STEVE CARDWELL

​It is an honour and with great excitement that I am putting my name forward as a candidate to seek nomination with OneCity Vancouver.  This is a party that matches my core beliefs and values.

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I joined OneCity because it is the clearest progressive voice at the municipal level for a Vancouver where everyone belongs. OneCity is grounded in equity, affordability, and climate justice, and it takes action, not just positions. I also value the party’s culture: transparent processes, cooperation, and respectful engagement across differences.

I became a member because I want to be part of building “Vancouver for everyone,” especially through public education. Schools shape opportunity, inclusion, and community strength, and I want to advance OneCity values where they matter most for families and students.

This is my party, and this is why I wish to run for School Board under the OneCity banner!

I joined OneCity because I want to turn shared values into measurable change, and I see public education as one of the most important places to do that.

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Representing OneCity on the School Board means bringing my priorities forward with integrity and steady collaboration - and delivering results for students, parents, staff, and the larger community.

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I want to represent OneCity because its values and political culture align with how I believe public institutions should be led: with equity at the center, a clear commitment to affordability and climate justice, and decision-making that is transparent, cooperative, and respectful. I have a strong desire to serve the students, parents, employees and larger community as an elected member of the Vancouver School Board.

 

I bring an exceptional background and experience to this work and along with like-minded trustees will bring about positive change for how the board functions in conjunction with the senior leadership. I will work hard to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve and ensure that all students are supported in their individual learning needs and help restore public confidence through governance that is open, evidence-based, and accountable.

I believe that there are several issues that need to be addressed and that have not progressed during the past term of the Board. I share common values and beliefs with OneCity in seeing a new board with elected trustees who will actually represent the people and make a difference for those whom we serve. School lands are a public trust and trustees are stewards of these lands. I will push for transparent decision-making, rigorous oversight, and outcomes that protect affordability, access, and long-term space for students. I have attended many board meetings over the past few years and find the current board has not been open and transparent. The closed anti-public approach is the antithesis of good government and progressive democracy. This must change. Public voice, the voice of students and parents, and the voice of employee groups must be included in all dialogue and debate.

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My core priorities include:​

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Truth and Reconciliation will always be my first priority. This will take time and require an ongoing commitment working with Indigenous peoples.

 

Equity and inclusion must be for all students. Racism and discrimination of any kind have no place in our classrooms. Students must feel culturally safe, secure, and supported in all aspects of their lives.

 

Student well-being is essential for learning to take place. In these trying times, mental and physical health supports must be provided. Education at all levels should be a joyful and rewarding experience for each and every student.

 

The surrounding physical environment must provide safe and accessible working, teaching, and learning conditions for students and all employees. Air and water quality, physical safety, and accessibility are key areas that must continue to be improved.​​

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Democracy and good governance that respects all members of the community is core to my values. I believe in an active citizenry. I work for full transparency, open consultation and respected voice.

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Above all, I place students first!​​

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It is with deep gratitude and respect, that I am learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

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