Winnipeg Votes 2026, Robert Bilsland, Candidate for School Trustee in Seven Oaks School Division

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Robert Bilsland, candidate for School Trustee in Seven Oaks School Division Ward 2, joins Graham McDonald on Winnipeg Votes 2026 on U Multicultural Channel to discuss the future of education, vocational training, student supports, and community involvement.

Drawing on 30 years of teaching experience, including more than two decades at Maples Collegiate, Bilsland explains why he believes skilled trades deserve the same respect as university pathways and why students should have opportunities to explore both before making life-changing decisions.

During the conversation, he highlights the success of Seven Oaks' Career Ready programs, discusses the need for stronger English language learning support for newcomer students, and outlines his vision for increasing frontline educational resources, including educational assistants, custodians, and classroom staff.

Bilsland also reflects on lessons learned from teaching automotive students, helping young people develop practical skills, responsibility, and confidence through real-world experiences. He shares concerns about barriers facing students interested in vocational programs and offers ideas to strengthen connections between schools, families, and employers.

0:00 Why Parents Push University While Students Want the Trades
1:27 After 30 Years Teaching, Why He’s Running for Trustee Now
2:20 The Growing English Language Challenge Facing Seven Oaks Schools
3:29 The Career-Ready Program Producing Real Jobs for Students
4:08 Why He Wants to Add Cosmetology to Seven Oaks Programs
5:10 What Working on Real Customers’ Cars Taught His Students
6:36 His Dual Diploma Plan: Trades and University at the Same Time
10:29 From Auto Shop to Aviation: Where Graduates End Up
11:06 Why He Says Schools Need More EAs and Fewer Administrators
24:18 Why He Refuses Campaign Donations and What He’d Change First

Watch the full interview to hear his priorities for Seven Oaks School Division and his plans if elected trustee for Ward 2.

Winnipeg Votes 2026 is hosted by Graham McDonald and presented by U Multicultural Channel.

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.