Songhees Nation raises concern after suspension of two trustees

The Songhees Nation and the Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association are speaking out after two Greater Victoria School District (GVSD) trustees were censured and suspended until the next school board elections. The two trustees allegedly made disparaging comments in public, which were substantiated by a lawyer/mediator who conducted a third-party investigation. The Songhees Nation released a statement questioning the trustees’ suspension, noting that there was no due process or transparency. They also pointed to previous issues with the board. The Songhees Nation is calling for the resignation of the entire board, has boycotted all GVSD meetings, and has requested a full account of the process leading to suspension of the trustees. The trustees Diane McNally and Rob Paynter have also filed petitions with the BC Supreme court.