Malcolm Cooke—Candidate for Nanaimo City Council · REAL Nanaimo Team
Malcolm Cooke has lived in Nanaimo for the past four years and is proud to call the city home.
He studied journalism at the University of Regina, where he developed a strong foundation in reporting, storytelling, and investigative work. In 2022, Malcolm was selected for The Democracy Fund Student Journalism Fellowship, recognizing his commitment to independent, public-interest reporting. One of his proudest achievements was having a piece of his writing featured in the Hockey Hall of Fame for a story about the HMCS Nanaimo—a milestone that reflects both his passion for storytelling and his ability to connect sports, culture, and community through compelling narrative.
Why Malcolm's Running
Malcolm is running for city council in Nanaimo because he believes his generation deserves a stronger voice at the municipal table and a renewed sense of optimism about the city’s future. Motivated by his age cohort, he is seeking meaningful representation for young people by working to reinstate the Nanaimo Youth Council, ensuring emerging leaders have a direct channel into local decision-making.
He also wants to contribute practical solutions that strengthen public safety, support thriving neighbourhoods, and advance pro-family policies that make Nanaimo a place where people of all ages can feel secure, supported, and proud to call home.
Creating a formal platform for youth input promotes responsibility from elected council, encourages civic engagement, and holds elected officials accountable to a broader cross-section of the community. By giving young people a structured voice in Nanaimo’s governance, Malcolm believes Nanaimo can strengthen trust in local institutions and model leadership that listens, includes, and plans responsibly for the future.
Key Priorities
Youth Engagement & Representation—Ensuring young people have a meaningful voice in local decision-making and a direct pathway into civic leadership through initiatives like the Nanaimo Youth Council.
Public Safety & Community Well-Being—Supporting practical, compassionate measures that strengthen neighbourhood safety, restore public confidence, and protect vulnerable residents.
Supporting Local Families—Advancing values-driven decisions that make it easier for families to live, work, and thrive in a safe and supportive community.
Supporting Small Businesses—Championing local entrepreneurs and fostering a business environment where small businesses can grow, create jobs, and remain the backbone of Nanaimo’s economy.
What Malcolm Brings to the REAL Slate
Malcolm brings a strong background in journalism, recreation, and public engagement, along with the perspective of a younger generation that is not currently represented on council. His experience listening to multiple viewpoints, asking tough questions, and communicating clearly helps bridge gaps between residents and decision-makers.
Like a hockey team, a successful council depends on players with different strengths—some focus on defense, others on offense—but all are united by a shared goal. Malcolm sees his role as someone who can help move the puck forward through collaboration, thoughtful dialogue, and a team-first mindset, complementing colleagues’ experience and expertise while working together to build a stronger Nanaimo.
Commitment to REAL Nanaimo
Malcolm is committed to responsible decision-making grounded in ethical leadership and clear accountability to the residents of Nanaimo. That includes beginning council meetings with an open public question period to ensure transparency is not an afterthought, but a foundation.
He also supports establishing a consistent record of accountability, where council members regularly outline tangible progress so residents can clearly see results—not just promises. Above all, Malcolm believes in team-based leadership: working collaboratively, measuring outcomes, and holding elected officials to a high standard in service of the community they represent.
What REAL Stands For
- Responsible decision-making
- Ethical leadership
- Accountability to residents
- Team-based governance
REAL focuses on practical solutions rather than ideology, outside agendas, or special interests. The team supports responsible growth that respects neighbourhoods, prioritizes infrastructure, and avoids legacy projects that burden future generations with unnecessary debt.
Closing Statement
Malcolm Cooke is committed to building a Nanaimo that listens, plans responsibly, and creates opportunities for every generation to be heard. With a strong foundation in public engagement and a collaborative, team-first approach, he is ready to serve residents with integrity, accountability, and care. On election day, Malcolm asks for your support and your vote for Nanaimo City Council, so together we can strengthen our community, support local families and businesses, and build a city we are proud to pass on to the next generation.