Strong and steady leader with a proven track record. Strongest skills are building cohesive and collaborative teams and driving organizational growth. Skilled in financial management and strategic partnerships, I excel in problem-solving and communication, enhancing team morale and efficiency while championing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Calm under pressure and highly effective at problem solving.
Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance.
High level of strength around supporting diverse teams and building strong team awareness of ongoing self reflection around inclusion. A bridge builder.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Member of Parliament
Federal Government
10.2015 - 04.2025
Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Oversaw staff both as a Member of Parliament and as NDP Whip. Strong people skills in human resources.
Executive Director
Immigrant Welcome Centre of North Island
08.2007 - 10.2015
Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
Guided staff through periods of organizational change and huge growth from serving Campbell River to adding a second office in Comox Valley and services in the North Island, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships and to increase inclusion and hiring of newcomers locally.
Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
Strengthened internal communication channels to facilitate cross-functional collaboration and decisionmaking.
Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the organization to create a more inclusive work environment.
Increased organizational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems when the organization doubled in size under my leadership.
Evaluated program outcomes using data-driven metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted interventions.
Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
Employment Officer
Homalco First Nations
05.2005 - 07.2007
Conducted mock interviews with clients, boosting their confidence and interview success rate.
Evaluated program effectiveness regularly by analyzing data on client outcomes and refining service delivery methods accordingly.
Established strong relationships with local businesses and organizations, increasing collaboration on workforce development initiatives.
Prepared administrative reports or other documentation to determine program success.
Regularly updated knowledge on labor market trends, ensuring accurate information dissemination to clients seeking advice.
Organized successful job fairs, connecting employers with potential employees in a professional setting.
Streamlined the recruitment process for employers, resulting in faster candidate placements.
Met with clients and representatives to discuss program eligibility.
Maintained detailed records of client progress towards employment goals, enabling regular follow-up support where necessary.
Fostered a supportive environment within the office, resulting in greater team cohesion and improved workplace morale.
Assessed clients capacity and coordinated workshops and training to build skill development.
Provided ongoing support for both employers and candidates during the hiring process, ensuring smooth transitions into new roles.
Managed caseloads effectively while maintaining timely communication with clients regarding their job search progress.
Addressed hard issues with clients and employers around racism in the workplace and put together strategies to address to build capacity.
Identified and implemented appropriate strategies to increase employee satisfaction and retention.
Discovered and resolved complex employee issues that affected management and business decisions.
Distributed employee engagement surveys to identify areas of improvement.
Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.
Education
Certificate - First Nations Business Leadership
UBC Sauder Executive Education
Vancouver, BC
09-2006
Bachelor of Arts - First Nations Studies/ Women Studies Double Major
Vancouver Island University
04-1998
High School Diploma -
Calendonia Senior Secondary
Terrace, BC
06-1993
Skills
Friendly, positive attitude, Team building
Problem-solving and Critical Thinking
Time management
Flexible and adaptable
Dependable and responsible
Excellent communication
Multitasking Abilities
Computer skills
Organizational skills
Calm under pressure
Problem resolution
Decision-making
Accomplishments
Lead the first study of Women Veterans ever in Parliament which resulted in me receiving the 2024 Esprit de Corps Women in Defence Award. https://www.campbellrivermirror.com/news/north-island-mp-rachel-blaney-honoured-with-veterans-advocacy-award-7378623. https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6420950
Saw significant growth in the local funding resources to the riding
Lead Caucus for almost 5 years as the NDP Whip, including working with other Parties and House of Commons to create a pathway for democracy during the pandemic.
Grew Immigrant Welcome Centre from a small local organization to a regional provider of services, more than doubling the size of the organization.
Built local relationships with regional First Nations to build relationships for both business and connection to local non indigenous communities.
Timeline
Member of Parliament
Federal Government
10.2015 - 04.2025
Executive Director
Immigrant Welcome Centre of North Island
08.2007 - 10.2015
Employment Officer
Homalco First Nations
05.2005 - 07.2007
Certificate - First Nations Business Leadership
UBC Sauder Executive Education
Bachelor of Arts - First Nations Studies/ Women Studies Double Major