Colette Squires and Associates

My current contract working for MLA and Speaker Darryl Plecas is coming to an end. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have worked together with him on so many fascinating issues, and to have had the opportunity to engage with government policy, research on social issues, meeting with community groups to understand their concerns and how to raise those with government. Totally fascinating! Darryl has been a remarkable man to work with, so supportive and completely dedicated to wanting to do the right thing for the people of BC. Thanks, Darryl, for this wonderful chapter!

What a great read! Not only is it good advice regarding the strategic use of silence, but I would add also add - give people the space and time they need to think about what they want to say. Part of learning to be a good listener is being comfortable with silence . . . And don't feel the need to interrupt or suggest words to them. (Harder said than done!) It's impressive that the interviewers actually allowed these 2 men to take the time they needed -- rare in media where silence always needs to be filled.

Recently, I was invited to serve the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board of Directors as their first Public Advisor for the next year. This builds on my experience as a publicly appointed member of the Real Estate Council of BC in 2015-16. I am really enjoying being part of this new group and supporting their efforts to ensure our real estate industry is characterized by realtors who are skilled, professional, and strong contributors to their communities. The FVREB represent...s more than 3600 realtors, encouraging their professional development, expertise, and ethical conduct. They also provide valuable information for the public, to help those of us who are buying or selling properties get the help and the support we need. If you are thinking of buying or selling it's worth checking out their website for valuable information on what's happening in real estate in your community, or to help you find a realtor. If you are already in the process and have run into challenges, they have information for that as well. They also are working hard to resolve issues created by COVID-19, to ensure the real estate industry can continue to serve the public even during these trying times. Fraser Valley Real Estate Board See more

Lessons From The Garden #5: Bloom Where You're Planted! To my great surprise, these 2 tulips popped up amongst my phlox and next to a big lilac bush. I have no idea how they got there! I didn't plant them there and some mysterious force of nature moved them (a squirrel perhaps?). Nevertheless, these valiant tulips are "blooming where they are planted" making the best of a less than ideal situation. The lilac is sending up roots and "volunteers" that I need to weed out... now, and the phlox is putting on its spring growth, but these tulips are determined to put on a good show anyway. Resilience and human thriving often requires us to keep growing and reaching upwards, even when other forces disrupt our lives. As we look back on our lives we can often see times when the unexpected happened, but we were able to bring good out of that situation anyway. When life serves you lemons, make lemonade. When squirrels move the tulips, they grow anyway. See more

Lessons From The Garden #4: Cherish uniqueness! As I've studied my tulips trying to survive the onslaught of the rabbits, I've also noticed how different varieties of tulips have responded. These tulips are like tousled, ginger-haired kids, thriving in a messy sort of way, which is really part of their charm. They had a rough start, but have grown up to be pretty showy, even though they aren't like a traditional tulip. I like them for their uniqueness and bright colour!... Every child has unique qualities, gifts, and strengths. Our job is to provide them the nurture, love, protection and guidance they need so they can achieve their own unique potential. We can't give children a perfect world, but we can do what we can to reduce their risk factors, and build the protective factors that will help them thrive. (Click on each photo for additional info) See more