Dear Premier Eby, Minister Bailey and Minister Beare,
I hope that you got to spend some quality downtime with your loved ones over the holidays.
As a new year begins, bargaining for better learning conditions in British Columbia has reached a critical and consequential moment. What happens next will send a clear message to students, families, and educators about this government’s priorities.
Teachers across B.C. have been unequivocal about what students need to succeed: more time, more support, and real investments that reflect the realities of today’s classrooms. These needs are not new, and they are not unreasonable. They stem from years of overcrowded classes, chronic staff shortages, and insufficient supports for students with diverse learning, behavioural, and mental health needs.
Despite this, the government has yet to put forward funding that meaningfully addresses these conditions.
Educators are being asked — once again — to do even more with less. Students are being asked to learn in environments that fall short of what they need to become healthy adults and contributing members to the future of B.C. Families are being asked to trust that public education is a priority, even as classrooms remain stretched beyond capacity and district budgets are not funded adequately to account for inflation.
This is not sustainable.
At this stage in bargaining, incremental gestures are not enough. What is required is a clear commitment: put adequate funding on the table now to secure a fair deal that improves learning conditions in B.C. schools. Anything less prolongs uncertainty, deepens frustration, and risks further harm to the public education system and this great province’s future.
The public is watching. Educators are watching. Most importantly, students and parents are watching.
In the days ahead, leadership matters. Public awareness and visibility matter. So does the willingness of government to act decisively in the best interests of learners across this province.
We urge you to step up, show respect for educators’ expertise, and make the investments necessary to reach an agreement that truly supports students. The window for meaningful action is open, but it will not remain so indefinitely.
B.C.’s students, teachers, and families cannot afford further delay. Fund education adequately. Get a deal done!
Read more on North Island Gazette
