Voices for Coquitlam: Political Service Through the Years

Did you know that City of Coquitlam Archives recently acquired the records of several local politicians? These four Coquitlamites contributed to the community through their work at various levels of government.

John Cashore: Advocate for the Environment and Social Justice

Born in Lethbridge, Alberta, in 1935, John Cashore began his life in B.C. as a student at the University of British Columbia and Union College (now the Vancouver School of Theology). He began his career not as a politician, but as a minister for the United Church. In the 1960s, he ministered in remote towns in B.C. In 1973, he moved his family to Coquitlam and became the minister at Queen’s Avenue United Church in New Westminster, and later worked in the Downtown Eastside.

In 1986, Cashore was elected the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Maillardville–Coquitlam riding, and re-elected in 1991 and 1996. During his terms, he served in various provincial cabinet positions, including Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Minister of Labour, and Minister of Environment, Lands and Parks.

After leaving office, Cashore continued his environmental advocacy by becoming involved with the Georgia Strait Alliance.

Types of records in the John Cashore fonds include: 

  • Correspondence 
  • Press releases 
  • Election brochures
  • Photographs 
  • Lawn signs
  • Videos

John Cashore promotional headshot F59-S02-F9.001

John Cashore promotional headshot F59-S02-F9.001

John Cashore celebrating an election win F59-S02-F59.002John Cashore celebrating an election win F59-S02-F59.002

Pauline Jewett: Trailblazer in Academia and Politics

Pauline Jewett, born in St. Catharines, Ontario, in 1922, was an educator and politician. As a political science student, she was educated at Queen’s University, completed a PhD in Political Science at Harvard University, and pursued post-doctoral studies at the London School of Economics.

Jewett began teaching at Queen’s, then moved to Carleton, where she became the first president of the Canadian Institute for the Advancement of Women. In B.C., she served as the first female president of Simon Fraser University from 1974 to 1979.  

Jewett was first elected as a Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) for Northumberland, Ontario in 1963, and became a MP for the New Democrats in B.C. in 1979, serving the New Westminster–Coquitlam riding. During her time as a politician, she advocated for education and support for young people, as well as arms control and federal–provincial relations.

In 1991, Jewett became an Officer of the Order of Canada and returned to Carleton, where she served as Chancellor until her death in 1992.

Types of records in the Pauline Jewett collection include: 

  • Correspondence 
  • Election brochures
  • Newsletters

John Cashore MLA and Pauline Jewett MP F59-S02-F59.009John Cashore MLA and Pauline Jewett MP F59-S02-F59.009

Pauline Jewett campaign materials from the Pauline Jewett CollectionPauline Jewett campaign materials from the Pauline Jewett Collection

Fin Donnelly: Champion of Environment Stewardship

Fin Donnelly, born in New Westminster in 1966, is a local politician whose deep connection to the community inspired his advocacy for environmental and sustainability causes. 

Educated at the University of Victoria, Donnelly earned his degree in Philosophy, with a Minor in Environmental Studies. As a young man, he was a prominent competitive swimmer. He completed many high-profile swims to raise funds and awareness for various local charities, including the Transboundary Swim from Port Angeles to Victoria; the Spirit of the Salmon Swim from Richmond to False Creek; the Spirit of Lost Streams Swim from Coquitlam to False Creek; and the Swim for Life from Mt. Robson to Granville Island.

Donnelly began his political career as a Councillor for the City of Coquitlam in 2002, ending his service to begin work as an MP for New Westminster–Coquitlam, serving until 2019. After working at the federal level, he became a MLA for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain from 2020 to 2024. During his time as an MLA, he was appointed the Parliamentary Secretary (PS) for Fisheries and Aquaculture, and later as the PS for Watershed Restoration. He retired from politics in 2024.

Types of records in the Fin Donnelly fonds include: 

  • Correspondence 
  • Election material 
  • Photographs
  • Videos
  • Lawn signs
  • Nametags 
  • And more!

Fin Donnelly holding water in his hands at Lafarge Lake F13-S02-F13.2533Fin Donnelly holding water in his hands at Lafarge Lake F13-S02-F13.2533

Fin Donnelly Campaign Material Fin Donnelly fonds F62

Fin Donnelly Campaign Material Fin Donnelly fonds F62

Terry O’Neill: Community Advocate and City Councillor

Terry O’Neill, born in 1951 in St. Boniface, Manitoba, is a longtime resident of Coquitlam, B.C. Before becoming a politician, O’Neill worked professionally as a journalist for 35 years, including work at the Tri-City News, which helped him develop strong communication skills and an understanding of local issues. As a politician, Terry O’Neill served as a Councillor for the City of Coquitlam from 2011 to 2018.

Beyond his official duties, O’Neill has been engaged in various community causes, including Blooms into Rooms, which brings flowers to the elderly, the Alzheimer Society of B.C., and the Coquitlam Foundation. He continues his volunteer work in retirement with the Talitha Koum Society.

Types of records in the Terry O’Neill fonds include: 

  • Correspondence 
  • Photographs 
  • Certificates
  • Articles

Coquitlam Grand Parade F58-S02-F58.008

Coquitlam Grand Parade F58-S02-F58.008

The City of Coquitlam Archives has a wealth of records created by each of these politicians. You can view the descriptions of each fonds on Quest (the archives database). To view the material in person, contact us at 604-927-3900 or email the City of Coquitlam Archives to arrange a visit.