Dan Coulter Abbotsford, B.C Obituary – British Columbia is mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant and passionate advocate for accessibility and community development.
Dan Coulter, former B.C. MLA for Chilliwack, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, and Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit passed away today. He was a tireless champion for education, workers’ rights, and the well-being of all British Columbians.
Dan Coulter’s journey in public service was marked by a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others. Before entering provincial politics, Coulter served as Chair of the Chilliwack School Board, where his leadership and vision were instrumental in advancing education in the region. As President of CUPE 3787, he advocated fiercely for workers, ensuring their voices were heard and their rights protected.
Elected as MLA for Chilliwack in 2020, Coulter brought his deep understanding of community needs to the provincial legislature. He was a leading voice on accessibility issues, serving as Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility and working tirelessly to remove barriers for individuals with disabilities.
His role as Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit further showcased his dedication to building a more inclusive and connected province.
Coulter was widely respected for his integrity, compassion, and unwavering belief in the power of public service to create positive change. His colleagues and constituents admired his ability to bring people together and his determination to find solutions to complex challenges.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Coulter was a devoted family man and a source of inspiration to those who knew him. His warmth, sense of humour, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Dan Coulter’s legacy as a leader, advocate, and friend will continue to inspire British Columbians for generations to come. He will be remembered not only for his many achievements but also for his kind heart and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place.
BC NDP: It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the loss of Dan Coulter, a devoted advocate for the people of British Columbia, a passionate voice for inclusivity and justice, and a cherished member of the BC NDP family.
As past Chair of the Chilliwack School Board and President of CUPE 3787, and later as the MLA for Chilliwack, the Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, and Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit, Dan always championed the underdog.
He worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities or circumstances could participate fully in our communities and share in the opportunities of a fairer BC. To those of us who knew him, Dan was so much more than a colleague — he was a friend and a mentor.
He was smart, funny, thoughtful and honest. But above all things, he was kind. On behalf of the BC NDP, we extend our deepest condolences to Dan’s family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. He was the very best of us.
USW District 3: Statement from Scott Lunny, Western Canada Director, United Steelworkers union (USW), on the passing of former B.C. MLA Dan Coulter:
It is with great sadness that the United Steelworkers mourns the death of former Member of the Legislative Assembly, Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit, and Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility in British Columbia. Dan was not only a dedicated politician but also a proud union activist and a strong advocate for the rights and dignity of workers and people living with disabilities.
After experiencing a life-changing workplace accident in 1999, Dan dedicated himself to advocating for safer working conditions and greater accessibility so British Columbians could build good lives in the communities they love. Dan’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to justice, equity and inclusion. His contributions have left a permanent mark in the labour movement and the lives of countless individuals across our communities.