About Matthew

Matthew Sebastiani in formal attire smiling outdoors with blurred cityscape background.

I’m Matthew Sebastiani a lifelong Coquitlam resident who grew up in Burquitlam, attended local public schools, played sports in our recreation centres, and spent countless hours exploring our parks and green spaces. This city has shaped every part of who I am, and it’s why I am passionate about our city and dedicated to serving our community.

Community Champion

Community service has always been at the heart of what drives me. From volunteering with charities, to serving in leadership roles across Coquitlam’s cultural, philanthropic, and business organizations, I’ve always believed that strong communities are built by people working together toward a shared future.

A dedicated community champion, I’ve had the honour of serving - past and present - in various roles including:

  • Chair, Coquitlam Foundation

  • President, Place des Arts

  • Director, Tri‑Cities Chamber of Commerce

  • Director, Coquitlam North Road Business Improvement Association

  • President Vancouver Chapter, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada

  • Chair, Vancouver Gutsy Walk

  • Citizen Representative, Coquitlam Economic Development Advisory Committee

  • Citizen Representative, Coquitlam Universal Access-Ability Advisory Committee

  • Citizen Representative, City of New Westminster's City-Wide Toilet Strategy

My extensive experience in these roles have prepared me to step confidently into leadership at City Hall, grounded in service, collaboration, and community values. They have also given me a deep understanding of our city’s strengths and the opportunities ahead.

Professionally, I have also volunteered as:

  • Director, Association of Professional Economists of BC

  • Previous member of the Business Council of BC’s NEXT Leaders Council.

In 2025, I was honoured to be named the Tri‑Cities Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year.

Matthew Sebastiani in a dark suit and striped tie speaking at a podium with a green leafy background, at a Tri-Cities Chamber event.
Two men standing outdoors at a remembrance event, one holding a wreath decorated with red poppies and a purple ribbon, with a sign that reads 'COQUITLAM FOUNDATION.' Other people are gathered around in the background, many wearing poppy pins, and there is a flag seen behind them on a cloudy day.
Group of people standing outdoors in front of trees on a sunny day, some wearing red shirts that say 'Gutsy Walk'. They are smiling and posing for the photo. There is a white tent and a flag with a logo visible on the left side.
A man in a suit is speaking into a microphone during a presentation in a conference room. Audience members are seated, listening, and there is a projection screen displaying content. The room has large windows showing trees outside.
A woman and a man standing side by side, smiling, in front of a colorful artistic background at an event, both wearing name tags.

Policy & Finance Experience

My professional background spans the areas of policy and finance. I have worked as a Senior Analyst at the Bank of Canada, Associate Director of Corporate Development for a local life-sciences company, and served as a Policy Advisor to the Deputy Leader of the Senate of Canada.

These experiences have given me:

  • A strong understanding of public policy and economics

  • Expertise in budgeting and financial analysis

  • A commitment to evidence‑based, fiscally responsible decision‑making

During these times of economic uncertainty, cost pressures, and affordability challenges, having a trusted policy expert with these skills is beneficial for thoughtful and effective leadership at City Hall.

A man in a black suit and blue tie standing inside a historic building with ornate stone archway, flags, and wood-paneled ceiling.

Advocacy & Lived Experience

A group of people at an outdoor event with tents in the background, wearing red t-shirts that read 'Gutsy Walk' with a shoe graphic, and one man speaking into a microphone while others stand nearby.

Diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at 18, I’ve spent a decade advocating for patients and supporting Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. I’ve served as President of the charity’s local chapter, chaired Vancouver’s Gutsy Walk between 2017-2025, and contributed nationally through volunteer leadership roles.

My lived experience has shaped my commitment to:

  • Accessibility

  • Inclusion

  • Health awareness

  • Community well‑being

In 2021, I was honoured to receive Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s National Unsung Hero Award, and in 2023, the founder’s Finkelstein Award for my contributions.

I’ve never seen my diagnosis as an impediment. It has been a driving force to give back and make a difference. My advocacy has taught me that leadership starts with listening, empathy, and showing up for people.

Education

A man in a blue graduation gown and red sash speaking at a podium with a blurred large screen or banner behind him.

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance, UBC Sauder School of Business

  • BA (Honours) in Economics, Simon Fraser University

Why I’m Running

I’m running for City Council because of my passion for community service and thoughtful policy. I believe in a Coquitlam that is affordable, inclusive, and ready for the future - and I want to make a meaningful impact in the city we call home.

As a collaborative leader who listens, brings people together and focuses on what matters, my five platform pillars are:

  • Practical solutions to affordability

  • Responsible financial stewardship

  • Safe, inclusive and accessible communities

  • Enhance community life

  • A future-ready Coquitlam

Together, these priorities reflect a vision for a city that works for everyone. I’m running because I care deeply about this community and want to help lead Coquitlam into its next chapter.

On October 17, I’m asking for your support to be one of your choices for council so that we can build a thriving Coquitlam together.

This community has given me so much, and I am ready to serve its future.

Join me in Building Coquitlam’s Future Together.

Join our team
Two men in dress shirts shopping for groceries in a supermarket, smiling and talking with each other.

Matthew in the Community

Two people are standing next to a person in a lion mascot costume at a park during the daytime. The person on the left is wearing a red t-shirt, and the person on the right is wearing a black t-shirt and a light-colored jacket. The lion mascot has glasses and is holding a small dog. There are trees and other people in the background.
A man in traditional clothing smiling and waving at an outdoor cultural event, surrounded by other people holding papers or instruments, with a green park in the background.
Four smiling individuals holding pamphlets with a cityscape and mountains in the background, standing in a parking lot with cars and a Denny's restaurant visible under a blue sky.
Person crouched on curling rink, preparing to throw a curling stone during a game at Coquitlam Curling Club.
Three people smiling at the camera at a festive gathering, decorated with colorful paper lanterns hanging from a wooden ceiling.