Janet Brown is a seasoned journalist, passionate communicator, and dedicated community leader who has called Surrey, British Columbia home for more than 25 years. A committed wife and proud hockey mom, Janet is deeply rooted in her Fraser Heights neighbourhood where she serves as a block watch captain and invests in the safety and well-being of her community.
Janet’s career in journalism spans more than 35 years, during which she became one of British Columbia’s most respected reporters. After graduating from the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s broadcast journalism program in 1985, she gained invaluable experience in diverse newsrooms across the province — from CKEG in Nanaimo, CJNL in Merritt and CHNL in Kamloops, to the major markets of CKNW and Global BC in Vancouver. Her work took her into the heart of breaking news and complex civic issues, earning the trust of audiences and colleagues alike.
Throughout her distinguished career, Janet produced impactful investigative reporting that prompted meaningful change. Her probing work on TransLink fare evasion exposed enforcement gaps that ultimately led to legislative reform and cost savings for the provincial government — a project that earned her the RTDNA Peter Gzowski Award and national recognition. She also received awards for her coverage of major events such as the Stanley Cup riots and the transformation of Surrey’s Whalley Strip.
In recognition of her lifetime of journalistic excellence, Janet was honoured with the RTDNA Canada Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the highest distinctions in Canadian journalism, celebrating her years of dedication, integrity and service to the profession.
Today, Janet brings her communication expertise to her role as Director of Communications at Surrey Urban Mission, where she champions outreach efforts for vulnerable populations and raises awareness of pressing social challenges such as homelessness and food insecurity in Surrey. Her leadership helps the organization share its mission and connect with supporters across the region.
In 2025, Janet expanded her commitment to public service by entering municipal politics as a Surrey First candidate for City Council. Drawing on her deep understanding of local issues gained through decades of reporting, she aims to help shape Surrey’s future with thoughtful leadership, community focus and a deep belief in public engagement.
Janet Brown’s journey — from award-winning journalist to communicator and civic leader — reflects a lifelong dedication to telling stories that matter, serving others, and inspiring community progress at every level.
