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SD46 gets another confirmed acclamation

First there were three, then there were two and now, after a ministerial order signed by Education Minister Rob Fleming, there is one. Samantha Haines of Pender Harbour has been acclaimed School District No.
Samantha Haines
Samantha Haines

First there were three, then there were two and now, after a ministerial order signed by Education Minister Rob Fleming, there is one.

Samantha Haines of Pender Harbour has been acclaimed School District No. 46 (SD46) trustee after two nominees dropped out of the race. She will serve Area 1, Upper Coast, which comprises Pender Harbour, Halfmoon Bay and several Sechelt Indian Government District (SIGD) band lands.

“I am honoured to be representing Area 1,” said Haines following the announcement. “I am excited to be taking on such an important role in our community.”

Originally, Haines was running against Kathryn Love and Sechelt councillor Darren Inkster, who is also running for re-election in Sechelt. Love withdrew her candidacy before the Sept. 21 candidate nomination withdrawal deadline. Then, in the first week of October, Inkster confirmed with Coast Reporter he would seek special permission to withdraw his name from the candidate roster. A ministerial order was required to allow Inkster to withdraw after the deadline and Haines’ acclamation was declared on Oct. 9.

Haines, a professional photographer based in Pender Harbour with a child in the SD46 system and one entering it, told Coast Reporter her priorities are to focus on issues local to the region.

“I believe in open communication and collaboration between students, parents, trustees and teachers. I look forward to collaborating with such an impressive board and hearing from our community, to better support our students’ success,” she said.

Three trustees in Central Coast, Area 2, were also acclaimed: Amanda Amaral, Maria Hampvent and Tonya Ste. Marie. The electoral area includes the District of Sechelt and SIGD band lands.

In the Sunshine Coast Regional District’s Area B (Halfmoon Bay), Lori Pratt won by acclamation after Terry Knight withdrew his nomination for director.