VICTORIA B.C. – Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party, issued the following statement in response to media reports of apparent uncertainty over the future of education funding. Yesterday, BCTF President Glen Hansman expressed concern that uncertainty over who will form the next government has left teachers and school trustees in limbo.
“I’m surprised to hear that our public educators are facing uncertainty with regards to their funding,” said Weaver. “This uncertainty is unnecessary, since all three parties in this election committed to the $360 million classroom enhancement fund at a minimum. I reaffirm the B.C. Greens Caucus’ commitment to this funding and call on the leaders of the B.C. Liberals and the B.C. NDP to do the same.
“After a lengthy and expensive court battle with the incumbent government, our teachers deserve to focus solely on their students. The minority government that British Columbians voted for presents an opportunity to do politics differently. This is an opportunity to depoliticize our public education system and put the interests of our students front and centre where they belong.”
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Background
The B.C. Green Party will continue to ensure that funding for public education remains a priority. In the Party’s fully-costed and fiscally-balanced platform, the B.C. Greens proposed an additional investment of $4.022 billion over four years in public education. The Party budgeted a further $140 million over three years in professional development to assist teachers deliver the new curriculum. Neither the B.C. NDP nor the B.C. Liberals proposed any substantive increase in support for teachers in the classroom.