Through careers spanning from IT to agriculture, one constant runs through Jason Lum’s professional life – his absolutely unwavering commitment to community.

As a four-term councillor with the City of Chilliwack, Jason has dedicated his political career to grassroots advocacy, striving to make positive changes for the people of the Fraser Valley.

A UCFV student in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Jason took the all-you-can-learn buffet approach to education, sampling a little bit of everything. He explored a diverse range of subjects, including anthropology, theatre, First Nations studies, sociology and medieval history, fully embracing UCFV’s offerings. His journey shifted him toward successful careers in both business and politics.

“I’m excited to help the next generation take this industry to the next level.”

After selling the IT solutions company he founded in 2004, Jason’s professional focus shifted to the fields of his family’s organic farm, Little Cedar Organics. Still, he lends IT expertise to the next generation of economic leaders by consulting as a program engagement specialist for Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, a not-for-profit group supporting industry development, where he connects youth aged 16-21 to paid work placement opportunities in the manufacturing sector as part of the BC Youth in Manufacturing Initiative.

“Not everyone realizes that manufacturing is an extremely important sector, both locally and provincially,” Jason explains. “I’m excited to help the next generation take this industry to the next level.”

The Lum family also looks to the future on their farm, which currently boasts 18 varieties of vegetables for wholesale and community-supported agriculture programs. They have donated produce to seniors’ groups and First Nations communities, and recently joined the Salvation Army’s Plant a Row, for Us program. With seeds donated from Sardis Secondary school’s agriculture program — the Lum family’s participation in the program helped provide fresh produce for those who may go without, while supporting the next generation of famers and gardeners.

That connection to the land carries over to Jason’s work with the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD). Now in his twelfth year on the FVRD board — eight of those years as its longest-serving chair — Jason has provided crucial leadership during recent crises such as the pandemic, heat domes, and flooding. He is proud of his work collaborating with the Lower Fraser Flood Coalition and has co-chaired a number of events designed to connect and collaborate with Indigenous Knowledge keepers and to explore nature-based solutions to disaster mitigation and adaptation.

In late September 2024, Jason announced this term will be his last as FVRD chair. His legacy will be one of care, cultivated through authentic community partnerships.

“We’re blessed with an incredible wealth of knowledge passed down through countless generations of keepers of this land,” Jason says.

“By bringing all groups together we form a greater understanding of this place and the people who make it so incredibly special.”

“My time at UCFV opened a new world of understanding about the power of education and community service.”

In addition to his work as city councillor and FVRD chair, Jason has a diverse history of volunteerism. He has served as president of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, and as a board member of the Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, Downtown BIA, and Chilliwack Museum. He has also chaired the Lower Mainland Economic Sustainability Panel, and the Stó:lō Development Corporation, and served as Vice Chair of the Fraser Valley Healthcare Foundation. Along with his work with the business community, Jason has also volunteered as a youth mentor with the Phoenix Program at Chilliwack Community Services.

And it all started as a student decades ago.

“My time at UCFV opened a new world of understanding about the power of education and community service,” he says.

“I truly believe in the transformative power of UFV … No matter what age or stage of life you’re in, the University of the Fraser Valley has people and programs waiting to help you learn and grow — whether that’s educationally, interpersonally, or philanthropically.”