[LabComm] NDP votes against teachers' legislation at conclusion of all-night debate

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

NDP votes against teachers' legislation at conclusion of all-night debate



VICTORIA -- At the conclusion of a debate that lasted through the night, the BC NDP Opposition today voted against legislation imposing a contract on BC teachers.

NDP Leader Carole James said that Premier Gordon Campbell chose conflict and confrontation instead of working with teachers to find lasting solutions to this impasse.  She said that by deliberately escalating the conflict with teachers, the government is hurting education and contributing to a climate of anger and frustration.

"Rather than working with teachers to find solutions for the benefit of our children, Gordon Campbell is treating teachers as if they don't matter," said James.  "It's time for the Premier to change his attitude, sit down with teachers and work on reducing class sizes and improving learning conditions for young people."

James said that the issues in this dispute are important to all British Columbians.  She said the Campbell government's cuts to education and the downloading of costs onto school boards have resulted in overcrowded classrooms, demoralized educators and fewer resources for students.

"Education is simply not a priority for this government," said James.  "If the government was serious about putting students first, we wouldn't be where we are today -- with frustrated teachers backed into a corner by the government."

NDP Education Critic John Horgan said that for four years the Campbell government has deliberately provoked conflicts with teachers.

"Time and again, Gordon Campbell has used teachers for political purposes," said Horgan.   "He tore up their contract in 2002. He stripped teachers of their self-governing body in 2003. He overruled a BC Supreme Court decision on classroom composition in 2004. And he refused to meet with teachers when he had a chance to make progress."

"Responsibility for the escalation of this dispute lies squarely with Premier Gordon Campbell and his government," said Horgan. "The BC Liberal government always chooses conflict and confrontation as its first option.  And, this time parents, students and teachers are the ones paying the price."

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