VSB Trustee Elections 2026

What are their thoughts on AI in schools?

The Vancouver School Board trustee elections are taking place on Saturday, October 17, as part of the wider city elections for mayor and City councillors.

These are the current candidates. We will be asking them for their position on AI in classrooms and whether they would support a pause on AI.

If any of this information is inaccurate, please email us at contact@aicaution.ca

COPE

Supports a Pause on AI

COPE has provided us with the following statement regarding their stance on AI in schools.

COPE is opposed to the 2026 spring implementation of Microsoft Copilot at VSB, including the use of GenAI and chatbots in Vancouver schools.
COPE will put a pause on the use of GenAI and chatbots.
COPE will engage and consult with stakeholders and the broader community to implement a technology audit with a specific focus on the use of AI in schools.
COPE will engage and consult with stakeholders and the broader community to create VSB policies and procedures to address the concerns below:
- Safety and privacy for students
- Impact of AI usage on learning outcomes
- Impact of AI usage on student mental health
- Equity of technology resources
- Need for transparent and robust consultation with stakeholders and community on AI usage and adoption in schools.
- Impact on the use of and validity of results when AI is used for public engagement and consultation.
- Impact on climate and the environment of AI usage and adoption
- Lack of student AI usage policies and procedures
- Lack of staff AI usage policies and procedures
- VSB practises potentially in conflict with proposed Federal Bill C-34, The Safe Social Media Act