Hello, I’m Michael Craig. I’m running for public school trustee on the Bluewater District School Board in Owen Sound. I believe I have the vision, experience and qualifications to effectively represent the needs and perspectives of local parents of school-age children - and all other concerned citizens.

It would be fair to say that I have liberal values: I support an inclusive school system that is free of racism, homophobia and prejudice against newcomers; a school system that has a place and program for high achievers as well as children who struggle academically.

While I am determined that every child should graduate with high verbal and written literacy, as well as competence in mathematics and science, I will push to make sure music, theatre and visual arts are not neglected. I will fight for the arts, physical education and civics (kids should know how their country functions).

The fact is that curriculum at every level is written and delivered by the Ministry of Education. The School Board’s role is to administer the Ministry’s guidelines in a way that is sensitive to the needs of students in Grey-Bruce and Owen Sound. Trustees are, above all, advocates for their local schools, speaking up about issues as diverse as the need for an additional education assistant or mould in a classroom. And they advocate as well for parents who need help accessing the system to get attention to their child’s special needs. They are often an intermediary between the principal, administrators and health professionals.

I have been actively involved with schools for decades as a parent of two and grandparent of four; as Chair of Home and School and Residents’ Associations; as a former trustee of the Toronto Board (moved to Owen Sound in 2014); as a public speaker on human rights on behalf of Amnesty International in at least 100 schools; and as a director of videos for teachers’ unions in dozens of schools across Ontario. (I owned my production company from 1979 until a few years ago.)

Now retired, I have the time and energy to devote to Owen Sound kids and schools. All I need is your vote anytime between October 14 and 24. For election details and to access the voters’ list, go to https://www.owensound.ca/en/election-2022.aspx. Thank you,

Michael Craig
[email protected]