Warm welcome to the British Columbia Teachers' Federation upon its return to the Canadian Teachers' Federation

MONTRÉAL, July 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Delegates attending the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) unanimously approved yesterday the return of the British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF) as a CTF Member. The 41,000 BCTF members unite with their 200,000 counterparts from coast to coast to coast and form a stronger and united national body of teachers.

"We're looking forward to hearing the voices of the BCTF leadership at the CTF Board of Directors' meeting where we discuss pressures on public education and the teaching profession as well as societal issues that touch every Canadian," says CTF President Heather Smith.  "Because education unions are important pillars of democracy and guardians of the teaching profession, it is important that we stand in solidarity to advance the quality of public education here in Canada and around the world.  Every teacher voice counts."

BCTF President Glen Hansman emphasizes the importance of BCTF rejoining the national organization. "The CTF provides crucial leadership on the full range of issues confronting teachers and public education, and we look forward to raising our voices together on the progressive changes needed in our schools," Hansman says. "Once again having connections from coast to coast to coast helps us all to support the professional work of teachers and to assert the rights of teachers as workers."

Hansman notes all Canadian teachers have a responsibility to respond to the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. "We are committed to working together with colleagues across the country on education for reconciliation," he adds.

"BC teachers also appreciate the strong role the CTF plays on the international scene, affirming our shared values of equity, diversity and inclusion, and defending public education against the global trend toward privatization," Hansman adds. He thanks CTF President Heather Smith for her participation in the recent conference of the Tri-national Coalition in Defence of Public Education, which brought teacher leaders from Canada, the United States and Mexico together at the University of British Columbia.

Founded in 1920, the CTF is a national alliance of provincial and territorial Member organizations that represent nearly 241,000 teachers across Canada. CTF is also a member of Education International. @CanTeachersFed

SOURCE Canadian Teachers' Federation

Spokespersons: Glen Hansman, BCTF President; Heather Smith, CTF President; Contact: Nancy Knickerbocker, BCTF Communications Director, 604-340-1992; Francine Filion, CTF Communications Director, 613-899-4247