Brian Smith has served the public in elected roles at the provincial and municipal levels, and has led significant social innovations in the arenas of sports, education, law and business.

As mayor of Oak Bay, Brian was instrumental in the development of affordable housing for seniors and low income families and was a driving force behind a new recreation centre and the establishment of the first public indoor tennis centre in Canada. He served on the board of Tennis Canada and used his leadership skills to move the sport forward both locally and nationally.

Early in his law career he established the first legal aid office in Victoria and later, as BC’s attorney general, he supported victims’ rights at the local level. He worked to establish the International Commercial Arbitration Centre and helped shape the repatriation of Canada’s Constitution.

First Nations relationships have been fostered through his legal, business and community service. As chair of BC Hydro, Brian worked to create partnerships. As chair of CN, he hired a First Nations leader to improve relations in BC and advocated for greater charitable contributions from the company. He currently serves as Chief Treaty Negotiator for the federal government in the Kootenays.

Brian was awarded the Queen’s Commemorative Medal for public service in 1992.