Image: Conservative Party of B.C. / Chilliwack school trustee Heather Maahs, the longest current serving member of the Chilliwack Board of Education, has been selected as the Conservative Party of B.C. candidate for the newly named Chilliwack North riding in this year's provincial election.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Provincial election

Chilliwack school trustee to run in this year’s provincial election

Feb 29, 2024 | 12:05 PM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack school trustee Heather Maahs, the longest current serving member of the Chilliwack Board of Education, has been selected as the Conservative Party of B.C. candidate for the newly named Chilliwack North riding in this year’s provincial election.

According to a news release from the Conservative Party of B.C., Maahs has consistently pressed for foundational reading skills and literacy in her 15 years on the Chilliwack school board. First elected in 2008, Maahs has repeatedly emphasized the critical role of literacy in the reading process and advocated for parental rights to ensure a collaborative and supportive educational environment.

“Heather is a dedicated public servant and advocate for common-sense solutions in education,” the Conservative Party wrote on X/Twitter Thursday morning (Feb. 29).

The news release from the party states that her advocacy extends beyond her position as a school trustee.

“She recognizes the need for systemic and purposeful changes in the provincial education system, advocating for legislative measures to address these challenges,” the candidate bio stated. “A strong proponent of parental rights, Heather believes in respecting and supporting parents’ goals to raise healthy and responsible young individuals. Her vision emphasizes that children do not belong solely to schools or governments.”

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Heather and her husband moved their young family from North Vancouver to Chilliwack in 1993. Together, they operated a construction company, experiencing the challenges and rewards of small business entrepreneurship. Sadly, Heather’s husband unexpectedly passed in 2009, representing a significant moment of change in the lives of their family members.

Maahs took specialized training in Orton Gillingham tutoring and Early Assessment from the University of Hull, Great Britain, as she sought to enhance educational methods. For many years, she moderated an email listserv where stakeholders, including school trustees, parents, teachers, and ministry officials, engaged in discussions on education issues. This platform facilitated an exchange of data, research, and articles, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing educational challenges.

Maahs has three adult children and 11 grandchildren, highlighting the joy and fulfillment they bring to her life.

“For Heather, family is not only a source of personal fulfillment but also a driving force behind her commitment to making the world a better place for future generations,” the news release stated. “Her experiences as a mother and grandmother have undoubtedly shaped her perspective on community service and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive and nurturing environment for all families. As Heather ventures into political candidacy and community service, her dedication to family values remains evident, guiding her aspirations to contribute to a better future for her loved ones and the broader community.”