B.C. premier Christy Clark calls tentative six-year teachers’ deal a "game changer"

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      Premier Christy Clark is calling the tentative deal reached in the B.C. teachers strike a "historic" six-year agreement.

      “This has never been done before in British Columbia’s history,” Clark said at a news conference today (September 16).

      “We’ll have five years in which we can sit and talk about the things that really matter, and that’s improving education for children in classrooms, and thinking about how we can improve that.”

      Clark described the deal as a “remarkable achievement after 30 years of dysfunction”.

      “A negotiated settlement was really important, because it allows us to reset that relationship, which has been dysfunctional for so long,” she said.

      The premier gave few details on the tentative agreement, but said negotiators found a way to "give teachers a fair raise, to improve classroom composition, to really make it work for teachers at the same time that we're making sure it works for taxpayers."

      Clark said students could be back in schools across the province as early as Monday.

      “It really is a good day for British Columbia, and I think it’s a real game changer for education in the long term,” she said.

      The tentative agreement was reached between the B.C. Teachers Federation and the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association early this morning.

      B.C. public school teachers are expected to vote on the deal this Thursday.

      In a joint statement, B.C. New Democrat leader John Horgan and education critic Rob Fleming called the tentative agreement “great news for students, parents, teachers and everyone who stood with them during this education dispute”.

      “Throughout this dispute families and teachers were united in asking for the necessary resources for classrooms that will improve public education,” they continued.

      “They stood up to a government who seemed more interested in provoking teachers than making schools better for kids.”

      B.C. Teachers' Federation president Jim Iker is scheduled to comment on the tentative agreement at 4:30 p.m. this afternoon.

      Comments

      16 Comments

      What A Bunch Of Bull...

      Sep 16, 2014 at 3:37pm

      This is exactly why I don't vote... ever. Christy Clark comes in after 40,000 teachers remained on strike all summer long, she never made herself available and now she claims this new deal is a "game changer". That, this is a "remarkable achievement after 30 years of dysfunction". What a load of baloney.

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      I Can Only Wish...

      Sep 16, 2014 at 3:41pm

      This "tentative" deal is rejected. Can you imagine how awesome that would be? That would make Christy Clark so inept.

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      Forest

      Sep 16, 2014 at 4:12pm

      The hubris of this woman never ceases to amaze. It's her government that "dysfunctional"! And btw Christie (I can call you Christie, can't I ? ), please address me as a CITIZEN. That's the person you're supposed to be working for. I pay taxes, but I also expect good quality public health care, public education, public parks that remain uncorrupted by industry and public amenities to all people in this Province. I believe that's the relationship that citizens and states traditionally have with one another.

      this is good news for all

      Sep 16, 2014 at 4:18pm

      And quite frankly all the cynics can shove it. Bravo to all sides.

      (Christy? Not so much).

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      @I Can Only Wish...

      Sep 16, 2014 at 4:27pm

      This deal has nothing to do with Christy Clark...so please don't wish for the deal to be rejected, just because you don't like her. If the teachers are happy about it, then that's what counts.

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      @Forest

      Sep 16, 2014 at 4:37pm

      Are you female? Cause, when I read your comment? I was like... 'In love'. The "It's her government that's dysfunctional" sentence? I was like so close to using that myself.

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      OMG

      Sep 16, 2014 at 4:41pm

      Sorry to break the news to the sore losers (actually there are no losers) but Clark is correct. It is a significant deal....if accepted that is.

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      Just sayim'

      Sep 16, 2014 at 4:45pm

      Christy sure gets a lot of flak for someone who gets nothing but the results she wants. As usual the arrogant lefties doen't give their opposition enough credit and pay for it. I guess you guys are just too smart.

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      Jean-Michel Oblette

      Sep 16, 2014 at 6:37pm

      Christy, a "game changer" would be you getting the **** out of this Province.

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