Lifetime ban for former North Vancouver school teacher charged with child porn possession

Graham Bowering, a former teacher at Ross Road Elementary School, has been officially banned from teaching by the province’s Teacher Regulation Branch.

Bowering was charged with possession of child pornography in 2021. The investigation began in August 2020 after police were informed that he had child pornography in their possession.

In determining that a lifetime ban is an appropriate consequence of his action, the Branch Commissioner noted that the conduct was on the severe end of the spectrum, and Bowering failed to act ethically and undermined the credibility of the teaching profession by violating laws that protect children from sexual exploitation.

Bowering’s certificate of qualification was cancelled in January 2022 due to non-compliance with legal requirements. Furthermore, his involvement in possession of child pornography was confirmed through legal proceedings, resulting in a sentence of a 10-month conditional sentence and two years probation, along with strict orders prohibiting him from being alone with anyone under the age of 16, the ruling notes.

As part of the regulatory measures, Bowering is prohibited from applying for any teaching authorization in the kindergarten to grade 12 education system, and the terms of the agreement reached with the regulatory body will be made publicly available to ensure transparency.

“Bowering agrees that he will not apply for, and understands the Director of Certification (the “Director”) will be required not to issue to him, a certificate of qualification, an independent school teaching certificate or any other authorization to teach in the kindergarten to grade 12 education system,” the branch said.