B.C. education minister focusing on positives despite BCTF ad campaign
Posted August 28, 2019 12:16 pm.
Last Updated August 28, 2019 2:09 pm.
VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – The province’s education minister says he’s optimistic a deal will be reached between teachers and the B.C. government as the two continue to struggle to finalize a contract, just days before students are set to head back to school after summer break.
The B.C. Teachers’ Federation and the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association have been taking part in mediated talks, which are set to end this week.
Minister Rob Fleming says he has been surprised by a teachers’ union advertisement campaign, which has been criticizing the government over the past couple of weeks.
“I’m scratching my head a little bit at that ad campaign,” Fleming says, adding it’s especially perplexing to him because the mediators asked for a media blackout while talks resumed. “I probably also quibble with the tone of the ad and the accuracy of it.”
This is the ad I asked @Rob_Fleming about. Have heard it playing over the last week as teacher and prov negotiators are at the table with the mediator. #bcpoli @bctf https://t.co/Bg0x5DKeYF
— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) August 28, 2019
“This government promised better, parents and teachers expected better, and kids deserved better,” part of the advertisement says.
It also accused the B.C. NDP of whittling away class size and composition standards gained in a Supreme Court of Canada ruling, and of pushing for “less support for kids with special needs, and fewer specialist teachers.”
Contrary to what the ad says, Fleming notes the province has hired hundreds of teachers and assistants, and has invested $1 billion in schools.
Despite the campaign, Fleming says he’s focusing on the positive he’s heard from the head of the teacher’s union, and both sides are intent on an agreement.
Teachers have assured no strike action regardless of the outcome of the mediated talks.
This round of mediation ends Friday.
