To the Editor,
I am writing with regards to the ongoing dispute between representatives of the government of British Columbia and the B.C. Teachers’ Federation.
The latest escalation of this unresolved dispute has culminated in a withdrawal of all extracurricular activities in the schools of this province.
Extracurricular programs have been a key component of our public school system for some 150 years and the present government and teachers representatives have no morale authority to extinguish it.
Already, cancellations of programs and activities affecting most of the children and parents in the provincial public school system have taken place.
I consider myself one of the silent majority of this province who has, up until now, placed great faith in the institutions of government and professional representation to look after the best interests of our society, and the welfare of the children, and youth of our province.
I feel compelled to write because the current situation is entirely unacceptable and should not be allowed to continue.
The lack of resolution of differences between involved representative bodies is now creating a degradation of a key component in the development of a crucial generation of our society.
This latest escalation in the dispute affects this most vulnerable group who do not have a political or organizational voice with which to respond. A relatively short impasse may propagate a long-lasting loss of extracurricular programs as well as the morale and culture of our educational institutions.
As a society, this situation is shameful. Our children ask how this can happen and there really is no good answer.
Our elected and teacher representatives are neglecting their number one responsibility; the children of our province.
As a concerned parent, citizen, and a member of a representative parent group at Dover Bay High School, I respectfully implore elected and teacher representatives to exercise their powers to bring this impasse to a speedy resolution bearing in mind the lasting fallout created by every day, week, and month this is allowed to continue.
W.H. Johnston
Nanaimo