Once again this year NDP MLA for Coquitlam - Burke Mountain, Fin Donnelly, held a BC Day celebration at his constituency office in Coquitlam. This year's celebration was a little different than most as Fin has already announced earlier this month that he will not be seeking re-election at the end of his term and, meaning this will be his last public appearance in our community as our MLA.

Over the years Fin has served our community in almost every capacity possible as a civil servant. His political career began as a Coquitlam City councillor from 2002 to 2009. From there he went on to serve as the MP for New Westminster–Coquitlam and Port Moody from 2009 to 2019. Elected as MLA in 2020, Donnelly is the parliamentary secretary for watershed restoration.

Fin, is perhaps best known for twice swimming the Fraser River to bring awareness about the Fraser River watershed. In Ottawa, he also started the all-party Oceans Caucus, a group of MPs and senators advocating for better ocean health.  In 1996, he co-founded the Rivershed Society of BC.

In the past Fin has been honoured  by the Squamish Nation for his stewardship work, and given the name Iyim Yewyews, meaning Orca, or strong swimmer in the animal world.

During the BC Day celebrations, several local artists performed and several community leaders shared their experiences of working with Fin over the years.

Speakers included former Coquitlam MLA Jodie Wickens and former chief of Kwikwetlem First Nation, Ed Hall. Fin also took the time to acknowledge the work done in our community by several of our cultural leaders.