[LabComm] Statement from Carole James regarding government dispute with teachers

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

Statement from Carole James regarding government dispute with teachers



VICTORIA - NDP Opposition Leader, Carole James, today released the following statement:

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Now that both the government and the BC Teachers' Federation have recommended the acceptance of Vince Ready's recommendations, it is important that we take lessons from a dispute that caused enormous disruption for students, parents, and educators.

The Campbell government's deliberately provocative actions and confrontational approach created the conditions for this dispute.

Teachers took on this government regarding critical issues facing education in B.C. And teachers have won a significant admission from the Campbell government that learning conditions in our schools, class sizes and classroom composition, are serious issues facing students in B.C., serious issues that must be resolved.

Once again, the Campbell government underestimated public tolerance for uncalled-for confrontation and conflict. Once again, the Campbell government's confrontational approach failed British Columbians.

Students lost the largest number of school days in provincial history. Parents and students across the province were subjected to unnecessary chaos and uncertainty, because the government preferred to politicize education rather than acknowledge concerns being raised by teachers and the public regarding learning conditions and class sizes.

This dispute underscores the failure of the Gordon Campbell government to listen. The Premier was faced with a critical leadership test, and he failed that test. At issue now is the lack of trust between Premier Gordon Campbell's government and teachers, parents, and students.
 
As the Opposition we intend to take a strong role in the weeks ahead, holding the government accountable. We will continue to press the government to live up to its commitments, and make sure that the recommendations in Mr. Ready's report are implemented.

Mr. Ready recognized what the government would not: that there are serious challenges facing students in our classrooms and the government must address them.

Public support for addressing those concerns was very clear. The public wants government to address - in a meaningful way - the concerns raised about education throughout the dispute. And we will continue to raise those concerns in the Legislature.

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