Tough Negotiations Ahead for B.C.'s Education Minister

Sunday, January 01, 2006 03:30 AM

2006 will begin, much as it left off for B.C.'s Education Minister, Shirley Bond.

The Prince George-Mount Robson M.L.A. says, "One of my biggest tasks is to continue to build a relationship with, in particular, the teachers of British Columbia."

"Obviously, the issues we had to face in 2005 were not easy -- they weren't easy for students and families, and certainly not teachers and government, either."

Bond says that relationship between teachers and the government in the province has been, historically, a difficult one.

"So, my job is really to get a better understanding of the issues facing both teachers and students. And really, it's about relationship building."

After the Liberal government imposed a contract in October, B.C. teachers staged a two-week illegal walk-out. Contract negotiations are set to resume in the spring.

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Posted on Sunday, January 01, 2006 03:30 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: acrider54 on January 1 2006 6:42 AM

Shirley will have no task at all, Campbell will direct her. Shirley can't do a thing without Gordo's direction. Just a puppet like many other Liberal MLA's. Come to think of it, I hardly heard a word from her when the teachers were on strike. She just hid in a corner waiting for orders from the head honcho. "Yes my lord, it shall be done" LOL

Happy New Year!

Posted by: Norm on January 1 2006 9:30 AM

anyone who thinks that the person we elect locally actually represents is wrong. they do not support our thoughts and wishes in victoria. that is what is sad about politics today. we need our elected repesentatives to represent us. so,shirley bond this is my challenge to you. can you meet it??

Posted by: Chester on January 1 2006 9:40 AM

There are two sides to every negotiation.

I would like to see the teachers bring forward their proposals rather than their demands.

I would like to see the teachers find solutions for the problems they know exist.

I would like to see the teachers begin to be more involved in the negotiation process, rather than just letting their union leaders dictate.

As their are two sides, one cannot put all of the responsibility and blame on the government.

Don't get me wrong, I don't for a second agree or condone how this present government has handled a number of things. But, the time for blaming them for everything should end.

It's time for both parties to take more responsibility for working out a solution.

Otherwise, the outcome will continue to be the same. Chester

Posted by: supertech on January 1 2006 9:49 AM

I think the basic cry from the public regarding politics is one of scepticism. That comes from the track record of previous governments. My question has always been directed at MLA's who say they vote their conscience. We don't elect them to do that--we elect them to vote our collective voice. If I was in politics and a reporter asked me what I thought of this or that, my response would be: 'my opinion is not important here. My voice will be that of my constituents. My personal feelings will not be public knowledge". And that's the way it is supposed to work.

Posted by: YamaDooPolCat on January 2 2006 7:21 AM

Watched the "Aviator" last night - the Howard Hughes story. The man never completed school. He was impared by Obsessive Compulsive behavior.
If he had lived today the school system would have made sure he had all the Ritalin and schooling needed to make sure he never built anything.
Lowest common denominator is the goal today, by government and teachers.

Posted by: Big_B on January 3 2006 11:08 AM

Howard Hughes as a shining example of an uneducated person?

For those of you who can read, and like to read, take a gander at Mr. Hughes biography.

Hardly a stunning endorsement to drop out of school.

Sure he made money, but in the reality called life, making money is easy. Creating good citizens is a hell of a lot tougher, a lot less rewarding financially, but its a hell of a lot harder than simply making money.

People who are in education, and I'm not one of them, are the toughest people I know.