Candidates announced for NLPS trustee by-election

Rachelle Stein-Wotten

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder

There are two candidates vying for the open seat on Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools’ board of education.

The nomination period for the trustee by-election closed Aug. 9 with two candidates certified by Chief Election Officer Mark Walsh: Joan Brown and Tim Harris.

Joan Brown, Quwqumalwut, is of Snuneymuxw First Nation and is also Chief Administrative Officer for the Nation.

Brown was also involved in the development of NLPS’s Syeyutsus Reconciliation Policy & Learning Framework.

Tim Harris, Xaniimaston, of Stz’uminus First Nation, works at Kw’umut Lelum and sits on the boards of Lookout Housing & Health Society  PacificSport Vancouver Island.

He is a former elected councillor for Stz’uminus First Nation as well as a former principal and elementary school teacher.

The official campaign period for the by-election begins Aug. 17. General election day is Sept. 14. Advance and special voting days run between Sept. 4 and 13, including Sept. 5 and 12 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Gabriola Elementary School gym.

Full details on how to vote are on the NLPS website, www.sd68.bc.ca/board/local-by-election-school-trustee/.