Candidate Michael Grantham Prioritizes Safety in BSD Byelection

Michael Grantham, a candidate for the Ward 1 trustee seat in the Brandon School Division (BSD) byelection, has identified safety as a primary concern in his campaign. Following a sword attack at École secondaire Neelin High School in June that resulted in one student being injured, Grantham is advocating for measures to enhance security in schools.

“Kids being safe and being able to feel that way and going to school is paramount,” Grantham stated. He is competing against six other candidates: Laura Armitage, Bonnie-Lynn Mills, Shawna Mozdzen, Eren Oleson, Himanshu Shah, and Henry Sieklicki, in this election.

Safety Initiatives

In his campaign, Grantham emphasizes the need for working cameras, dedicated safety officers, and better-regulated school zones. He suggests that educational assistants could take on the role of safety officers to bolster security. “We have to slow down going through school zones,” he explained. “Do we make them more noticeable? Do we put lights on it so they’re flashing just to kind of give people that heads up again?”

Grantham’s connection to Brandon runs deep; he moved to the city in Grade 3 and has lived there ever since. Currently, he manages an insurance brokerage and views his candidacy as “an opportunity to give back to my community.”

On Banning Books

Grantham has also expressed his stance against banning books in school libraries. This issue has gained attention recently following Alberta’s decision to implement a ban on books containing explicit images of sexual acts. Previous bans had inadvertently included classic works such as The Handmaid’s Tale and 1984.

In contrast, in 2023, the Brandon School Division rejected a request to review books featuring LGBTQ themes related to gender identity and sexual health. Grantham believes that access to diverse information is critical for students. “I’m all about inclusivity and information being available,” he remarked. “Some of those kids that are wondering are curious, or don’t know if there are others like them.”

He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the division is welcoming to newcomers and addressing potential language barriers. “Do we have the proper resources for a lot of the influx of new people that are coming in?” he asked.

Election Context

The byelection was prompted by the resignation of former trustee Blaine Foley in March. The election is set for October 16, 2023, with advanced polling scheduled for October 8 and October 11. Grantham expressed surprise at the number of candidates running but remains optimistic, stating, “May the best candidate win.”

The next general school board election is planned for October 28, 2026, coinciding with the municipal election. Grantham’s campaign reflects a commitment to addressing pressing concerns within the community, particularly around safety and inclusivity in education.