Ottawa, ON — November 19, 2025: The Coquitlam Foundation was proud to participate in the 2nd annual “Day on the Hill” hosted by Community Foundations of Canada (CFC), the national leadership organization representing 208 community foundations across the country. This year’s delegation included nearly 20 foundation leaders from across Canada, united in their mission to amplify the voice of community philanthropy on Parliament Hill.
Matthew Sebastiani, Chair of the Coquitlam Foundation, joined fellow delegates in a series of strategic meetings with Members of Parliament, Senators, and senior government officials. He was part of a regional team alongside Tracey Brown (CEO, Nanaimo Foundation), Hannah Munshi (Strategic Project Lead, CFC), and Kate Daniels-Howard (Chair, Bulkley Valley Foundation).
Community Foundations of Canada represents a network stewarding over $7 billion in assets, driving local solutions for national challenges. Together, this movement connects people and partners to build a just, sustainable future rooted in community.
The Coquitlam Foundation participated in the following meetings:
- Hon. Senator Yonah Martin, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
- MP Zoe Royer (Port Moody–Coquitlam)
- MP Rachel Thomas (Lethbridge), Shadow Minister for Canadian Identity and Culture
- MP Tamara Kronis (Nanaimo–Ladysmith)
- Staff of MP Marc Dalton (Pitt Meadows–Maple Ridge)
Key Messages Delivered:
- A strong Canada is built locally. Community foundations bridge national priorities with local realities through deep relationships, data, and community-based financing—ensuring resources are deployed efficiently and equitably.
- We translate policy into measurable outcomes. As trusted local partners, community foundations move federal investments quickly to community-level action, maximizing public impact.
- Modernizing the sector is an investment in Canada. CFC and its network are ready to collaborate with government to modernize the regulatory environment, enabling philanthropic capital to be deployed more effectively and innovatively.
Reflecting on the day, Sebastiani emphasized the importance of bringing local stories to Ottawa: “A strong Canada is built on the strength of its communities, and Coquitlam exemplifies the generosity, resilience, and leadership that drive national progress. Community foundations play a vital role in sustaining this momentum by supporting local charitable initiatives and investing in youth through scholarships and bursaries.”
Matthew Sebastiani, Chair Coquitlam Foundation & Zoe Royer, MP Port Moody – Coquitlam
Port Moody–Coquitlam MP Zoe Royer met with Sebastiani during Community Foundations of Canada Day on the Hill and delivered a Member’s Statement in the House of Commons recognizing both the Coquitlam and Port Moody Foundations.
“Mr. Speaker, community foundations across Canada are the heart of our neighbourhoods, bringing people together, pooling resources and ensuring that local needs are met with care and with community-led solutions. In my community, the Coquitlam Foundation and the Port Moody Foundation continue to make a tremendous impact through support for the arts, the environment and youth scholarships and grants.
This week, Matthew Sebastiani and foundation leaders from across Canada are here in Ottawa, reminding us how vital their work is nationwide. I thank all foundation volunteers, donors and community leaders for lifting people up. They strengthen families, neighbourhoods and the foundation of who we are as a country.”
Top Photo: Coquitlam Foundation with Community Foundations of Canada Representatives