Welcome News! Tentative Deal Reached – Schools Could be Open Soon

Media Statement: September 16, 2014
Tentative Agreement Welcome News in Teachers’ Dispute
For Immediate Release

Victoria B.C. – Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay – Gordon Head and Deputy Leader of the B.C. Green Party, welcomes the news of a tentative agreement in the dispute between the B.C. Government and B.C. Teacher’s Federation. While complete details of the agreement have yet to be released, a vote to ratify the deal will likely be held on Thursday, and if accepted by teachers, schools could reopen shortly thereafter.

“This news must come as a huge relief to the teachers, parents and students who only a few days ago saw no end to the dispute” said Andrew Weaver. “I am hopeful students, especially those nearing graduation, will be able to make up for the lost class time. Over the past weeks I have received hundreds of emails, calls and social media posts from across the province by people deeply worried about the state of education in B.C. and I share their concerns. Education should be the government’s priority, not an after-thought”

This dispute, as well as the historical relationship between the BCTF and successive governments, illustrates the need for an ongoing open discussion on the bargaining framework and on how we sustainably prioritize funding for our K-12 education system.

Media Contact
Mat Wright – Press Secretary, Andrew Weaver MLA
mat.wright@leg.bc.ca
1 250 216 3382