CIVIC ELECTION – Trustee candidate promises to donate part of earnings

Another candidate in the Oct. 17 civic elections has pledged to give up part of his paycheque.

School trustee candidate Jimmy Johal said today (Oct. 2,2026) if elected he’ll direct “roughly” 25 per cent of his after-tax trustee earnings to bursaries for School District 73 graduates.

Johal said the pledge amounts to $5,000 a year, funding 20 bursaries worth $20,000 over a four-year term. Five $1,000 bursaries would be awarded each year to graduates pursuing university, trade school, or vocational training, he said, stating that the bursaries would be independently run through the SD73 Scholarships and Bursaries Program or the B.C. Interior Community Foundation.

SEE ALSO: ROTHENBURGER – What about this idea of candidates donating their pay?

“This campaign isn’t about me, nor am I here for the stipend or money,” said Johal. “It’s about putting our children first, volunteering my time, and providing strong fiscal stewardship for our community. My goal for the board of education is clear: ensure every dollar governed directly reaches the classroom to empower student success.”

Johal is the second candidate to promise turning over part of his pay to community causes. Mayoral candidate Ray Dhaliwal announced he would give a third of his salary to charity if he wins; he later upped that amount to half.