BSD byelection attracting little interest so far

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This article was published 29/08/2025 (209 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

No candidates have shown interest in the Brandon School Division trustee seat left vacant by Blaine Foley, senior election official Heather Ewasiuk told the Sun this week.

Foley resigned in March, ending his tenure of nearly four and a half years. He cited his pursuit of a teaching career and the need to avoid professional conflicts as the primary reasons for stepping down.

The lack of early engagement may be linked to the Spruce Woods provincial byelection drawing attention away from school board politics, Ewasiuk said.

“No one has shown interest yet,” she said. “Unfortunately, when the BSD announces a byelection, it does not get enough attention because people don’t really pay attention to school board politics.”

The nomination period officially opens on Sept. 4 and runs until Sept. 10, with potential candidates required to file their papers in person at the Civic Administration Building.

Ewasiuk cautioned that trustee byelections historically face challenges in attracting both candidates and voter turnout, adding that voter fatigue, following recent federal and provincial elections, can also play a role.

During her presentation to the school board on Monday, Ewasiuk outlined the process and requirements for candidates. To be eligible, nominees must be Canadian citizens, at least 18 years old by election day and have lived in the school division for at least six months before April 16.

“Candidates also need 25 signatures from electors in Ward 1 — the City of Brandon at large,” she said.

Ewasiuk stressed that incomplete nominations will not be accepted and encouraged candidates to gather more than the minimum number of signatures to avoid disqualification.

“I always encourage potential candidates to get a few additional signatures, just in case somebody doesn’t show up on the voters’ list,” she told the trustees.

“If more than one candidate files papers, an election will be held on Oct. 16, 2025. If no one steps forward, the board has the authority under the Public Schools Act to appoint a qualified individual to fill the seat.”

The byelection will include multiple opportunities to vote.

Advance polls will be held on Oct. 8 at city hall and on Oct. 11 at the Keystone Centre, while mobile advance polls will be arranged for senior residences. On election day, six polling stations across Brandon will be open, including sites at the East End Community Centre, McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church, Victoria Inn and the BSD administration office.

Trustees also had the opportunity to clarify rules. Trustee Kim Fallis asked whether individuals could sign more than one candidate’s nomination paper. Ewasiuk confirmed that they could, explaining that signatures simply indicate support for a name being put forward, not a commitment to vote for that person.

While the byelection is only for a one-year term before the next general school trustee elections in October 2026, Ewasiuk encouraged community members to view it as an opportunity to get involved.

“This is a good opportunity to get a feel for what the position is, because it is simply a one-year term,” she said. “If you know somebody who might have an interest in the school board, this is a great opportunity to put their name forward.”

Information packages for potential candidates are available at the Civic Administration Building and online at brandon.ca/votes and bsd.ca.

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