The Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement between Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN), Canada and British Columbia — the first urban treaty in B.C. — came into effect on April 3, 2009. The Final Agreement gives TFN a broad range of self-governing and law-making powers over its Membership, and a land base of 1,800 acres. TFN is also a full member of the Metro Vancouver Regional District.
We actively engage with all our stakeholders to secure the long- term future prosperity of the Nation and British Colombians and ensure that the best interests of TFN and its members are met on all Economic Development matters. Activities of the TEDC are overseen by an external Advisory Board and by our elected Executive Council.
Governance
The Executive Council is the sole shareholder of TEDC and holds this share in trust for Tsawwassen Members.
TFN’s Economic Development Advisory Committee advises and makes non-binding recommendations to the Economic Development Department, TFN Chief Administrative Officer, and the board of directors of the TFN Economic Development Corporation on matters regarding TFN economic development. Current EDAC members are listed below.
Peter Fassbender
Peter Fassbender is well known for his time in public service, working as a former school trustee, city councilor and mayor in Langley. In 2013, he was elected as MLA to the BC Government, and served as Minister of Communities, Sport and Cultural Development and was also Minister responsible for TransLink. In the private sector, Fassbender worked at DDB Canada for 28 years, primarily in focus strategies and communications, serving in both president and executive vice president roles. Today, he runs a consulting firm, advising clients on strategic corporate planning, marketing and communications, as well as mediation and policy development for both public and private sectors.
Archie G. Johnston FCPA, CPA, CIA
As a former senior audit partner at KPMG LLP, Archie led the firm’s public sector, First Nation, and Not-for-profit practices in B.C. and Canada. He was also global chair of KMPG’s International Public Sector Accounting Standards Network. Currently serving as a Practice Review Officer for CPABC, Archie conducts inspections to ensure CPA firms are performing in accordance with Canadian Quality Control, Accounting and Auditing Standards. He also serves on the Board of Directors for three Not-for-profit organizations.
Kim Baird C.M., O.B.C., Hon. LL.D.
Kim is the owner of Kim Baird Strategic Consulting and offers First Nation related and strategic advice to industry, government and First Nations. While Chief of the Tsawwassen First Nation for over thirteen years, her most notable achievement was when she negotiated and implemented British Columbia’s first urban treaty, replacing the Indian Act with self-governance for her community. She spent six years on the BC Hydro Board – providing her with in-depth knowledge on energy issues in BC. She is on several boards including the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Vancouver Board of Trade, Canada Public Policy Forum, and Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Kim is a member of both the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada and holds an Institute of Corporate Director’s designation.
Our Vision
Through the creation of a sustainable economy, the TEDC plays a leadership role in contributing to TFN being an ideal location to raise a family and a working model of an environmentally sustainable, self-sufficient and culturally proud First Nation community.
Our Mission
TEDC transacts business of a commercial nature to generate revenue and create employment opportunities for TFN Members and Member businesses through partnerships, joint ventures and other development opportunities.