Fired school trustee Janet Fraser nominated as Green candidate in Vancouver-Langara

    1 of 1 2 of 1

      Expect education to become a big issue in the upcoming provincial election campaign in Vancouver-Langara.

      That's because the B.C. Greens have nominated a fired Vancouver school trustee, Janet Fraser, as their candidate.

      “I would love to serve my community as the next MLA in my home riding of Vancouver-Langara and champion public education, good governance, meaningful climate leadership, and an inclusive 21st-century green economy," Fraser said in a news release.

      In 2014, Fraser was elected as a Green candidate to the Vancouver board of education. She held the deciding vote on the nine-member board, which included four Vision Vancouver and four NPA trustees.

      When Fraser, a chemist, sided with Vision trustees in opposing the B.C. government's budgetary demands, it started a series of events that led to the board being fired last year by Education Minister Mike Bernier.

      At the time, Premier Christy Clark probably had no idea that this issue could come back to haunt her in one of the safest B.C. Liberal seats in the province.

      “The foundation of a thriving democracy is a strong, vibrant and adequately resourced public education system," B.C. Green party Leader Andrew Weaver said. “Janet has consistently demonstrated her commitment to delivering this vision to British Columbia. I am thrilled she is seeking a mandate from the voters of Vancouver-Langara to be their B.C. Green MLA and I look forward to working with her in the legislature.”

      Incumbent B.C. Liberal MLA Moira Stilwell is not seeking reelection and the ruling party has nominated lawyer Michael Lee to carry the party's banner.

      The B.C. NDP has not yet nominated a candidate in Vancouver-Langara.

      Comments