Image: Graeme Hutchison

By Alyssa Conti

TRUSTEE BY-ELECTION

Former BC NDP candidate Graeme Hutchison running for Abbotsford school trustee

Sep 7, 2025 | 10:05 AM

ABBOTSFORD — A familiar figure has thrown his name into the hat for the upcoming Abbotsford School Board trustee by-election.

Graeme Hutchison, who ran for the BC NDP in Abbotsford West last year, is now one of four candidates looking to replace MLA Korky Neufeld in the fall.

“Education is personal to me,” said Hutchison. “Both of my sons graduated from Robert Bateman Secondary and the University of the Fraser Valley.”

“I am deeply grateful to the teachers, staff, and the Abbotsford community for their dedication to helping my children succeed.”

Hutchison was a school teacher himself before his career led him to finance and labour leadership as the president of MoveUP – a union representing over 14,000 members at BC Hydro, Fortis, BC Transit, and more.

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“My candidacy is about unity, not division. I will represent everyone—across political, cultural, and religious lines—because what unites us is greater than what divides us.”

He emphasized large class sizes, diverse classroom needs and the rise of AI as key issues facing today’s educators and families.

He joins Abbotsford school volunteer Tanya Coghill, as well as youth advocates Arsh Kaler and Benjamin Mehrer, in the by-election roster.

General voting day is scheduled for October 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Advance voting opportunities will be held at the same hours on October 1 and October 4.