Stuart Parker announces candidacy for School Board 57 by-election

“I drew the short straw, and that means I will be a candidate to replace Trent Derrick’s position on School District 57 here in Prince George.”

That’s how writer, broadcaster, and former University Professor Stuart Parker announced his candidacy for a trustee position in the upcoming School District 57 by-election.

“We need an aggressive policy, perhaps even a confrontational policy, because we have to take back control of our schools,” Parker said.

“We have to take that control back from the province, first of all, that means either reforming or pulling out of province-wide bargaining, and we have a strong legal opinion that it’s possible.”

In addition, a brief speech was made by Chris Elston, a White-Rock-based activist, who expressed his opinion that gender identity should not be taught in schools. When asked why his campaign started on a controversial note, Parker responded by saying Elston was his first guest who was available.

“I definitely did want to talk about this issue,” Parker responded,  but silly me, I thought this would involve me going ‘oh let’s talk about this issue’ rather than me dealing with this deluge of disapproval, that I don’t think is going to lead to a pile of dialogue. I think actually if Audrey McKinnon and I sat down we’d discover how much we have in common about wanting to care for and about the kids we all say we’re worried about.”

McKinnon announced her candidacy for the position on Tuesday, November 30th.

School District 57’s by-election will take place on January 15th, following resignations from former board chair Derrick and vice-chair Shuirose Valimohamed in September.