As the ongoing labour dispute between the province and the BC Teachers' Federation threatens a harmonious back-to-school, many parents are wondering what the future holds, says the president of the local District Parent Advisory Council.
"Parent comments are wide ranged; but, the common theme is frustration. Inconvenience varies from family to family. Yet, most parents are being remarkably patient, because learning conditions are as important to them as working conditions are to teachers," stated Chuck Denision DPAC43 president in an email statement.
Denison said the unsettled court case remains a stumbling block and parents would like the issues set aside while they deal with other concerns.
"Parents would like the two parties to temporarily set aside class size and composition issues without prejudicing their positions, whether this is achieved through contract wording or a cease fire agreement.
Government has the upper hand, holding the money, seemingly intent to starve teachers into submission. That would hold more weight for the few sympathetic parents if the money saved were redirected within our education system." Denison further stated.
Currently, the province intends to put strike savings into a $40 per day per child Temporary Education Support for Parents (TESP), which parents with children in school 12 and under can register for here.
Meanwhile, Denison said he plans to join a rally this Saturday at Spirit Square in Coquitlam from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It's called "Defend Our Public Education, Defend Our Future", and is hosted by a student group called Tri-Cities Leadnow Youth Connections.
"I am excited to see our older students growing their leadership skills," he said.
More information about the rally is available here.
