Just in time for the writ to drop, the B.C. Green Party has announced the nomination of its candidate for Kootenay East, Yvonne Prest.

For the past six years Prest has worked as a secondary school teacher for School District No. 5.

“I am running as a member of the B.C. Green Party because the party’s platforms inspire me,” said Prest. “Our party is built on integrity, knowledge and honesty. I trust the B.C. Green Party to deliver on their promises. As a group, we are committed to collaborative partnerships and open democracy. Our initiatives are current and in need of attention. B.C. Greens are committed to combatting climate change for environmental sustainability but also for B.C. to succeed in today’s emerging economy, which values green alternatives. Only bold leadership can counteract the damage that has been done. Fearless B.C. Greens are prepared to lead the charge.”

Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party, welcomed Prest’s nomination.

“I am thrilled to see another teacher stepping forward to run with the B.C. Greens,” said Weaver. “Yvonne is a highly dedicated teacher and deeply passionate about the importance of quality public education. She will bring invaluable on-the-ground insight to the Legislature as the people of Kootenay East’s representative.”

Prior to entering politics, Prest, born and raised in Victoria, graduated with distinction from the University of Victoria and set her sights on the East Kootenay. For the past six years Ms. Prest has been working as a secondary school teacher for School District No. 5.

Prest’s passion for learning began in the public education system of Victoria. Throughout the French immersion elementary and secondary programs, she excelled. Often earning academic achievement awards, passport funds to education and medals of distinction. For Prest, each day at school was an opportunity. Classrooms were a place where she was given time to engage with her teachers and peers, share thoughts and grow into an active citizen of the world. Today, she wants her students to love their school; their successes reflect her purpose.

Prest’s journey of learning continued to the University of Victoria where she studied history, literature and poetry graduating in 2011. Her professors inspired her to seek further learning abroad. Her time circulating museums, art galleries and cobblestone streets, older than her own country, allowed her to understand how large and diverse the world can be. Experiences in over 30 countries has shaped her into an open-minded individual. Traveling and living abroad has given Prest a unique eye into not only global issues but global solutions. There is always more than one way to solve a problem. She believes in collaboration; great ideas are worth sharing.

Another formative education abroad was Prest’s volunteer experiences with CISV: Children International Summer Villages. CISV believes that youth can become social justice activists by building global friendships. Prest was chosen as a delegation leader, three times, and took participants to Norway, Brazil and Germany to actively engage in uniting nations.

These intense cultural camps awakened her knowing of community as an active engagement rather than a legislation. Her newfound CISV skillset has molded her into not only a leader, but an active participant in change.

Upon graduation from UVIC, she was called to the mountains. Since 2011 she has had the privilege of working as a secondary public school teacher. Ms. Prest adores her work. Her colleagues inspire her, her students drive her and her work pushes her to consistently excel. If one is not moving forward then they’re just standing still.

Editor’s note: We would have happily run an image of this candidate. However, the Green Party issued this press release about a candidate for Kootenay East, at the last minute, without a photograph of said candidate. We have asked for one and will add it if it arrives.

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