About Rishi Sharma
Rishi Sharma is a lifelong Saanich resident, community leader, parent, instructor, and former senior public servant committed to helping create a more affordable, safe, and healthy Saanich — one that listens. Born in Port Alberni and raised in Saanich since the age of four, Rishi has proudly called Saanich home for more than 46 years. It is where he and his wife have raised their family, where he coaches youth sports, volunteers in the community, and where he has spent decades building strong local relationships. Rishi brings over 25 years of leadership experience across government, community organizations, trades, and the private sector. In senior leadership roles with the Government of British Columbia — including serving as Chief of Staff to provincial ministers, working in the Office of the Premier, and leading teams in the BC Public Service — he helped navigate complex issues, build partnerships, and deliver practical solutions for communities. Most recently, Rishi specialized in intergovernmental relations, stakeholder collaboration, Indigenous engagement, and public policy, helping governments work together to solve challenges and improve outcomes for British Columbians. Today, Rishi remains deeply involved in leadership, workforce development, and community building. He is currently an Instructor with the University of Victoria Continuing Studies program, where he teaches leadership and effective dialogue. He also serves as Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Construction Foundation of BC, helping strengthen pathways into skilled trades, workforce development, and opportunities for British Columbians. In addition, Rishi is the founder of Daya Strategies Ltd., a local consulting firm that supports organizations with leadership development, government relations, stakeholder engagement, and building productive partnerships. Rishi understands the realities facing working families, seniors, tradespeople, and local businesses because he has lived them. He has hands-on experience in trades and construction, having completed training through Camosun College’s trades program and worked as an ironworker on high-rise construction projects in Vancouver, as well as in forestry at Leslie Forest Products. His family has worked in residential construction since the 1980s, and he and his wife have completed rezoning and housing projects in Saanich and Langford. This experience gives him a practical understanding of housing, affordability, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Rishi also believes strongly in listening and bringing people together. He holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University, where his thesis explored how open and sometimes difficult conversations can strengthen relationships and build trust. That work continues to shape his leadership style — one focused on respectful dialogue, practical problem solving, and meaningful public engagement. His community involvement includes serving on the District of Saanich Technical Accessibility Committee and the University of Victoria Continuing Studies Business Management Advisory Board, as well as previously serving as a director with the Gordon Head Residents Association, Fixed Ash Road Now, and Minerva BC. He has also contributed to safer and more inclusive workplaces through initiatives with the BC Centre for Women in the Trades and the BC Construction Association’s Builders Code. A dedicated husband, father of three daughters, coach, and longtime volunteer, Rishi remains deeply committed to ensuring Saanich remains a safe, affordable, and welcoming place where families, seniors, and future generations can thrive.