Students stand with teachers for better education

VANCOUVER, June 11, 2014 /CNW/ - Students across Canada expressed strong support of the BC Teachers' Federation struggle for a fair contract and better learning conditions at the national general meeting of the Canadian Federation of Students.

"Underfunding hurts students at all levels of education in British Columbia," said Zachary Crispin, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-British Columbia. "Students support teachers in their fight to protect learning conditions and ensure fair compensation for public workers."

Students receive $1,000 less per student funding from the BC government than the national average.

Post-secondary students passed a resolution to support the aims of the BCTF to ensure high quality education and the right of teachers to negotiate class size and composition. Much of the motivation came from BC Supreme Court Justice Susan Griffin's findings that the government has intentionally bargained with teachers in bad faith for political gain.

"Quality public education is an important component of a strong economic plan, and key to increasing employment rates in British Columbia," said Crispin. "Premier Clark is selling students' economic futures down the river for partisan political gain."

The Canadian Federation of Students-BC is composed of post-secondary students from 14 universities and colleges in every region in BC. Post-secondary students have been represented by the Canadian Federation of Students and its predecessor organizations since 1927.

SOURCE: Canadian Federation of Students - British Columbia

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Zachary Crispin, Chairperson  604.355.5014
Jenelle Davies, spokesperson  604.341.6850