To the Editor,
Re: Teachers vote to withdraw from extra-curriculars, April 21.
I am writing with regards to the ongoing dispute between representatives of the B.C. government and the B.C. Teachers’ Federation.
The latest escalation of this unresolved dispute has culminated in a withdrawal of all extra-curricular activities in the schools of this province.
Extra-curricular programs have been a key component of our public school system for some 150 years and the present government and teachers representatives have no moral authority to extinguish it.
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.
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. They are a 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 elected and teacher representatives are neglecting their number one responsibility: the children of our province.
I respectfully implore the government to exercise the powers in its position as a public representative 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.
William H. Johnston
Nanaimo