Simon Gibson

Simon returns to Council after serving two terms as an area Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).   He previously served on Abbotsford Council for three decades. He was re-elected to Abbotsford City Council in 2022. 
Simon taught at the University of the Fraser Valley and Trinity Western University (TWU)  for a total of 16 years in such disciplines as business, communications and leadership.  He led workshops and taught part-time for the BC Police Academy (Justice Institute of BC) Douglas College and Western Washington University.  He continues to teach occasionally on contract at TWU.

Simon also served as marketing manager for a major credit union for eight years and was a partner in a successful Abbotsford-based manufacturing company.

He is a graduate of four universities, earning an honors degree in journalism from Carleton University in Ottawa, and a Ph.D. (education) from Simon Fraser University.

Simon previously wrote a syndicated human resources advice column, Office Politics 101, which appeared in 25 B.C. newspapers. He contributes to a Victoria political commentary magazine, Orders of the Day, and has also published short fiction.  

He runs regularly – long distance – and also cycles throughout Abbotsford and Yarrow (where his oldest daughter and her family lives).  Simon enjoys gourmet cooking, travel, reading, and automobile literature.  

Simon is married to Joy, his wife of more than 40 years, and they have two adult daughters and three grandsons.  Joy is a retired school teacher and spent her entire career teaching in Abbotsford public schools.

As a Councilor, he was active on many boards and committees throughout the Fraser Valley, including the Parks and Recreation Commission, Fraser Valley Regional District Board, Fraser Valley Regional Library Board, and the Abbotsford-Mission Transit Committee, where he served as chair. 

During his tenure as an MLA, Simon served on Treasury Board, as Deputy Speaker, on the Select Standing Committees on Public Accounts, Finance and Government Services, and Education.  In addition, he was the Official Opposition Critic for Advanced Education and Member of the Select Standing Committee on Education; Parliamentary Secretary for Independent Schools; and member of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region Committee. 

Simon likes this advice from a tree:

• Stand tall
• Go out on a limb
• Reach for the sky
• Adapt to change
• Branch out
• Stay grounded
• Remember your roots
• Drink plenty of water
• Get rid of dead wood
• Bend before your break
• Enjoy the view

“My philosophy of public service is to care for people, listen to their views and stand up for those values which I believe will benefit our city.  I realize it is a privilege to serve on Council and will always be mindful of the trust that has been bestowed on me.”