SD33 may have to go with six trustees until October 2026 after the latest resignation by one Board of Education member. (Image Credit: Laurie Throness)

By Alyssa Conti

Unfilled Position

Chilliwack trustee role may remain vacant until October after latest resignation by Throness

Feb 27, 2026 | 10:25 AM

CHILLIWACK — A seat may be unfilled for a few months at the Chilliwack School District’s education board after the latest move by member Laurie Throness.

On Thursday, Throness resigned immediately following the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal judgment to penalize Barry Neufeld for his public campaign against sexual orientation and gender identity resources in schools.

Today, SD33 Board of Education Chair David Swankey issued a statement that reads: “Laurie’s voice at the board table was valued and he was an advocate for academic excellence as an outcome of good public education. We wish Laurie well in his future endeavours.”

Swankey added that despite the vacancy typically being filled through a by-election, the position may remain empty as the resignation occurred after January 1st in the year of a general school election.

“I’m confident in our capacity to move forward through the remainder of our term as a board of six trustees,” said Swankey. “We remain committed to the well-being of students and supporting their learning journey is our primary focus.”

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The vacancy may be held open until the general election in October this year.