Teachers will no longer help out with extra-curricular activities for students following a provincewide vote in favour of an action plan to resist Bill 22.
The plan takes effect Monday and includes withdrawing from voluntary activities, mounting a public awareness campaign to educate people about the impacts of Bill 22, working to bring in a new government that will repeal the legislation and the possibility of a future vote on a full withdrawal of services.
Of the roughly 41,000 B.C. Teachers’ Federation members, 73 per cent of those who voted – 21,625 – agreed to the plan while 7,846 voted no.
Justin Green, first vice-president of the Nanaimo District Teachers’ Association, said the number of teachers in favour was a little less than the 87 per cent who voted in favour of a three-day walkout last month, because volunteering is something near and dear to teachers’ hearts.
“We do it because it’s something we really truly enjoy doing,” he said. “This is our passion and it’s going to upset parents and students. We’re going to have to do a very good job of informing the public. Bill 22 is so egregious that the only way we can react legally anymore is the withdrawal of our voluntary activities.”
The action will affect sports teams, clubs, graduation activities, drama performances and field trips, said Green, and administrators and parents will have to step in.
“It doesn’t mean the end of extra-curricular activities,” he said.
Karen Hoy, vice-president of the District Parent Advisory Council, said parents are worried about the impact on children.
“This action doesn’t put pressure on management, it puts pressure on kids and parents,” she said. “I think it’s going to be a bit chaotic. I think the Grade 12s will still get their ceremonies and luncheons, but it’s not going to be as memorable as it would have been with teacher input.”
In many households, both parents work full time, so it will be a challenge for many to help out with extra-curricular activities, Hoy added.
Tali Campbell, a Grade 11 student at John Barsby Secondary School, said extra-curricular activities are what keeps some students in school.
“I support teachers, but I’m wondering is it a stab to government or students?” he said. “I don’t think the government cares – they’re not striking.”