Graeme Hutchison
for Abbotsford School Trustee

I am running in the upcoming election to become a Trustee on the Abbotsford School Board. Many in Abbotsford know me through my involvement as a soccer referee and coach. Some may also remember me from the last provincial election where I ran for the BC NDP in Abbotsford West gaining 37% of the vote.

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My journey began in the classroom. My first job was as a Information Technology schoolteacher before earning a post-graduate teaching qualification and becoming a university professor in Information Technology and Business. In 2000, I moved to Abbotsford, unfortunately my teaching qualifications were not transferable, so I built a new career in corporate training as a Microsoft Certified Trainer in the finance and banking industry.

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In recent years I served as Treasurer and then president of MoveUP, a union representing over 14,000 members at employers including BC Hydro, Fortis, BC Transit, ICBC. I also served on the regional council of the United Way of BC, one of the largest charitable organizations in BC.  This combination of teaching, financial expertise, and leadership experience has prepared me to serve our community’s education system effectively.

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Education is personal to me. Both of my sons went to Auguston Elementary and Clayburn Middle School before graduating 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.

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I recognize the challenges facing today’s educators and families. From large class sizes and diverse classroom needs to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in learning, our schools must adapt to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and included. We must act now to empower, educate, and engage our children, while creating meaningful ways to listen to parents and respond to their concerns.

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. Together, we can ensure fairness, dignity, and respect are at the heart of Abbotsford schools.

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If you are seeking a trustee with a strong background in education, proven financial expertise, and the ability to navigate complex political systems while keeping students’ needs front and center. I respectfully ask you to vote for me this October.