Endorsements

I am so pleased that a remarkable young man, someone that I’ve known for more than 20 years, is running for City Council. Matthew Sebastiani grew up here in Coquitlam, and from the day I met him he showed tremendous aptitude for public policy and governance. He went on to gain invaluable experience in both government and non-profits. Matthew is a former policy advisor to the Deputy Leader of the Senate of Canada, and has a tremendous understanding of public policy on a range of the issues that Council must address every day. He also has policy experience with the Bank of Canada, a federal Crown Corporation and Canada’s central bank; such policy experience would benefit Council and our residents tremendously.

But Matthew’s experience comes locally as well, as President of Place des Arts, Chair of Coquitlam Foundation, and Director of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.

Matthew has many other attributes that would make him a great member of Council, including a strong history of advocacy for accessibility and health/disability issues. And he's a genuinely nice person.

I believe it would be wonderful to have Matthew Sabastiani on our City Council, bringing all that experience to benefit the residents of Coquitlam. I'll be voting for him.

Richard Stewart

Mayor, City of Coquitlam

Two men standing together in front of a political campaign stage, smiling for the camera. The man on the left wears a blue suit with a matching tie, and the man on the right wears a plaid shirt. Campaign signs for Matthew Sebasti in Coquitlam City are displayed at their feet.

I am deeply honoured to give Matthew Sebastiani my wholehearted endorsement. Matthew is a true community champion who has spent years giving back to local and national causes. His strong professional background in finance and economics will be an invaluable asset at the council table.

As I retire from Coquitlam Council, I fully trust leaders like Matthew to build on our progress and continue making a meaningful, positive impact for our city.

Brent Asmundson

Councillor, City of Coquitlam

 

Two men smiling at an indoor campaign event, holding a blue sign that reads "Elect Matthew Sebastian for Coquitlam City Council", with campaign posters in the background.

City financial budgets are complex, it is critical that councillors have a solid grasp of financial concepts in order to best control spending and taxes. Matthew Sebastiani's education and experience are a perfect fit for this role especially when coupled with his strong community values. I fully endorse Matthew Sebastiani for Coquitlam City Council.

Dennis Marsden

Councillor, City of Coquitlam

 

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a green quilted top and a long necklace, standing next to a smiling man with short dark hair, wearing a black blazer and white dress shirt, in front of a black background.

I have no hesitation in endorsing Matthew Sebastiani for Coquitlam City Council.

He brings a degree in Economics and an MBA in finance, along with real experience developing public policy — a combination that gives him both the analytical grounding and the practical knowledge this role demands. Matthew is someone who truly listens and understands the concerns brought to him. As a valued member of the Board at Place des Arts and more recently President of the organization, Matthew provided excellent input and guidance in discussions and respected all points of view.

He worked well with staff and fellow board members alike and was equally ready to help quietly behind the scenes or step up and lead, whichever the situation called for.

Additionally, Matthew grew up in Coquitlam and has been an active volunteer in our community for many years.

I wholeheartedly support Matthew for a seat on city council and believe he will be an excellent addition to the team.

Barb Hobson

Past President, Place des Arts Society

Former Trustee, SD43 (Coquitlam)

Two men smiling in front of a campaign poster that reads "Elect Matthew Sebastian for Coquitlam City Council". They are taking a selfie, with one wearing a suit and tie and the other in a casual shirt, indoors with a window behind them.

I'm happy to endorse Matthew Sebastiani for Coquitlam City Council. Having known Matthew for several years and worked alongside him as a fellow board member for Place des Arts, I have seen his dedication to our community firsthand. He brings a distinct, practical skill set that will directly benefit the residents of Coquitlam. Through his proven leadership across local non-profits and our Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce network, Matthew has continuously demonstrated the vision, integrity, and collaborative spirit needed to serve Coquitlam effectively.

I have no doubt he will make an outstanding city councillor!

Ted Lau

CEO, Ballistic Arts

Director, Place des Arts Society

Board Member, Entrepreneurs Organization, Vancouver Chapter

A woman and a man standing side by side, smiling, in front of a backdrop with a printed image of another smiling man and an outdoor cityscape. The woman wears glasses and a teal sleeveless top, and the man wears a blue suit with a matching tie.

I have known Matthew Sebastiani since 2017 and have always been impressed by his integrity, his deep understanding of public policy and his commitment to fiscally responsible decision-making. His expertise, thoughtful approach and focus on practical, long-term solutions make him an outstanding choice for Coquitlam City Council.

Sharon Perry, CPA, CA

Sharon Perry & Associates

A man and woman smiling at a political event with campaign signs for Matti Sebastian in front of them. The man wears a blue suit with a black shirt and a light blue tie, and the woman wears a black sleeveless dress and has blonde wavy hair.

I have known Matthew since he was just a kid. I give him my wholehearted endorsement for Coquitlam City Council because I know his passion, his strong work ethic, and his deep dedication to this community. He has spent years volunteering on the ground, and he brings real-world finance and policy experience that will directly benefit Coquitlam. He has my full support!

Carmelina Cupo

Vice President, Italian Day on the Drive

Past Director, Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre

Two women standing in front of a black backdrop with white text and designs. The woman on the left is young, with short dark hair, wearing a dark blazer over a red shirt. The woman on the right is older, with curly brown hair, glasses, and wearing a black blazer and a necklace.

I am proud to endorse Matthew Sebastiani for Coquitlam City Council. As the former staff lead in BC for Crohn's and Colitis Canada, I have always been consistently impressed by his ideas, insightful contributions, and unwavering commitment to the causes he champions.

Through his work with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, I have witnessed firsthand his dedication as an advocate for patients—leading impactful fundraisers, driving awareness campaigns, and standing up for those who need a voice. He has also brought his lived experience and the perspectives of others to the City of Coquitlam's Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee for several years.

Matthew leads with genuine empathy and possesses a natural talent for finding thoughtful, constructive solutions to complex challenges. I have no doubt that his passion for advocacy and community service will extend to every resident of Coquitlam. He will be an exceptional voice on City Council.

Teri McGeachie

Development and Community Engagement Lead ‑ BC/Yukon (Retired)

Crohn's and Colitis Canada

 

Two people standing in front of campaign signs, smiling for a photo. The woman has long dark hair, is wearing a brown sleeveless top and white pants. The man has dark hair, is dressed in a suit with a blue tie, and is smiling broadly.

I’m pleased to share my experience working alongside Matthew Sebastiani through the Coquitlam North Road BIA.

Since joining the Board, I’ve seen Matthew consistently step up, take initiative, and follow through. He is someone who listens carefully, approaches discussions thoughtfully, and is genuinely committed to contributing to our community.

Matthew brings a strong understanding of economics and finance, along with a clear commitment to supporting local businesses and strengthening our local economy. I’ve appreciated his willingness to take on challenges, find practical solutions, and keep the interests of our local community at the forefront.

It has been a pleasure volunteering alongside Matthew, and I’m grateful for the work he continues to do for the Coquitlam community.

Vanessa Wideski

Past President, Coquitlam North Road BIA

Community Leader & Nonprofit Founder

Two smiling men taking a selfie outside a store with a green Urban Gate sign and an Italian flag. The store's entrance is visible in the background.

When my family first moved to Canada, the Sebastianis were our neighbours, one of the most thoughtful families we have ever met. Having known Matthew for over 20 years, I have seen his passion for making a difference from an early age.

As a local small business owner, I know how important it is to have leadership that understands both our community and our economy. Matthew combines strong business acumen and financial expertise with a genuine commitment to fiscal responsibility. He knows how to balance the bottom line while making the smart investments Coquitlam needs to prosper. I am fully confident in his ability to enhance our quality of life and shape a brighter future for our city, and he has my enthusiastic support for Coquitlam City Council.

Peyman Majidi

Owner, Urban Gate

A man in a suit with a light blue tie and a woman in a dark blue top standing together, smiling for a photo indoors. There is a sign advocating for Matthew Sebastian for council in the background.

I’m incredibly proud to endorse Matthew Sebastiani for Coquitlam City Council.

For me, this endorsement is personal. Matthew is not just someone I support as a candidate he is a dear family friend, someone I’ve had the privilege of knowing beyond politics and public life.

I’ve seen firsthand the person he is genuine, grounded, hardworking and deeply committed to his community. He listens, he cares, and most importantly, he shows up for people.

Knowing Mathew personally gives me every confidence that he will bring the same heart, integrity and dedication to serving the people of Coquitlam.

Proud to stand behind a friend and a good human being who genuinely wants to make a difference.

Vote Matthew Sebastiani for Coquitlam City Council! He has my wholehearted support!

Ashney Rebello

Founder, Ashney Artisans

A man wearing glasses and a striped black shirt is pointing at a campaign poster for Matthew Sebastian for Coquitlam City Council, featuring images of two other men in suits with blue ties.

I am proud to endorse Matthew Sebastiani for Coquitlam City Council. I have seen the significant impact Matthew has made with the Coquitlam Foundation to enrich our community, as well as other community organizations like the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Board.

Matthew brings valuable professional experience to the table, but above all, he possesses a deep passion for Coquitlam. As a lifelong resident and dedicated volunteer across numerous non-profits, he has proven his commitment to our community time and again. He has my full support.

Ali Haeri

Food Link Society