Meet Sonya SANGSTER for Council
A Commitment to Community and Service
Sonya Sangster’s life and career have been shaped by a consistent commitment to service.
Raised in South Delta, where she continues to live today, Sonya’s path has been anything but conventional. Whether flying in overseas conflict zones, or studying in major European cities, what has remained constant is her willingness to step forward, take responsibility, and contribute where it matters most.
After completing her Bachelor of Business at the University of the Fraser Valley, Sonya pursued a career in aviation, becoming a commercial pilot. Flying over 13 years, she gained extensive experience in the field and became heavily involved in humanitarian operations. Her work included flying missions in partnership with the United Nations and the World Food Programme, often in remote regions and areas affected by instability and unrest. She also became a training captain, responsible for mentoring pilots, and managing complex and demanding operational environments.
Alongside her aviation career, Sonya volunteered with Oxfam Canada, contributing to initiatives focused on food security, public services, climate resilience, and gender equity.
These experiences provided her with a unique perspective on how people, and communities, operate under pressure, and the importance of practical, responsive support systems for each.
Motivated by a desire to contribute more directly at the community level, Sonya pursued further education, earning a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics. Taking what she learned, she transitioned into international development, working with the Tekera Foundation to support community-led initiatives to self-sufficiency, such as local economic development, small business growth, and access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and agriculture.
On a broader scale, Sonya also contributed to policy work through Global Affairs Canada, where she was a member of the Civil Society Policy Advisory Group. In that capacity, Sonya worked alongside a diverse team to help inform Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, seeking to combat poverty and inequality in developing countries.
Across these roles, a clear theme has defined her work: collaborating with people, recognizing and understanding challenges, and advancing practical solutions to complex problems.
Today, Sonya brings that experience back to her home community.
She serves as Constituency Advisor to MLA Ian Paton, working closely with residents, small businesses, and community organizations across Delta. In this role, she helps individuals navigate government systems, access available supports, and resolve issues at both the provincial and local levels. She also contributes to MLA Paton’s legislative work in Victoria and supports his responsibilities as critic for agriculture and food.
She also volunteers with the Heron Hospice Society, providing direct support to individuals and families as they navigate difficult and grief-filled experiences at the Irene Thomas Hospice. This ranges from providing emotional support and companionship, to helping with programs and support groups.
Much of Sonya’s work takes place behind the scenes. It’s steady, detailed, and focused on improving outcomes for people in their day-to-day lives. What stands at the forefront, is her concern for the community in which she lives, and the ways she seeks to come alongside and support the people who comprise it.
Sonya understands that strong communities are built over time through trust, relationships, and consistent follow-through.
That is the work she has dedicated herself to.
And the work she intends to continue.
Sonya currently is a member of the Delta Chamber of Commerce, the Ladner Business Association, and an inaugural committee member of the Delta Women’s Network.