Photo Courtesy Saara Bain

By Tanner Smith

Grande Prairie Public Schools

GPPSD Trustee Election Candidate Profile: Saara Bain

Sep 26, 2025 | 2:09 PM

Saara Bain is one of 12 individuals running for seven Grande Prairie Public School Board Trustee vacancies.

She was asked to provide a candidate bio, or answer four questions in 600 words or less.

1. What has inspired you to run for mayor/council/school trustee in the Oct. 20, 2025, municipal election?

I considered running in 2021, however it wasn’t the right time for me. I have been quite disappointed over many years watching how our provincial government has been handling public education. I have worked front line within the GPPSD as a social worker and have seen the ways in which schools, administration and teachers are trying to do what they can with too little. Class sizes balloon, supports in classrooms are almost non existent and the voices of those working front line are not being heard. My decision to run this term was to help be a voice at the table to advocate. To stand up to some of the over corrective policy that has come over the last several years and to try and make public education a priority again.

2. What skills or experience do you have that you feel would make you a good fit for the role?

I am a registered clinical social worker and have worked front line in these types of roles for over 20 years. Part of the role of a social worker is social justice and social action. In several of my previous roles (within AHS, GPPSD and now privately) I advocate for positive social change and protest discriminatory policy and systems. I am straight forward, passionate and honest. I am not afraid to have challenging conversations and to push for answers.

3. What do you feel are the key or main election issues in your community, and what are the issues of priority for you?

I think that teachers need support and don’t often feel supported by their government and at times their community. There has been a decades long campaign to make teaching professionals the bad guys. I think proper funding of schools in Alberta is the main issue. This is not a new concern, for years those working with our kids have been begging for more money for resources to do their jobs well. However, where we are now feels like a breaking point. There is nothing left to cut. The expectations are high and kids are the ones who are falling through the cracks.I anticipate that this term will require a lot of political advocacy to continue to bring the voices of teachers and families forward. In addition, I am disheartened by the over correction that has been taking place in terms of materials in libraries and trans youth in sport. There is a lot of misinformation circulating and again, it is the kids who are paying for it. Schools should be safe for all students. This is a priority for me.

4. Where can people learn more about you?

People can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580596318828. They can also email me at saarabain4trustee@gmail.com. I welcome engagement and questions!!