“I’m tired of settling for less, and I’m ready to fight for better.”

Carolyn Howe is a longtime educator, public education advocate, labour leader, and lifelong Victorian. From her early jobs waiting tables to her career in teaching and her current role as president of the Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association, Carolyn has been driven by a commitment to connecting with people and supporting her community.

Carolyn has taught at South Park Family School since 2005, where she has led an inclusive music program and worked closely with students and families. Her years in the classroom have given her a firsthand view of the pressures many families are facing, including rising costs, food insecurity, housing instability, and the impacts of the toxic drug crisis.

Since 2024, Carolyn has served as president of the Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association, representing local teachers and advocating for strong, well-funded public education. Her work has focused on listening to educators, students, and families and ensuring that the people working directly in schools have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect them.

Carolyn believes that strong communities depend on strong public services. She is running to advocate for affordable and stable housing, accessible healthcare, thriving public schools, economic fairness, and action to protect the climate and the communities people rely on.

She holds degrees in music and education from the University of Victoria and has also built a long record of involvement in the arts. Carolyn is a choral conductor and performer who has worked with groups including the Mood Swing Chorus, Ensemble Laude, and the vocal ensemble Hexaphone.

Carolyn is stepping forward because she believes British Columbians should expect more from their government and that public policy should put the needs of people and communities at the centre of decision-making.