The Clark government will pass Bill 22 by the end of the business day, making strikes by the BC Teachers Federation illegal until the end of August. Education Minister George Abbott says he hopes the union then works with the government to choose a mediator. "I do hope that Susan will take me up on my offer to provide us with … [Read more...]
BCTF reporting efforts to break a deadlock rejected by the Education Minister
March 13, 2012 by
The BC teachers federation is reporting solid efforts to break a deadlock in the dispute with the provincial government have been rejected.BCTF president Susan Lambert called Education Minister George Abbott on Friday to tell him the union is offering to compromise on every issue including wage demands as long as an independent mediator … [Read more...]
BC’s Education minister takes on the leaders of two opposing political parties.
March 2, 2012 by
BC's Education Minister is blasting political critics on two fronts in the ongoing contract battle with BC's teachers. When asked about John Cummins comments about using bill 22 to try and leverage political support on the backs of striking teachers, George Abbott said "That is an absurdity and if we set out to orchestrate that outcome … [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...]
Apple promises ‘education announcement’ in New York on January 19th
January 12, 2012 by
We'd heard it was coming, and for the second year in a row, Apple has disrupted the natural flow of CES by announcing an event of its own. Granted, this one -- slated to be held January 19th at the Guggenheim Museum -- is packing far fewer implications than the Verizon iPhone event of 2011, but suffice it to say, anyone who enjoys "learning" should … [Read more...]
Dix talks economy, education, transparency at NDP convention
December 10, 2011 by
B.C. NDP leader Adrian Dix discussed the economy, sustainability and inequality at the party’s 50th anniversary convention. Dix says British Columbians can expect the NDP to be straightforward, and modest about the programs they engage in. He says, over the next 18 months, “I’m gonna do what I’ve been doing—holding the … [Read more...]
The NDP Education critic calls the expense of mailing out report cards a “waste.”
December 6, 2011 by
The NDP Education critic says the money being spent on sending out mostly blank report cards is a "complete waste." But Robin Austin says the government has very few options in the situation. Austin says "Because the School Act stipulated report cards going out and of course the Industrial Relations Board had ruled that … [Read more...]
Critic blasts Education Minister
August 31, 2011 by
The NDP Education critic is blasting George Abbott for his comments Tuesday threatening to end any job action by striking BC teachers quickly. Robin Austin says Abbott should be keeping quiet and allowing the bargaining process to continue behind closed doors, "Well, it doesn't surprise me. I mean, I don't think that the Government is necessarily … [Read more...]
Education minister says teachers shouldn’t expect prolonged strike
August 30, 2011 by
BC's Education Minister is warning teachers if a full strike happens in schools, the government won't let it go on long. George Abbott says there hasn't been much progress in teacher contract talks so far. If there's no deal before school starts, teachers have said they will not do some administrative duties this fall.Abbott … [Read more...]
