BCTF AGM 2025
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS
TO BE ELECTED
President
First Vice-President
Second Vice-President
Members-at-Large (five positions)
BCTF AGM 2025
For President Carole Gordon Central Okanagan
Provincial: First VP (current,) Second VP 3yrs, Executive 10yrs, Pensions, CTF Trustee, AGM 22yrs
Local: Executive (Second VP, H&S, Bargaining), Staff Rep
Community: Labour Council President, United Way
Teaching: Prep, classroom, TTOC (since 1991)
EXPERIENCE, COMMITMENT, SOLIDARITY
In putting my name forward for President, I look forward to continuing the necessary work to raise the profile and value of public education, and the critical work of all BCTF members across the province in supporting students, families, and communities.
Having been at Ministry, government, and education stakeholder tables for six years as a vicepresident, I have extensive experience in advocacy and discussing policies that affect members in classrooms and schools. The priority is always to protect member rights and professional autonomy, and address the extensive needs across public education, especially workload and funding concerns.
While recruitment of certified teachers and specialists is a priority for everyone in K–12, we need to continue to press for retention to be a means to better recruitment. To attract new generations of educators, we must address workload and bargain the working conditions that shape a sustainable and rewarding profession. Amidst worker shortages across many sectors, we must also fight for a public education system that goes beyond simply meeting the needs of today’s labour market, where teachers are respected for their work in preparing students to contribute meaningfully to an ever-changing world, especially in times of economic pressures, climate change, global unrest, and the rising challenges to human rights. Education is at the core of an engaged society that puts people and workers above power and profits and, as educators, we must stand in solidarity with those whose rights are being targeted across the border and around the world, and ensure that these voices are heard in our advocacy.
Together we can improve working conditions, lift up public education, and engage in solidarity to create the world we want for ourselves and for our students.
facebook.com/carole.gordon.921
For President Jillian Maguire Vancouver Secondary
EXPERIENCE
• 27 years in classroom
• Long-time Staff Rep and Social Eco Justice Rep
• Co-founder BCTF Divest Now and Stanley Park Preservation Society
• Podcast host “Arrest Stories”
• Published in National Observer
• Musical projects Foghorn Lil and Tiny Milkshakes.
WOW. I FEEL LIKE the past two weeks have been a dream. Germany’s far-right party had its best showing ever and US “leaders” are giving full-on Nazi salutes as they fund genocide. We are on a slippery slope to authoritarianism so at this upcoming AGM we better get real. We are teachers and we have been training for this moment our whole lives.
There was an earthquake last week. Despite having practised for “the big one” every year for over 20 years, when the shaking started and the phones started buzzing with alerts, some admin did nothing for 45 minutes—they waited for direction from the board. In no procedure manual ever did it say “in an emergency, call the supreme leader at the school board office.” Our school districts have become overbureaucratized messes that mirror the authoritarian world forming around us. If we want to survive disaster, we better get decision-making power back in the hands of teachers.
We are educators in the most existential moment in history. Dismantling public education is part of “the plan.” Stressed, exhausted, and demoralized teachers don’t rebel. But here we are in this windowless dungeon on our much-needed spring break, so I feel the hope we all share. As climate collapse and genocide are broadcast on our social media feeds, we are here in courage and solidarity to put our collective foot down and make the world make sense again.
I have spent the last five years speaking truth in the classroom, the board office, on the streets, in the courts, and in the media. I’ve been disciplined and kicked out of more than one room for refusing to be silent. Sometimes I am terrified. Sometimes I have doubts. But I’m a teacher and it’s time to teach. Let’s do this!
Bluesky: @foghornlil.bsky.social Instagram: @jillian_maguire medium.com/@jillimag5
For First Vice-President
Elmar Nabbe
Vancouver Island West
EXPERIENCE
• Achieved Bachelor of Education, 2000
• Teaching full-time, October 2000, KESS
• Attended first BCTF AGM as an observer/uninvited guest, 2001
• Circa 2004–5 Social Justice Action Group, Poverty
• Various VIWTU positions.
I AM A LOCAL PRESIDENT. I AM A WORKER.
I like old movies.
In the classic labour film Salt of the Earth, one profound scene shows mine bosses instructing union representation to order striking miners back to work. Union representation responds: “You don’t understand. They don’t work for me. I work for them!” If elected, you will hear me paraphrasing—as the VIWTU #84 membership often does:
“You don’t work for me; I work for you!”
I speak up! I will speak up for you! I listen, believe in you, will fight for you! My activist record shows clearly: I will accept arrest fighting for what I believe.
Myriad issues present for discussion: remedy, teacher shortage, workload, the dreams and hopes we wish to achieve this bargaining round.
Immediately pressing is our ability to fight. We are infected, crippled by a toxic narrative impeding the delivery of a powerful strike vote to our bargaining team, should they require it. This toxic narrative’s roots lie in the aftermath of 2014’s strike and costly victory.
The prognosis for this bargaining round does seem rather positive. BCGEU will likely be leading off again and thereby setting the bar for public sector wage increases. We must do all we can to support them. Holding off on any strike vote may be most prudent, lest we show ourselves to be the weakest link.
Pension divestment must also be addressed.
Providing livable pensions, a cornerstone of labour’s struggle, presents a sharp contradiction: do pension investments serve workers, or—in the hands of those that seek to manage, govern, rule—inflict grave harm upon workers?
Imagine pensions invested other than in “The Big Banks”; striking workers with mortgages having extra protective layers. Perhaps Dave and Def Leppard can help out! (Watch: Bank of Dave on Netflix.)
For First Vice-President Robin Tosczak
Greater Victoria
EXPERIENCE
Provincial: Second Vice-President,
Member-at-Large, Provincial Bargaining Team, Teacher magazine & TTOC advisory committees, workshop facilitator
Local: Executive (First VP, Grievance Officer, H&S, LR, Treasurer), Labour Council, Contract & Bargaining committees
Teaching: Elementary, ELL, inclusive education
EFFECTIVE AND RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP
Representing teachers as your Second VicePresident has been a privilege. I’m inspired by the work you do every day supporting students and advocating for public education. Hearing from members and local leadership from around BC helps me be an effective advocate on your behalf at the provincial level. I’m ready to be your First VicePresident.
My ongoing focus is teachers’ workload and the teacher shortage. We know the two are intertwined and urgent, and so I continue to push for immediate responses, along with a comprehensive and funded recruitment and retention plan.
The provincial bargaining table is a key opportunity for making teaching in BC more attractive and sustainable. As a Lead Negotiator, I bring a capacity to synthesize and communicate complex concepts, and identify new strategies and opportunities. While it’s too early to speculate about outcomes, I know our efforts are built on a foundation of professionalism, solidarity, intersectionality, and principled positions. I’m looking forward to connecting with teachers, strategizing together, and doing my level best representing you at the table. Together we’re going to get the best possible deal.
As Second Vice-President, I’ve built on the skills, knowledge, and experience I gained in a range of local positions, including First Vice-President, full-time Grievance Officer, Health and Safety Officer, Secretary-Treasurer, and Labour Council representative. On topics ranging from violence prevention to financial planning and from labour relations to political strategy, I understand the diverse responsibilities of local offices, the importance of direct support for members, and the value of solidarity.
Thank you for all you do in your schools, communities, and locals. In the face of rising discrimination and hate, we need strong unions to continue organizing, mobilizing, and fighting back. It’s an honour to serve alongside you in support of a robust and inclusive public education system.
instagram.ca/rbntzk twitter.com/rbntzk facebook.com/rbntzk
For Second Vice-President
Jatinder Kaur Bir Surrey
EXPERIENCE
Elected: BC Teachers’ Council, PBC Board and Committee Chair, AGM/RA Chairperson, BCTF AGM Resolutions and delegate, Finance Committee, Labour Council, Surrey LP/VP, Local Bargaining, LR Appointed: CTF Chair, delegate, WIN, SURT facilitator, developer
I’M RUNNING FOR BCTF Second Vice-President because I care deeply about our union and membership. Our membership is growing in diversity and complexity and it’s essential that our leadership reflects and fights to ensure representation across the province. Our strength is in our unity, but our power is in our diversity.
My leadership within local, provincial, and national organizing in varied and diverse leadership roles is collaborative, courageous, authentic, and committed. It demonstrates respect for process, accountability, and honest representation, and the support and confidence of my colleagues. I understand well the complexities of leadership and of being responsible to a diverse membership within a democratic structure—both individual and systemic approaches are essential. I have acquired valuable institutional knowledge and remain committed to ongoing personal and professional learning.
For me, union work is rooted in seva (selfless service) reflected in my upbringing and character. This has helped position me as a natural leader, ready to embrace any role. The primary focus of seva is equality and unity. It means offering selfless and voluntary service for the benefit of others without personal gain. By serving others, I strive for humility and to affirm that diversity and unity are two sides of the same coin, both essential in our work.
I am grounded, organized, and experienced in ensuring that our advocacy aligns with the objectives and values of our communities. I understand the importance of addressing both our collective professional needs and the broader political climate in which we work. My leadership is rooted in inclusivity and collaboration, striving to create safe environments where every voice is heard and valued.
Looking ahead, I remain committed to lifelong learning and leveraging my leadership skills on behalf of members. I am committed to strengthening both the unity and diversity of the BCTF.
facebook.com/jatinder.bir.773
jatinderbir.weebly.com X: @BadhBir
For Second Vice-President
Winona Waldron Greater Victoria
EXPERIENCE
National: Bargaining panelist, Women’s Symposium presenter, Daughters of the Vote facilitator, AGM delegate
Provincial: Lead Negotiator, Member-at-Large, Women in Negotiations, WLC/BAC, FFWL, Local Rep
Local: President, Vice-President, Lead Negotiator, Grievance Officer, Staff Rep
Community: Labour Council Executive
A PROVEN LEADER FOR BCTF SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT
Across British Columbia, increasingly challenging working conditions have made it difficult to recruit and retain teachers. To address this crisis, we must take bold action. This includes tackling violence in classrooms, improving working conditions to stop the reliance on non-certified teachers, and shortening the salary grid to ensure equitable access to higher earnings. Additionally, we must negotiate a contract that uplifts all members and addresses noncompliance with the restored collective agreement language.
My ties to the Chilcotin and the Sunshine Coast, facilitating throughout the province for the Federation, and acting as the EC liaison for the Okanagan and then the North Coast have given me the necessary provincial perspective to represent all members regardless of where they work.
Equity has been at the heart of my work: I have championed equity hiring agreements for racialized members, helped create a local position for 2SLGBTQIA+ members, and worked to develop a successful Indigenous mentorship program. Through media advocacy, negotiations, and successful grievance and arbitration efforts, I have worked tirelessly to improve conditions for our members and defend the collective agreement.
My vision for the BCTF is rooted in inclusion and strength through unity. By fostering equity and collaboration, we can continue to build a union that is not only a powerful advocate for our profession but also a force for meaningful change in our communities.
I am honoured to put my experience and commitment forward in seeking the role of Second Vice-President. Together, we can navigate the challenges ahead, ensuring a stronger future for Federation members, public education, and the students we serve.
sites.google.com/view/winonawaldron facebook.com/WinonaWaldronBCTF bsky.app/profile/winonawaldron.bsky.social
For Member-at-Large Michael Aldridge Comox
EXPERIENCE
Teaching: 16 yrs classroom teaching
BCTF: LR, local MaL, Contract Cmte, AGM delegate
ATA: Local President (6 years), Barg. Chair (3 rounds), 15 other elected positions
Education: B.Ed. Generalist/Indigenous Studies; M.Ed. Ed. Studies, Leadership, and Change
I AM A 16+ YEAR TEACHER with a wealth of teaching and union experience, eager to serve my fellow BCTF members as a Member-at-Large on the Executive Committee.
Before moving to BC, I spent 13 years in Alberta, taking an active role in the Alberta Teachers’ Association from day one. Over the years I took on every role asked of me and strove to repay my colleagues’ faith with tangible results, whether locally as a president and bargaining chair, or provincially on the Bargaining Advisory and Political Engagement committees. Since arriving here, I have taken every opportunity to learn about the BCTF, its members, and its processes. I understand the level of work, time, and sacrifice required for this position and I welcome the challenge.
I believe that my wide-ranging teaching and union experience will prove invaluable when considering the current and future state of education and teaching in BC. As a member of the EC, I will value diverse perspectives and centre members in decision-making. Whether through bargaining, governance, PD, policy, or government relations, effecting positive change for our teachers will always remain my sole focus.
Please visit my candidate page at aldridge4ec.ca for more details about my background, education, teaching, union experience, and contact info … there are also pictures of my cute dogs!
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all the attendees of this year’s Annual General Meeting. None of the good work that we do would be possible without your willingness to give of yourselves (and your spring break!). I humbly ask for your support. It would be an honour and a pleasure to receive your vote and to serve as a voice for you on our BCTF Executive Committee.
Yours in solidarity, Michael Aldridge
aldridge4ec.ca
For Member-at-Large Violette Baillargeon Surrey
EXPERIENCE
Provincial: EC (2019–22); Peer Support/Mediation (2017–19); TriNational: USA (2014), Mex (2018); AGM (2005–2024); facilitator (2012–19)
Local: LR (2014–now), Environmental Justice (2018–now), Bargaining (2016–19), International Solidarity (2013–19)
Teaching: 24 years, French/Spanish, IB, FRIM, AdEd
VIOLETTE BAILLARGEON FOR BCTF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Public education in BC is at a crossroads. The current class-size and composition remedy has not delivered the improvements teachers and students need. This round of bargaining is our opportunity to negotiate an alternative—one that provides enforceable, meaningful protections for learning and working conditions. With experience on both local and provincial executives and as bargaining co-chair in the province’s largest local, I have seen first-hand the challenges of negotiating with an intransigent employer. I will bring that experience to provincial bargaining and work to secure a wage increase that helps recruit new teachers to the profession and working conditions that retain them.
Strong agreements are only possible when members are engaged and mobilized. Union leaders across the province need support and effective strategies to strengthen organizing efforts—whether through worksite-based committees, regional co-ordination, or issue-focused campaigns connecting members directly to bargaining priorities. With over two decades of organizing and leadership, member engagement is my strength, and I am committed to fostering it across BC.
At the same time, we are navigating an era of political instability. Attacks on workers’ rights, education funding, and Canada’s sovereignty create new challenges for our profession. Six years ago, during an equally unprecedented global crisis, you elected me to the BCTF Executive and entrusted me to represent you. For two terms, I led with transparency, collaboration, an unwavering belief in the union as a structure for resistance, and a deep commitment to our collective strength.
I am asking for that trust once again. We need a thoughtful, pro-active approach and experienced leadership to ensure public education remains strong. Now is the time for strategic vision and collective action. This work is my passion, and it has been my privilege to serve alongside you for over two decades. I ask for your support.
violettebaillargeon.weebly.com www.facebook.com/VioletteBaillargeonBCTF x.com/VioletteBaillar
For Member-at-Large Shannon Bowsfield Mission
EXPERIENCE
Provincial: RA Agenda Committee, IMS, LR, Safety Ally, Solidarity Nights, AGM delegate
Local: LP, Lead Negotiator, VP, Social Justice, Indigenous, Health & Safety Chairs, Staff Rep
Teaching: 24 years—Mentor teacher, learning support, elementary, middle, and high school
I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF TEACHERS, the strength of our union, and the vital role of public education in shaping our society. However, the increasing teacher shortage, growing workload, and lack of student supports have made our profession unsustainable. Without bold, co-ordinated action on recruitment and retention, we risk further destabilizing the very foundation of our education system.
To make teaching a viable long-term career, we need real solutions that address workload, affordable housing, accessible childcare, and barriers to post-secondary education. Teachers should not have to choose between their passion for education and their financial security or well-being. The BCTF must lead the charge in advocating for policies that recognize and respect the realities of our profession.
As a Local President, I have seen first-hand how excessive workload impacts both teachers and students. I have faced management to push for meaningful changes, collaborated with stakeholders to find solutions, and bargained on behalf of members to protect and strengthen our working conditions. I understand the complexities of our classrooms, and I know that policies must be shaped by the lived experiences of educators.
One of the most effective ways to support teacher retention and a stronger profession is through mentorship, particularly for early-career and newto-BC teachers. Ensuring they have guidance and resources will create a more resilient and supported workforce.
Public education is the heart of our communities. It must amplify diverse voices, foster innovation, and provide teachers with the resources needed to deliver high-quality education.
I am deeply committed to reconciliation and antiracism, knowing this work requires continuous learning, discomfort, and action. I would be honoured to earn your support for BCTF Member-at-Large so we can build a stronger future together.
For Member-at-Large Jo Cornthwaite (she/her) Nanaimo
EXPERIENCE
Provincial: Member of BCTC, Chair PIAC, BCTF workshop developer and facilitator, TIE-BC Conference Chair
Local: President, Contract Officer, Professional Issues Officer
Teaching: 26 years
Education: BA (Trent University), B.Ed (Queen’s University), M.Ed (VIU) Special Education
COMPASSION, STRENGTH, COURAGE
As a candidate for BCTF Member-at-Large, I will bring compassion, strength, and courage to the Executive table. With 26 years of teaching experience, primarily in special education, and a Master’s degree focused on inclusive practice, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every member feels heard, supported, and valued. As a secondgeneration teacher and the current Local President of the Nanaimo District Teachers’ Association, I have a strong foundation in advocating for teachers and promoting an environment of collaboration and solidarity. I strive to listen attentively, engage in meaningful dialogue, and provide assistance to members during challenging times.
My leadership experience extends both locally and provincially. I have had the privilege of serving as Chair of the BCTF Professional Issues Advisory Committee (PIAC), BC Teachers’ Council (BCTC) Councilor, and as a BCTF workshop developer and facilitator. Additionally, I have been involved as the Conference Chair of TIE-BC. If elected as Memberat-Large, I will work tirelessly to amplify regional voices, represent diverse perspectives, and ensure that all members have opportunities for meaningful participation within the BCTF.
As a queer woman, I understand first-hand the significance of inclusivity and representation. I am passionate about building a Federation that reflects the diverse experiences of all its members. I aim to collaborate with my colleagues to strengthen the Federation’s commitment to inclusion, ensuring that everyone’s unique voice is valued. I am actionoriented, focused on turning my years of experience into tangible, positive changes that support our work in British Columbia’s classrooms.
By listening closely to locals and sublocals, I will ensure that the BCTF backs the incredible work taking place across the province. I am eager to serve as your Member-at-Large and am grateful for your encouragement. Let’s continue to grow and improve our Federation together!
I am truly grateful for your support!
For Member-at-Large Adrienne Demers
Fernie
EXPERIENCE
Local: President, VP, H&S, Social Justice, Staff Rep, EKD Labour Council
Provincial: BC Teachers’ Council Co-Chair, Professional Issues Advisory Committee, Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Committee, VP myPITA
National: CTF Professional Issues Advisory Committee
Teaching: Inclusion, DL/hybrid, humanities, K–12
REMOTE RURAL TEACHER, COLLECTIVE VISION
I entered the teaching profession with a strong determination to make a meaningful impact. Confronted by systemic challenges that often render our aspirations for public education seemingly unattainable, I became involved in the work of the union.
As Local President, my primary focus is on including and amplifying teachers’ voices. I diligently strive to enhance member engagement and steadfastly uphold our collective rights through bargaining and grievance processes. Serving on various provincial committees, I have advanced significant issues such as eliminating obstacles in the teacher certification process, addressing the teacher shortage, fostering respect for our profession, empowering teachers through professional autonomy, and promoting teacher wellness.
The untenable working conditions, exacerbated by the teacher shortage, have reached a critical juncture. The scarcity mindset, systemic oppression, and the persistent reality of chronic underfunding pose serious threats to our working environment. Teachers are increasingly bearing the brunt of these impacts. It is essential that we build solidarity and engage in collective actions to uphold the principles of social justice and protect the rights long held in our collective agreement.
Throughout these efforts, my approach remains consistent—relational and assertive, grounded in core values of inclusion and solidarity. It would be a privilege to bring my experience to the Executive Committee table.
Bluesky: @adriennedemers.bsky.social
For Member-at-Large
Mary Lawrence (she/her) Prince George
EXPERIENCE
Local: Executive, Bargaining Committee/Team, NCLC, SJ, H&S, AGM delegate
Provincial: BCFED Executive/Officer/Convention
Elections Co-Chair; Bargaining Task Force; WLC/BAC; Women in Leadership; CTF AGM/Trinational delegate
Teaching: Secondary socials, Indigenous student support
STRONG PUBLIC SCHOOLS build strong communities. Over my nine years as a BC teacher, fighting for our public schools has been the foundation of my work. I have advocated to improve our working conditions to address the systemic teacher shortage and defended public education amidst rising right-wing populism. Now I’m ready to bring this work to the Executive table.
I’m a queer teacher and settler on Lheidli T’enneh territory in Prince George. I have taught in both rural and urban schools, as well as classroom and non-enrolling positions. From the start, I have been deeply involved in union work, carrying forward the lesson I learned as the daughter of two union leaders: when workers stand together, we win.
My work is driven by four things: member engagement, equity, solidarity, and the belief in a strong, accessible public education system. My approach to leadership is collaborative and relational. I listen to truly understand the experiences of members across the province and build relationships to advance our working conditions. I hear your concerns: untenable working conditions have become our normal. That is unacceptable. Every decision I make is driven by one question: does this make life better for BC teachers?
We need a union that is open, democratic, and member-driven. A union that will consistently apply collective and co-ordinated pressure on the employer to ensure that we have the working and learning conditions our members and students deserve. To do this successfully, BC teachers need a voice that is fearless when challenging the status quo, knowledgeable about both union structures and the structures of our public education system, and committed to a future where teachers, students, and communities have what they need to be successful. I am ready to be that voice, and I hope to have earned your trust and support.
mary4bctf.weebly.com facebook.com/mary4MAL maryaw.lawr@gmail.com
FOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE
For Member-at-Large Frano Marsic Richmond EXPERIENCE
Local: Vice-President, Co-Lead Negotiator for Local Bargaining, Executive Committee member, Staff Representative
BCTF: Local Representative, AGM delegate, BC Fed delegate, Summer Conference, issue sessions
Teaching: 20 yrs, secondary English, social studies, drama
I BELIEVE IN A STRONG FEDERATION and value our governance structures. Our union is strong because we value debate and dialogue. We may not always agree, but our common commitment to public education and serving members unites us. Solidarity is crucial as we enter provincial bargaining, and I commit to doing what I can to ensure that teachers get a good deal. I value actively listening, asking questions, and ensuring that rights, voices, and access are protected. A Federation that is equitable, safe, and welcoming must continue to be our priority.
If elected, I will work to ensure our advocacy and demands for meaningful change and funding remains our focus. The ongoing impact of rising violence, teacher shortages, and workload must be addressed. Without change, the challenges with recruitment and retention will continue to escalate. We have a right to a reasonable workload and to be safe at work. Through my work both locally and provincially, I have demonstrated that I am able to speak on a variety of issues. I will always work to build bridges between groups to reach outcomes that give the most help to those who need it.
I can bring knowledge of bargaining, collective agreement enforcement, advocacy, and finance to the meetings. In my local, I have successfully negotiated letters of agreement that have helped to address recruitment, retention, remedy, and access to professional development. I have supported members with conflict, wellness, and grievances. I understand the importance of strong autonomous locals and believe that the BCTF can meaningfully change its processes to help locals deal with the complex needs and challenges they are facing in their districts.
I would be honoured to use my voice to work for you. I will work hard. I will listen to you. Thank you for your consideration.
For Member-at-Large Andrew McFayden
EXPERIENCE
Provincial: AGM delegate, LR, French Advisory Committee, FLI, Bargaining Conference, PSA Executive
Local: Executive (MAL, PAC), Bargaining, Pro-D
Community: Former member of Toastmasters and PG Pride Board, 2015 Canada Winter Games venue bilingual volunteer co-ordinator
SINCE I STARTED TEACHING IN 1995, my commitment to this Federation has been constant. I have held many roles within the Federation structure including AGM delegate, advisory committee member, PSA executive member, and member of various local committees. I have been a Bargaining Conference delegate. I became a member of the Prince George District Teachers’ Association executive in 2018 as Political Action Contact, then as Member-at-Large, and then Local Representative.
Teacher wellness is key to solving the teacher shortage. I would like to see strong improvements to prep time for all teachers. I believe this has been neglected. We have an opportunity to achieve a balanced collective agreement with improvements to both salary and prep time.
We have all seen the rise in violence in schools and far-right hatred in the community over the past few years. We need to stem this tide to protect all that we have gained over the past two decades. We must maintain our social justice efforts including anti-racism, anti-homophobia, and antitransphobia.
I speak four languages: English, French, Scottish Gaelic, and Spanish, each with different world views. I was part of the provincial curriculum development team for Dakelh, a local Indigenous language. Through experiencing these languages and their ways of thinking, I have come to believe passionately in the power that language learning has in combating racism and ignorance.
I am a 2SLGBTQIA+ teacher who teaches Core French and Spanish electives in a school with wide socioeconomic disparities in a northern school district and would bring these perspectives to the EC table. I want to represent all members and leave this Federation in a better place than when I started. I live by an old Gaelic saying: Abair ach beagan is abair gu math e: say but little and say it well.
sites.google.com/view/amcfforbctfmal/home amcf.dta@outlook.com
For Member-at-Large David Peterson Nechako
EXPERIENCE
Provincial: TPPAC/Pensions, WLC/BAC, LR, AGM
Local: Lead Negotiator, Bargaining Chair, Vice-President, OHS Chair, Staff Representative
Community: North Central Labour Council Trustee
Teaching: 10 years secondary (science/math/computer science)
WELCOME TO AGM 2025! I felt both excitement and bewilderment when I attended AGM 2016 as a first-year teacher. It sparked a commitment to a rational approach to democratic governance, which has since guided my work as an LR. Ultimately, good governance and passionate advocacy is why I wish to serve on the Executive Committee. Let me share a couple of reflections that I hope will be helpful as you represent your colleagues over the next four days.
Am I for or against this?
Ultimately, our membership should be our focus. When considering a position, I try to balance representing and leading: “What do my members think about this?” and “What are my members’ aspirations for the BCTF?” Finally, “What’s in the best interests of members?” I’ve found this helps me set aside my personal feelings and focus on the collective needs of our membership.
Disagreement is not disrespect
This year I was the Lead Negotiator for the Burns Lake and Nechako Teachers’ Union, a shared bargaining unit for two autonomous locals in an amalgamated district. Jim Iker happens to be the LP for Burns Lake—he led the 2014 strike that marked my entry into the profession! The thought of debating with Jim on a delicate bit of strategy terrified me. Our conversation revealed that nobody was objectively right or wrong; we just differed in how we weighed trade-offs. We collectively came to a decision and stand by it. Especially if you are new, don’t be afraid to challenge your mentors or others you look up to. All members are equal. By participating in discussion, you help the BCTF take well-reasoned positions.
Whether you are a first-time delegate or an experienced union leader, thank you for participating in the democratic governance of our union. In solidarity we are strong!
Facebook: “David Peterson for BCTF Member At Large” facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572236873169
Bluesky: @petersonnechako.bsky.social
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