BC Teacher's Federation President Susan Lambert isn't going to miss George Abbott. Speaking with CKNW's Bill Good, Lambert said he's been part of what she called the Liberal's chronic systemic underfunding of education. "Minister Abbott used his office, his term as Minister of Education to continue the systemic starving of puboic … [Read more...]
Abbott to announce future plans shortly
August 28, 2012 by
BC Education Minister George Abbott says he'll be giving news about his political future soon. When asked whether he would run in next May's provincial election, minister Abbott was non-committal, but did say he'll be making an announcement either way shortly. "I have not made a final decision on that but I will not be keeping you in suspense for … [Read more...]
Education Minister George Abbott is going to bat for his pick for mediator, again.
April 12, 2012 by
Another day, and Education Minister George Abbott is standing by his mediator, Charles Jago. The BCTF is determined to have Jago fired, and is working to figure out whether this will be argued before the labour board, or the courts. Abbott says this isn't about ramming legislation through "........why on earth would we go to all … [Read more...]
No plans to legislate teachers back to work, says Abbott
April 11, 2012 by
BC's Education Minister is brushing off claims he will just legislate an end to the teachers contract dispute come hell or high water. George Abbott says the Province is not just going through the motions in the dispute and appointing a mediator with the hope of some progress, "We could have legislated but we didn't. We continue to believe … [Read more...]
Abbott defends Bill 22
March 19, 2012 by
Bill 22 is a chance for B.C. teachers and their employers to re-start stalled contract talks after a year of no progress. So says education minister George Abbott, while abroad in China. Speaking on CKNW's "The World Today Weekend," Abbott says the bill allows the two sides to finally reach an agreement through an appointed … [Read more...]
Education Minister George Abbott brings in Bill 22
February 28, 2012 by
Education Minister George Abbott has introduced Bill 22, the Education Improvement Act aimed at bringing a resolution to the government's contract dispute with the B-C Teachers Federation. Here are all the details:-The bill suspends teachers' strike action, brings in mediation, and sets a cooling off period to allow time to reach a deal-Once … [Read more...]
Abbott reinforces net zero wage hike for BC teachers
September 6, 2011 by
The BC Teachers Federation has begun phase one of its job action, but Education Minister George Abbott is not budging from his offer of a net zero wage hike. He says they can talk to the union about more resources for special needs students, but there is simply no money to reduce class sizes across the board, let alone any money for a wage … [Read more...]
Abbott “disappointed” with state of negotiations
September 4, 2011 by
Education Minister George Abbott says he's disappointed with the state of negotiations. With phase one of job action set for Tuesday, Abbott has a frank message for the union. "I'm quite disappointed to be blunt about it, particularly with the teachers federation. They're proposing to start their phase one on Tuesday and there's been very little … [Read more...]
