Image: Heather Maahs / Chilliwack North MLA Heather Maahs has endorsed Laurie Throness in the upcoming Chilliwack by-election.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack school board by-election

Chilliwack school board by-election candidates garner endorsements

Jan 27, 2025 | 12:23 PM

CHILLIWACK — Two out of the three candidates running in the upcoming Chilliwack by-election have garnered notable endorsements.

Citing his seven years of legislative experience in British Columbia combined with his significant academic achievement, Chilliwack North MLA Heather Maahs has endorsed former MLA Laurie Throness in the upcoming Chilliwack Board of Education by-election.

“Laurie Throness understands the importance of leadership and community involvement,” Maahs said. “As a former Chilliwack MLA, Laurie appreciates the work elected representatives do to support the community with good decision making and accountability. Laurie is interested in ensuring that all our students receive a solid education and that they are grounded with strong academic skills to better equip them for the future.”

Throness holds a PhD in history from Cambridge University, a master’s degree in public administration from Queen’s University, and several other degrees. In the 1980s, he worked for MLA Harvey Schroeder in Chilliwack before serving as MP Chuck Strahl’s chief of staff in three federal departments in Ottawa.

“With his extensive education and experience, he will undoubtedly be a valued addition to the Board of Education. I know he will serve our community with grace and dedication,” Maahs said. “Join me in supporting Laurie Throness for School Trustee in Chilliwack.”

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Over the weekend, former Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon offered a similar endorsement of Katie Bartel, one of three candidates running in the by-election.

“As a community leader, advocate, and former MLA for Chilliwack-Kent, I know firsthand the importance of strong, compassionate leadership in shaping the future of our schools – and have seen Katie’s effective approach and dedication in action!” Paddon wrote on Facebook. “But most of all, as a mom I know how important representation is to the learning, inclusion, and safety of all our kids. Katie’s vision is one that resonates deeply with the values we hold dear in our community: prioritizing advocacy, fostering a culture of belonging, and championing collaboration.”

Image: Kelli Paddon / Katie Bartel with former Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon.