Phil Klapwyk

Phil Klapwyk is a community and labour leader with deep roots in Pitt Meadows - Maple Ridge. As a film industry professional and trade union leader with IATSE Local 891, he represents over 15,000 professional freelance artists and technicians in the BC film industry. Phil is ready to take his skills and experience to represent Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge residents in Ottawa.

Phil fell in love with Maple Ridge while shooting his first film production in Golden Ears Provincial Park. He is proud to call Maple Ridge home, and in 2018 Phil and his wife Dee welcomed their brand new granddaughter into the family at Ridge Meadows Hospital, marking the third generation born here.

Phil studied theatre and communications in college and university. Pitt Meadows - Maple Ridge has an incredible arts and creative community that’s driven by community organizations like the ACT Arts Centre.

For over 20 years Phil worked as a lighting specialist on large scale live events, television series, and feature films including Mission Impossible and the X-Files. He took a year and a half off from film production in 2005-2006 to pursue a dream of owning and running a small cafe with his wife. Phil knows the challenges of running a small business firsthand.

In 2015, Phil was elected as the Business Representative of IATSE 891 to represent a diverse membership of skilled artists and technicians in departments ranging from construction to makeup to special effects.

Through his role in IATSE, Phil championed advancements in Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and has been an active ally and advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. His work with the union has included government relations, communications, marketing and advertising.

As the chief negotiator for IATSE Local 891, Phil is recognized and respected across North America for his collaborative and constructive approach to fostering business relationships. His work has contributed to billions of dollars in film production investment throughout British Columbia with significant production activity right here in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.

Phil believes that we need a change in government and a new MP that puts Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge residents first. He’s proud to call Maple Ridge home and he is honoured to be our NDP candidate in the upcoming federal election.

I believe this is a critical moment for our community. It’s our opportunity to set the direction for a Canada transitioning out of the pandemic and build a better future for everyone.

I’m running to be our next Member of Parliament for the NDP in this election because I believe that we can build a future:
• Where we tackle the climate crisis – putting the environment at the centre of every policy decision we make.
• Where we tackle affordability – in all facets of the lives of Canadians.
• Where we take immediate and concrete action on reconciliation, respecting and honouring Indigenous rights, titles, and cultural practices.
• Where all levels of government work collaboratively, united in creating a better Canada for all Canadians.
We can do better. New Democrats are ready to rebuild better than ever, and Better is Possible.

I believe the Federal government can and should be doing more. Now is the time.

Pitt Meadows - Maple Ridge faces many challenges locally. I fully commit to working with the Katzie First Nations and the local city councils to ensure we chart a path forward for the community. As the federal representative, I would call upon the city councils and the provincial representatives to work together with our Indigenous partners to ensure that we create a better Canada here in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.

Tackling the climate crisis – putting the environment at the centre of every policy decision we make.
Tacking affordability – in all facets of the lives of Canadians.
Taking immediate and concrete action on reconciliation, respecting and honouring Indigenous rights, titles, and cultural practices.
Working collaboratively with all levels of government, united in creating a better Canada for all Canadians.