membership applications are reviewed prior to being recommended for acceptance.

Currently, membership dues are $10 (ten dollars) annually and are due before the Annual General Meeting held in June of each year.

Apply to become a New Vista Member

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees of The New Vista Society is an anomaly in the non-profit world. The Society was formed in 1943 By MLA Ernest Winch and as he aged he realized that he needed a vehicle for preserving the vision for a non-profit society for senior citizens that would uphold his principles. He thus introduced Bill No. 93 in the Legislature, a private statute named “The Trustee Board of The New Vista Society Act” in 1953 and it was unanimously passed.  This act also safeguarded the real estate owned by the Society: “…to acquire and hold upon trust all the real property of the Society to the end that such real property shall be devoted perpetually to charitable purposes.”

Members are appointed according to the New Vista Society Board of Trustees Act and include a member appointed by the Burnaby City Council; a member appointed by the Burnaby Host Lions Club; a member appointed by the New Vista Society and two appointed members from the community who are active members of a public body or charitable organization whose purpose is the well-being of elderly dependent persons.

The Board of Trustees meets regularly with the Board of the New Vista Society.

The New Vista Auxiliary
The Vista V’s

The Vista V’s Auxiliary is a charitable non-profit organization of volunteers who assist the residents living at the New Vista Care Home and tenants in housing with equipment and necessities that will enhance their quality. The Vista V’s raise funds through a variety of activities and events, including the gift shop (The Boutique), grants and donations.

The New Vista Auxiliary members are always looking for community volunteers to step forward and join them in this most rewarding volunteer opportunity.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with or member of the New Vista Auxiliary, please contact Marie Ferreia, Volunteer Coordinator, at 604-521-7764, ext. 1285. marief@newvista.bc.ca