Christine Dickinson

"Education is a cornerstone of democracy. It offers citizens at every stage the opportunity to build their best lives, take advantage of second chances, and initiate new beginnings. It also works to protect and preserve democracy by building understanding and enabling all citizens to use their talents for the betterment of society while pursuing fulfilling lives for themselves and their families."

Born and educated in New Zealand, Christine has lived and worked most of her adult life in British Columbia. For more than 30 years, she lived in the northern areas of the province, where she was a teacher, a college instructor, a principal and an assistant superintendent of schools. After retirement, she was engaged by several school districts and the Ministry of Education as a consultant.

She has extensive experience working with First Nations communities and was involved in negotiating Aboriginal Enhancement Agreements for two School Districts.

She has a passion for regional history and, for many years, has been a writer and researcher. She co-authored Atlin: The Story of British Columbia's Last Gold Rush, which won the Lieutenant Governor’s Award in 1996. Frequently asked to speak on the history of the Comox Valley, she volunteers with the Courtenay and District Museum and has been part of a team which has produced two recent works: Watershed Moments and Step Into Wilderness.

In recent years she has served on the Boards of the Rotary Club of Courtenay, Comox Valley Elder College, the McLoughlin Gardens Society and the Courtenay and District Museum.