It is excellent news that public schools may
re-open next week.
However, it is an absolute outrage that our kids
have missed 5 weeks of school in total.
This has been the longest province-wide
shut-down of schools in BC’s history.
Teachers will vote today on whether or not to
accept the tentative agreement reached between their union and the BC
Government.
I offer a heartfelt "thank-you" to the teachers
for fighting so hard for public education.
Every citizen of this province benefits from a
well-educated population. A sure way to “grow
the economy” is to fund a public education system
that allows the opportunity for everyone to reach their potential.
In my opinion, we have a Premier and
Education Minister who do not appreciate the value of what public school
teachers do and do not understand the importance of public education.
The loss of teaching time has hurt our kids'
education and is a shameful mark on the record of the BC Liberal government.
Regardless of the outcome of the current
contract negotiations today, the struggle to protect public education in BC is far
from over.
As a parent of a public school student and as a Member of the BC
Legislative Assembly, I will continue to fight for a public education system
that we can all be proud of.
Our kids deserve nothing less.
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My recent statements on the school shut-down:
Opposition
Education Critic calls for education minister to step down
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My recent statements on the school shut-down:
Sep 10,
2014
As the
parent of a child in public school (grade 11), I personally understand how
unacceptable the current situation is. I am working with my colleagues in the
Official Opposition to press the government towards a fair resolution.
We
continue to advocate for arbitration. The government is currently rejecting
arbitration. It is important to maintain pressure and rally the public to
demand the government reconsider its rejection of arbitration ….
Sep 04,
2014
Tuesday
should have been the first day of school in our province. It should have been
the exciting beginning of a new year, but instead, it brought another day of
frustration and disappointment for children and their families ….
Opposition
Education Critic calls for education minister to step down
Aug 31, 2014
New Democrat education spokesperson
Rob Fleming released the following statement on the breakdown of talks in the
education dispute:
“With just two days left before the
start of school, it is clear Education Minister Peter Fassbender has utterly
failed kids and families in B.C. Either he should admit he is not up to the
task and step down, or Premier Clark should remove him ....
Aug 07, 2014
I'm also a parent of a grade
eleven student in public school. And I'm a citizen who believes passionately in
the importance of accessible high-quality K-12 education for all, regardless of
one's ability to pay. That is why I argue ....
Jun 20,
2014
Instead,
we see the government turning away from the breakdown in our public school
system. In fact, we know from testimony made under oath in Court by the BC
Liberal government's own chief negotiator that the ....
May 27, 2014
I'm also angry at how the BC
government is treating our teachers and the school system. Premier Clark and
her government have not only failed to negotiate an agreement with teachers,
they have escalated the conflict with a ....
Feb 03, 2014
A child who entered
kindergarten when Premier Clark was first made education minister will graduate
this year having spent all their years in school in larger classes with fewer
supports because of her legislation. Legislation ...
