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601 videosWhat happens when a former school trustee decides the work isn’t finished?
In this episode of Winnipeg Votes 2026, host Graham McDonald speaks with Craig Johnson, candidate for trustee in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division (SJASD) Centre Ward, about student safety, mental health, school funding, artificial intelligence, newcomer supports, and the growing challenge of maintaining aging school buildings.
After serving 12 years on the school board, Johnson stepped away in 2022 following the pressures of the pandemic era. Now, he says, he's returning with renewed energy and a broader perspective gained through his work in post-secondary education, child welfare, and professional governance.
Johnson discusses why he believes AI is both an opportunity and a risk, argues for stronger accountability around school spending, and calls for practical solutions to school bus safety concerns. He also shares why he supports reducing school fees and how schools can better connect newcomer families with language and community resources.
One of the most striking moments comes when Johnson reflects on the role of elected trustees.
“It's using our ears before we use our mouths.”
The conversation also explores the division's estimated $18 million infrastructure backlog, rising mental health needs among students, and the importance of ensuring schools remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming for every child.
Can experience on the board help prepare schools for the future? Watch the full interview and decide for yourself.
Craig Johnson is a Candidate for trustee in SJASD’s Centre Ward.
0:00 AI Will Change Classrooms Forever — But Can Students Still Be Trusted?
1:32 Why Craig Johnson Walked Away After 12 Years — And Why He’s Back
2:21 His Biggest School Board Achievement: Fighting Bullying and Building Inclusion
4:12 The Educator Who Helped More Than 5,000 Graduates Start Their Careers
5:06 Taxpayer Dollars Under the Microscope: Where Should Schools Cut Costs?
8:47 Drivers Ignoring School Bus Stop Signs? Johnson Wants Cameras to Catch Them
10:46 Aging Schools and $18 Million in Repairs: What Gets Fixed First?
12:30 The Student Mental Health Crisis: Why Schools Can’t Solve It Alone
14:04 Newcomer Families Facing Language Barriers — What Schools Are Missing
20:34 Should School Fees Be Eliminated? Johnson Makes His Case
Disclaimer: As part of U Multicultural’s 2026 Winnipeg Municipal Election Coverage, candidates were invited to share messages with our audience. The views expressed in this article are the candidate’s own, and this article does not constitute an endorsement by U Multicultural.