Schools & Public Education
Biography
I live in Tsawwassen and am running for office in Delta for the first time. I am a teacher, former college lecturer and principal, son of a Chief Justice and ambassador, husband of a viceprincipal, father of three lawyers, and grandfather of seven. I hold a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, conducted my master’s research under Mark Carney’s father, and received Surrey’s Community Educator of the Year award in 2003.
Reason for running
I am concerned about what I see as a shift from education toward political indoctrination.
As a teacher, I am committed to every child’s academic, intellectual, social, physical, and emotional well-being. K–12 education should provide strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and core subjects; develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills; and help students become confident, responsible adults who appreciate our free and prosperous society.
A I am concerned about what I see as a shift from education toward political advocacy, including pronoun policies, premature sexual discussions, and SOGI-related programming. I also oppose equity-based marking practices and believe merit should guide academic evaluation. I question land acknowledgments in schools and believe schools should teach history honestly and accurately.
I have volunteered as a coach, referee, play director, and charity organizer, and I ran the Terry Fox Run for decades.
I would return schools to a marketplace of ideas where students can express their opinions and teachers can challenge them. Q What will you do differently than the current elected officials? A I will uphold professional standards for B.C. educators and oppose using schools to advance political or social agendas at the expense of students’ education.
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