Molly
Henry

Molly thrives on connecting people and ideas and working with others to make systems-level change. She holds a master’s degree from the Simon Fraser University School of Public Policy and has spent a decade working on climate change as a policy and communications expert. Molly currently works at Vancity, developing and implementing the credit union’s public policy agenda, and previously served as an advisor in the Government of British Columbia and to Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. Passionate about building democratic processes and public policies that are shaped by and reflective of the people they serve, Molly is continuously working to empower people to participate in government decision-making. She is currently a Board member for CityHive, a Metro Vancouver-based youth-led and youth-run non-profit on a mission to transform the way that young people are engaged in shaping their cities.

PROJECT

Vancity credit union uses the tools of finance and our community relationships to expand economic opportunity, improve the wellbeing of our members, and make our communities better. We are committed to building a clean and fair world, and one way we are delivering on that is by working to reach net-zero emissions in our lending portfolio by 2040. With residential and commercial mortgages making up a significant portion of our lending, decarbonizing new and existing buildings will be key to reaching this goal. Public policy plays a critical role in advancing building decarbonization at the scale and pace required, and in the face of the climate emergency, we believe it is our responsibility as a financial institution to support government actions that reduce emissions while protecting the physical and economic well-being of people. To do this, Vancity is implementing a climate advocacy strategy and will also support other organizations in the private sector to use their voice and power in support of policies that create an equitable net-zero future.

Advocating for equitable government-led climate action is key to Vancity’s vision of a transformed economy that protects the earth and guarantees equity for all. At the heart of that vision is a recognition that a clean and fair world requires systems-level change, and as a co-operative financial institution we know we are stronger together. Working with our partners and supporting fair and affordable decarbonization policies will help achieve the big, structural changes that are needed to meet our commitment to a net-zero lending portfolio while also improving the financial well-being of our members and communities.

MOTIVATION FOR AND COMMITMENT TO CREATING A BETTER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE PLANET

My passion for climate action comes from knowing that a better world is possible. We can create safer and more vibrant, accessible, and inclusive communities with affordable homes, good jobs, efficient public and active transportation, and the services people count on. And in doing that, we also reduce emissions and strengthen our resilience to the climate impacts that are already here. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: do everything I can to make life better for people and protect this beautiful planet we all call home.