Youth advocate, sports coach and local realtor announces run for Abbotsford Board of Education

ABBOTSFORD – A youth advocate, sports coach and licensed real estate agent who attends UFV and serves as a legislative assistant will run for a seat on the Abbotsford Board of Education this fall.

Born and raised in Abbotsford, Vinay Waraich says he has launched his campaign for school trustee in the upcoming election on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Waraich is a product of the Abbotsford public school system, having attended John Maclure Elementary, Colleen & Gordie Howe Middle School and W.J. Mouat Secondary.

He’s running on a platform he says will bring an energetic, accessible voice to the Abbotsford Board of Education.

“This city was built by people who showed up, worked hard, looked after their families, and put in the effort to build something better,” said Waraich. “Our schools are the heart of Abbotsford. Board leadership shouldn’t be about sitting back or delivering top down mandates, it’s about listening to parents, understanding classroom realities, and delivering practical, common sense solutions.”

Waraich’s campaign will focus on three core commitments to parents and constituents:

• Student success beyond the classroom: Broadening access to athletics, clubs, leadership programs, and mental health support to build student confidence and prepare youth for life beyond graduation.
• Opening school spaces to the community: Streamlining local facility policies so neighborhood sports leagues, youth groups, and families can easily utilize school gyms, fields, and spaces outside of school hours.
• Stronger inter-agency partnerships: Driving direct collaboration between the Abbotsford School District and City Council to address shared community priorities, including traffic safety in school zones, local recreation, and long-term municipal growth.

“Abbotsford gave me every opportunity to learn, grow, and belong, and I want every student in our city to have that exact same shot,” said Waraich. “Parents deserve transparency and real accountability. Students deserve safe, supportive spaces where they are motivated to succeed. I am ready to be that energetic, accessible advocate for families across Abbotsford.”

According to his biography, Waraich’s background spans civic service, professional practice, and hands-on community engagement. He serves as a Member’s assistant at the House of Commons, helping local residents navigate complex parliamentary and government services, and holds executive leadership experience as vice-president of his local electoral district association. Alongside his work as a licensed real estate professional, Waraich says he has practical experience in the electrical trades and background in business management with local establishments like Fresh Healthy Cafe and McDonald’s. He is currently pursuing a political science degree at the University of the Fraser Valley.

Deeply invested in Abbotsford’s youth, Waraich actively coaches local basketball teams and coordinates volunteer initiatives with community organizations like the Kids Play Foundation. If elected, he hopes to embody a collaborative voice on the Abbotsford Board of Education, laser-focused on fiscal responsibility, strong partnerships with parents, and expanding real opportunities for every student.

For more information on his campaign, visit http://vinaywaraich.ca or contact trustee@vinaywaraich.ca.