The Editor,
Another disappointing weekend. I want to be back at school.
No negotiating appears to have happened over 18 months. The government has held firm, demanding that if it does not like November's court ruling, there will be no contract, both parties will have to go back to square one.
It is dishonest that the province has stated it wants labour peace and stability in the education system with this stand. Two court battles and the well-being of children are not their priority.
The benefits that teachers want are sufficient support for children that they can spend time with all kids. Having to deal with large numbers of children who do not understand English, who have learning issues and resulting behaviour issues makes this difficult.
The B.C. government told us that it was a good deal for British Columbians when it paid California more than $700 million to settle a legal concern about hydro power. Seems to me that $225 million over five years to meet students' needs would be a sound investment for the future - a good deal for our children.
How much more are parents willing to put up with? B.C. student funding is $1,000 less per child, per year than the Canadian average. School District 43 has the second lowest funding per student in the province, behind only Burnaby, where I teach.
I wonder whether that is punishment because not all MLAs in these two cities are BC Liberals? Is that how democracy works?
Don't our children deserve better?
Mary Loblaw, Port Moody
