For Brodie Chartrand, Kitimat has always been home. Born and raised in the Northwest B.C. community, Brodie grew up in a place where familiarity runs deep, where family and friends are always close by. Like many young people from smaller towns, he eventually left to pursue post-secondary education, spending time in Nanaimo, Abbotsford, and Victoria while exploring different academic paths. He initially considered teaching before discovering a stronger interest in mental health and substance use work, eventually completing a mental health and addictions diploma at Camosun College. Even while away, Kitimat remained central to his life. Returning every summer, working in community roles before spending two summers with FireSmart.
Those years away ultimately reinforced where he wanted to be. Family played a major role in his decision to return. His parents still live in Kitimat, his younger sister was growing up quickly, and many of his close friends had also stayed or returned after school, making the transition home feel natural. There was also a practical side to the decision. “Jobs here are awesome,” he said. “So much opportunity, great for gaining experience, great pay, and you get to work with people you know.”
One of the biggest reasons Brodie chose to return was the personal community he has built in Kitimat. Many of his closest friends from elementary and high school remain an important part of his life today, and that sense of connection extends well beyond his immediate family. From friends’ families who have become like his own to the colleagues and mentors he has met through work, Brodie says the strong network of relationships in Kitimat is something he values deeply and couldn’t easily find elsewhere.
Since April 2025, Brodie has worked as a Child, Youth & Family Social Worker with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, supporting children, youth, families, caregivers, and community service providers throughout Kitimat. His role involves helping clients access services and supports, assisting with case management activities, and contributing to the safety, development, and overall well-being of children and families in the community. As one of only two male staff members in his office, Brodie remains passionate about the importance of representation in helping professions and hopes to continue creating positive conversations around men’s mental health. Alongside his work, he is continuing his studies online as he advances his career in the social services field.
For Brodie, the most rewarding part of the job is the connection with people. “Making connections, sharing my passion with people in need, it’s rewarding to hear people thank you and say you’ve helped them,” he said.
Returning to Kitimat has also changed his personal life in meaningful ways. After five years in larger cities, the slower pace and close-knit atmosphere have been a welcome change. “My stress levels are way down being back home,” he said. “Kitimat is different from anywhere else. It’s more relaxed.” That feeling also stood out to friends he’d made in other cities when they visited over the summer and immediately noticed the slower pace, access to nature, and strong sense of community.
For Brodie, that balance is one of Kitimat’s greatest strengths. It’s a place where people can build careers while staying socially connected and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Staying active is a key part of how he manages his own mental health, whether that’s going to the gym with a friend, hiking or spending an afternoon down at the dock. He also enjoys the everyday social side of the community, watching hockey, meeting friends at Two Peaks Brewing, or grabbing breakfast at Rosario’s. “Self-care is important for this job,” he said.
“I think one of the most important things when you’re working in a mental health field is to remember that even though you’re supporting someone else, you have to support yourself too at the end of the day with your mental health and your mental well-being.” For him, that often means spending time outdoors. “The golf course is one of the best places to do it…it’s so good to just breathe that fresh air and be by yourself and just be reminded why where we live is so beautiful and how grateful I am to be here.”
Beyond his day-to-day role, Brodie is actively involved in broader community mental health initiatives. In August 2023, he hosted the “Rock Out for Mental Health” event, raising more than $10,000 in partnership with the hospital foundation. A few months later, he co-hosted the 45th Annual Kitimat ACT Telethon, which raised $95,000 for community initiatives. These efforts reflect his commitment not just to supporting individual clients, but to strengthening the overall health of the community. He was then invited to co-host the following year.
Brodie is optimistic about Kitimat’s future. With new economic opportunities and growing interest from industry, he sees momentum building in the community.
“You won’t find opportunities anywhere else like you can here,” he said, pointing to strong wages, less competition, and the ability to gain meaningful experience early in a career.
For Brodie, returning to Kitimat was a deliberate choice. It offered the career opportunities, community connections, and quality of life he was looking for.
As he puts it, “It’s pretty cool to say I’m from here…it’s tiny, but there’s a lot of love here.”
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WRITTEN BY:
Brandon Wirsz
