CANCER CENTRE ADDS EQUIPMENT PAGE A3
WRC BEGINS NEW PROJECT PAGE A13
QUESNEL TECHNICS SEASON ENDER PAGE A16
OBSERVER QUESNEL - CARIBOO
SINCE 1908
Friday, June 22, 2012
VOL. 98 NO. 84
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www.quesnelobserver.com
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TEACHERS DISPUTE
Deadline looming for contract talks AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter Rallies across the province this week were intended as reminders to the public: teachers are still trying to negotiate a contract. “We’ve made a lot of compromises [in terms of contract],” Quesnel and District Teachers’ Association president Teri Mooring said. “If we don’t reach a settlement it’s not because we didn’t negotiate.” Teachers have been attempting to negotiate a contract with the provincial government for close to a year. Now negotiations with appointed mediator Dr. Charles Jago are coming to a close Friday, with hopes for an agreement unlikely. “We need to meet in the middle somewhere,” Mooring said. If an agreement isn’t reached, Jago is tasked with writing recommendations for both parties. “The British Columbia Teachers’ Federation has agreed to take part in the government’s mediation process in good will,” Mooring added. “We certainly hope and expect that this process will result in an agreement that we can take to our members.” Another intention of the rallies was to draw attention to the situation in the Cowichan School district. The Cowichan Board of Education submitted a deficit budget due to their determination to restore services and supports that have been lost due to 10 years of cuts. The trustees determined they need $3.7 million in additional revenue to cover their restoration plans. These plans were developed in consultation with the public, employees and Aboriginal community. The Cowichan Board has been threatened by the Liberal government with removal for their actions. “It is inspiring to see a group of trustees dedicated to improving the public education system to the point of taking a public stand,” Mooring said. “We all know $3 billion has been taken out of the system over the last 10 years but few are willing to actually do something proactive to restore what has been lost. “It is important that we remember the losses have resulted in increased class sizes, fewer specialist teachers and a reduction of supports across the system.” Premier Christy Clark has said the government is ready to impose legislation in the summer if a deal isn’t reached by the end of the month.
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Fraser River flooding Not all residents are unhappy about the high water levels. This young man was thrilled with the makeshift splash pool. The Quesnel and Fraser Rivers reached their peak Wednesday, reaching 471.7 m above sea level. Flood stage is 472.3. While rivers are now receding slightly, hot temperatures mixed with heavy rain forecasted could mean levels could peak again. Autumn MacDonald photo
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