My name is Graeme Hutchison, and I am running in the upcoming Trustee by-election for 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.

My journey began in the classroom. My first job was as a schoolteacher before earning a post-graduate teaching qualification and becoming a university professor. In 2000, I moved to Abbotsford and built a new career as a corporate trainer in the banking and finance industry.

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

Education is personal to me. 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.
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.

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.

 

How will I advocate for young people in my district?

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I currently serve on the board of the Fraser Valley Youth Society (www.fvys.ca) - a youth organisation dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ and Allied youth in the Fraser Valley. We want to connect them to their community and to supportive, inclusive help if needed. I intend to continue that advocating role.

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I served as President of a Labour Union (MoveUP) and regularly advocated at  a Provincial role to increase funding for schools, but also items such as transit for Youth and the $15 a day daycare program being rolled out across the province.

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I was also President of the Fraser Valley Labour Council, representing all Unions across the Fraser Valley and working on behalf of working people to ensure inclusion and equity for all people. Finally, I was on the regional Council of The United Way, and advocated to maintain and expand programs for Youth in our community including School Backpack programs, after school programs, and food programs in schools. I am proud to be endorsed by the Fraser Valley Labour Council for the upcoming election.