10/10/2026
Yesterday we welcomed 14 Chilliwack school trustee candidates to The Grand Hall for a public forum ahead of the local election on October 17th.
Candidates participated in rotating groups and responded to questions about the role of a school trustee, student learning and achievement, budgets and priorities, safe and inclusive schools, parent and community involvement, and effective school board governance.
The forum was designed in a non-partisan fashion to give candidates an opportunity to share their perspectives directly with voters and help our community learn more about the people asking to serve on the Chilliwack Board of Education.
The candidates in attendance were:
Barbara Bednarski
Brooke Bouwsema-Cardinal
Cary Moore
Christine Kruger
Darren Ollinger
David Swankey
Hayden Rampton
Katie Bartel
Leah Kelley
Margaret Reid
Michael Carter
Paul Henderson
Sadie Hesketh
Willow Reichelt
A recording of the discussions is now available for viewing on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YV8KVruxn5A?si=qi1MeX1w295WKhkp
A quick note about the recording: we experienced some microphone and audio challenges at the beginning of the event. Unfortunately, some candidates’ responses were too quiet to be fully picked up by the camera microphone. The audio improves as the forum continues, but we apologize for any portions that may be difficult to hear.
Thank you to those who participated, to our hosts Clint Hames and Corinne McCabe, to Teri Westerby who helped organize and capture the event, and to everyone who joined us in person.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone taking the time to learn about the candidates and participate in our local democracy.
Last day to vote is October 17th City of Chilliwack for details
