Facilitators’ Institute Training
August 16–18, 2025
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
President’s Message
Dear colleagues,
Greetings and welcome to the 2025 Facilitators’ Institute Training (FIT)!
Warmest thanks to each and every one of you for your commitment of time and energy to this week’s work, especially since you’re giving up precious vacation days to do it. Your presence here is a powerful testimony to your desire to support members in their union and teaching practice.
We all know that BC’s public education system is facing many challenges these days. Districts across the province have been compelled to make millions of dollars in cuts to balance their woefully inadequate budgets. Too many of our schools are overcrowded and in a poor state of repair. The severe shortage of teachers, counsellors, and education assistants puts immense strain on students and staff alike. On top of it all, we’re in the midst of provincial collective bargaining in a time of deep economic uncertainty and social unease.
Yet, despite all these demoralizing factors, here you are ready to work hard and learn together! The work you do here this week will be fundamental to the Federation’s capacity to support members in the coming school year. The purpose of FIT is to prepare you to facilitate workshops on an incredible array of topics, all delivered to the high level of excellence that teachers have rightly come to expect from the BCTF.
We have an alphabet of educational and social opportunities available for you at FIT, starting with the ABCs: Addressing Ableism and the Aboriginal Lens, Boundary Issues and Behaviour Through a Trauma-informed Lens, Classroom Management and Contract Awareness, all the way through to W: Wine and cheese, anyone?
We hope these sessions will help build collegial networks that support you as you, in turn, support other teachers with union and professional development that serves the cause of public education and strengthens our union.
Thank you once again for everything you do for your students, colleagues, locals, and the Federation. All my very best wishes for the coming school year.
Carole Gordon BCTF President
Welcome to Facilitators' Institute Training 2025
I am pleased to welcome you to the 2025 Facilitators’ Institute Training. Your involvement as a BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) workshop facilitator is of immense value to Federation members. Your willingness to present workshops, participate in training sessions, and collaborate with colleagues is instrumental in sustaining the BCTF workshops program as engaging, relevant, and vibrant.
The FIT is an annual three-day training program dedicated to BCTF workshop facilitators. Through our workshop initiatives, we promote ongoing teacher-learning opportunities. The sessions are facilitated by experienced classroom teachers who have undergone training with the BCTF.
The workshops offered at FIT fall under the BCTF workshop programs. There are two categories of workshops available. The first category includes Professional and Social Issues (PSI) workshops These are available to school staff, districts, locals, parent groups, conferences, and Professional Development (PD) days. Topics covered in PSI workshops may include Aboriginal Education, School and Classroom Issues, Social Justice, and TTOCs. Some of these PSI workshop topics are available in French. Additionally, we offer some workshops to both the Parent and PAC groups
The second type of workshop training at FIT is School Union Representative Training (SURT). This specific union-related training aims to provide basic knowledge for local union representatives, such as school staff representatives, professional development chairs, social justice contacts, Aboriginal education contacts, TTOC contacts, and health and safety representatives. Some of these SURT workshop topics are available in French.
BCTF workshops may be delivered through school workshops, onsite training, and district and agency partnerships. For additional details, please visit bctf.ca/topics/services-information/trainingand-education and select Request BCTF workshops.
If you have any further questions about the BCTF workshops program, please feel free to contact me by email or phone.
I wish you an enriching experience as you connect with and learn from your colleagues across the province during FIT. Thank you once again for your dedication to supporting the BCTF workshops program.
Sincerely,
Henry Lee
Assistant
Director,
Leadership and Member Training
Email: hlee@bctf.ca Phone: 604-871-1849
Toll-free: 1-800-663-9163, local 1849
2025–26 Leadership Priorities
Priorities for 2025–26
(as set by the 2025 Annual General Meeting)
That the following be the 2025–26 leadership priorities:
1. Addressing the issue of violence and safety in our schools.
2. Assert the value of public education for all and collaborate with partners in public campaigns of support.
3. Strategically engage BCTF members to connect, participate in advocacy, develop professionally, build labour and community solidarity, and take action provincially and through locals.
4. Bargain improvements to teacher working conditions which make teaching in BC more attractive and sustainable.
5. Building political consciousness among our members about societal inequalities, and the value of the labour movement within the wider struggle for better public education and social justice.
6. Protect members from discrimination (including but not limited to racism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism) and support members who want to protect themselves, their families, their students, and their communities from discrimination.
7. Continue to support decolonization both within and outside of our structures and advocate for Indigenous Peoples’ struggles for justice around the world.
Priorités pour 2025–26
(adoptées à l’Assemblée générale annuelle de 2025)
Que les priorités de leadership pour 2025–26 soient les suivantes :
1. S’attaquer au problème de violence et de sécurité dans nos écoles.
2. Affirmer la valeur de l’éducation publique pour tous et collaborer avec des partenaires dans le cadre de campagnes publiques de soutien.
3. Engager stratégiquement les membres de la FECB pour qu’ils réseautent, participent à la défense des intérêts, se perfectionnent sur le plan professionnel, construisent une solidarité syndicale et collective, et prennent des mesures à l’échelle de la province et par l’intermédiaire des sections locales.
4. Négocier des améliorations des conditions de travail du personnel enseignant qui rendent l’enseignement en Colombie-Britannique plus attrayant et plus durable.
5. Sensibiliser nos membres aux inégalités sociales et à l’importance du mouvement syndical dans le cadre de la lutte pour une meilleure éducation publique et pour la justice sociale.
6. Protéger les membres contre la discrimination (notamment contre le racisme, l’homophobie, latransphobie et le capacitisme) et soutenir les membres qui souhaitent se protéger euxmêmes,leurs familles, leurs élèves et leurs collectivités contre la discrimination.
7. Continuer à soutenir la décolonisation à l’intérieur et à l’extérieur de nos structures et défendre les luttes des peuples autochtones pour la justice dans le monde entier.
Commitment to Solidarity
That the following Commitment to Solidarity guide the conduct of members participating in BCTF meetings:
1. We believe that union solidarity is based on the principle that all members are equal and deserve mutual respect.
2. We understand that an inclusive union is a stronger union and commit to embracing both unity and diversity.
3. We commit to ensuring that members of equity-seeking groups are welcomed, fully included, and treated equitably and respectfully at all Federation meetings and events.
4. We believe that all members have the right to feel safe and be treated with dignity at BCTF meetings.
5. We commit to conducting all Federation meetings in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and intolerance.
6. We undertake to give our full attention to members, presenters, and invited guests who are addressing our meetings.
7. We value vigorous discussion, welcome active participation, and encourage members to share perspectives and debate positions because through such debate we develop strong policies and practices.
8. We appreciate that our union has a long and spirited tradition standing up for firmly held views, and that we do this internally with each other and externally as a collective.
9. We respect our democratic processes and understand that, once our decisions are made, the collective position prevails.
Déclaration d’engagement pour la solidarité
Que la Déclaration d’engagement pour la solidarité suivante, guide la conduite des membres participant aux réunions de la FECB :
1. Nous croyons que la solidarité syndicale est fondée sur le principe de l’égalité des membres et de leur droit au respect mutuel.
2. Nous comprenons qu’un syndicat inclusif est un syndicat plus fort et nous nous engageons à accepter à la fois l’unité et la diversité.
3. Nous nous engageons à nous assurer que les membres des groupes en quête d’équité se fassent accueillir, inclure et traiter de manière équitable et respectueuse lors de toutes les réunions et de tous les événements de la Fédération.
4. Nous croyons que l’ensemble des membres a le droit de se sentir en sécurité et de se faire traiter avec dignité lors des réunions de la FECB.
5. Nous nous engageons à mener toutes les réunions de la Fédération dans un environnement libre de toutes formes de harcèlement, de discrimination et d’intolérance.
6. Nous nous engageons à accorder toute notre attention aux membres, aux personnes qui présentent et aux personnes invitées à nos réunions.
7. Nous valorisons les discussions dynamiques et la participation active. Nous encourageons les membres à partager leurs perspectives et à débattre de leurs positions, car grâce à ces débats, nous élaborons des politiques et des pratiques solides.
8. Nous apprécions que notre syndicat ait pour longue et solide tradition de défendre fermement ses opinions à l’interne ou à l’externe en tant qu’organisation.
9. Nous respectons nos processus démocratiques et comprenons qu’une fois que nos décisions sont prises, la position collective l’emporte.
Workshop Program Coordinators
Michael-Don Borason mborason@bctf.ca
604-871-1891
Health and Safety (H&S) Program
SURT H&S workshops Field Service Division
Karen Chong kchong@bctf.ca
604-871-1871
PSI Social Justice workshops
Professional and Social Issues Division
Heather Kelley hkelley@bctf.ca
604-871-1850
PSI Social Justice workshops
Professional and Social Issues Division
Henry Lee hlee@bctf.ca
604-871-1849
Parent Presentations
PSI School and Classroom Issues workshops
PSI Teacher Teaching on Call workshops
SURT Staff Rep workshops
Professional and Social Issues Division
Sherry Payne spayne@bctf.ca
604-871-1803
Internal Mediation
Judicial Council
Peer Support
Professional and Social Issues Division
Graham Rainey grainey@bctf.ca
604-871-1845
Assessment and evaluation
Contributing BCTF staff
Christine Stewart cstewart@bctf.ca
604-871-1800
Director
Professional and Social Issues Division
Daniel Shiu dshiu@bctf.ca
604-871-1821
SURT PD Rep workshops Teacher Inquiry Program (TIP) Professional and Social Issues Division
Jennie Slack jslack@bctf.ca
604-871-1812
Adult Education
PSI PSA workshops Professional and Social Issues Division
Gail Stromquist gstromquist@bctf.ca
604-871-1854
PSI Aboriginal Education workshops Professional and Social Issues Division
Lori Jones ljones@bctf.ca
604-871-1841
Women in Leadership (WIL) Field Service Division
Carmen Woo cwoo@bctf.ca
604-871-1809
PSI workshops in French
SURT workshops in French New Teacher Support Professional and Social Issues Division
Purpose of workshops—An overview
Each workshop developed by the BCTF has defined objectives that reflect its purpose. These should be respected when adjusting due to particular issues (time, audience, etc.).
Please remember to keep a balance between process and content. Always provide time for participants to discuss and process the topic in relation to their own teaching context. For more information, please visit bctf.ca/services-guidance/training-and-education
1. Health and Safety Training Workshop Program
Health and safety workshops can either be requested as a SURT, or as a tripartite, when booked by the school district. If the district is booking the workshop, it will be booked as a tripartite and billed to the district. Full listings of titles and descriptions are available on the BCTF website.
• SURT
• Tripartite.
2. Professional and Social Issues Workshop Program
These workshops are available for school staff, groups of teachers, districts, locals, parent groups, conferences/PD days, and PSA days. Full listings of titles and descriptions are available on the BCTF website.
• Aboriginal education
• School and classroom issues
• Social justice
• Teachers teaching on call
• Provincial Specialist Associations
• Parent/PAC presentations
3. School Union Representative Training Workshop Program
These workshops are intended for school union representatives and are financed by a BCTF grant which releases school union reps for up to four days. The BCTF website provides a full listing of titles and descriptions
• Staff rep workshops
• PD rep workshops
• Social Justice rep workshops
• Health and Safety rep workshops
• Leadership team workshops
• Professional and Social Issues workshops may also be accessed to supplement SURT training days
• Special requests contact Henry Lee hlee@bctf.ca
4. Ateliers en français
La FECB offre des ateliers PSI ou SURT en français et en anglais, animés par une équipe possédant une expertise reconnue et une formation spécialisée.
Workshop program contacts
Henry Lee Workshops program co-ordinator
Giannina (Nina) Lopez PSI workshop bookings
Karen Cheung SURT and tripartite workshop bookings
hlee@bctf.ca
604-871-1849, toll-free 1-800-663-9163, local 1849
glopez@bctf.ca
604-871-1810, toll-free 1-800-663-9163, local 1810
kcheung@bctf.ca
604-871-1806, toll-free 1-800-663-9163, local 1806
Ateliers (PSI ou SURT) du Bureau des dossiers professionnels et sociaux disponibles en français
Introduction
La FECB a pour fière tradition de soutenir les membres et les syndicats locaux avec des ateliers et des formations. Ces ateliers sont animés en français et en anglais par l’équipe d’animation détenant une expertise et une formation spéciale.
Les ateliers sont disponibles pour le personnel des écoles, les conseils scolaires, les syndicats locaux, les associations de parents, et lors de conférences/journées pédagogiques.
Les demandes spéciales: Parfois les régions où les écoles et les syndicats locaux ont besoin d'un atelier ou d'une séance de travail qui ne figure pas dans notre liste actuelle d'ateliers. L’équipe d’animation de la FECB est souvent capable d'adapter et d’étendre ses services pour répondre à ces besoins.
En outre, les syndicats locaux et/ou les écoles qui sont géographiquement adjacents peuvent souhaiter co-parrainer des ateliers de la FECB. Carmen Woo, la coordonnatrice des programmes et services en français, travaillera avec les syndicats locaux et les écoles dans l'organisation et la logistique d'ateliers co-parrainés. Les sessions répondant aux critères et orientations budgétaires des ateliers de la FECB seront entièrement financées par la FECB. Le partage des coûts avec les conseils scolaires et les organismes est également négociable.
Si vous avez une idée, une circonstance spéciale, ou une demande particulière, merci de contacter Carmen Woo au 604-871-1809 ou 1-800-663-9163, poste 1809 ou cwoo@bctf.ca
Exemples de demande spéciale d'ateliers
• Démonstrations en salle de classe;
• Présentations aux conseils consultatifs de parents;
• Introduction à la recherche-action locale ou à des groupes régionaux de recherche-action, l'examen de la pratique de l'enseignement et des questions pédagogiques;
• Associés en justice sociale, en lien avec des coalitions communautaires pour parrainer des évènements locaux relatifs à des questions sociales
Critères de réservations d’un atelier délivré en français
• Ils doivent être réservés au moins un mois à l’avance
• Le nombre minimum de participant·e·s est de 7
• Les ateliers sont d’une durée minimum de trois heures, mais la durée des ateliers peut varier Nous demandons également à l’équipe en charge de l’organisation de respecter les durées établies lors de la réservation des ateliers.
• L’équipe d’organisation en charge de la demande d’atelier est responsable de la salle, des fournitures et de l’accueil de l’équipe d’animation.
• Il n'y a pas d'honoraires. La FECB se charge des dépenses de l’équipe d’animation.
Health and Safety program
The purpose of this program is:
• to prevent worker illness and injury in the public education system.
• to ensure that the BCTF has effective courses available for joint health and safety committee members who take educational leave under Section 135 of the Workers Compensation Act
• to provide health and safety training to joint health and safety committee members and school union representatives.
Cost of workshops for joint committee training:
As part of its commitment to provide cost-effective training, the BCTF will bill the school district a flat fee of $1,000 per day or $500 per half-day, to cover all the costs of our facilitators. The school district is responsible for any reasonable travel, meal, and room costs of participants. In addition, the school board is expected to pay for the photocopying of all workshop materials.
Education leave for health and safety training
Section 135 of the Workers Compensation Act states:
(1) Each member of a joint committee is entitled to an annual educational leave totaling 8 hours, or a longer period if prescribed by regulation, for the purposes of attending occupational health and safety training courses conducted by or with the approval of the Board. (2) A member of the joint committee may designate another member as being entitled to take all or part of the member's educational leave. (3) The employer must provide the educational leave under this section without loss of pay or other benefits and must pay for, or reimburse the worker for, the costs of the training course and the reasonable costs of attending the course.
The BCTF and WorkSafeBC have signed a Letter of Understanding that allows the Federation to produce and facilitate health and safety workshops which meet the educational leave requirements of Section 135 of the Act. In addition, all workshops are suitable for School Union Representative Training (SURT).
What if the employer refuses to allow a member an educational leave to attend BCTF courses?
Contact the BCTF Health and Safety Officer immediately at 604-871-1891 or 1-800-663-9163, local 1891.
Emergency procedures
In the event of an emergency (flight problems, illness, etc.), contact: PSID support staff, Karen Cheung, immediately at:
• kcheung@bctf.ca
• 604-871-1806; toll-free 1-800-663-9163, local 1806.
If a problem occurs after business hours, use your judgement regarding booking accommodation, etc. To contact W.E. Travel, call 604-969-5585 or 1-800-663-4703.
Requests may be emailed to any of the agents, and they will respond to the emails within 24 hours (excluding weekends):
Carolyn Corda carolyn@weuniontravel.ca
Jaime Janzen jaime@weuniontravel.ca
Maureen Gorospe maureen@weuniontravel.ca
Oralee Hawley maureen@weuniontravel.ca
Professional and Social Issues (PSI) program
Introduction
The BCTF has a proud history of supporting members and locals with workshops and training. Workshops are led by classroom teachers (facilitators) with special expertise and training. Workshops are available for school staff, districts, locals, parent groups, and conferences/PD days.
Special requests: Sometimes schools, locals, or regions need a workshop or study session that is not covered by our current list of workshops. BCTF facilitators are often able to adapt and extend services to meet these needs.
Further, locals and/or schools that are geographically adjacent may wish to co-sponsor a BCTF workshop together. Henry Lee, the workshop co-ordinator, will work with locals and schools in the organization and logistics of co-sponsored workshops. Sessions meeting BCTF workshop criteria and budget guidelines will be fully funded by the BCTF. Cost-sharing with school districts and agencies is also negotiable.
If you have an idea, special circumstance, or request, please contact Henry Lee at 604-871-1849, or 1-800-663-9163, local 1849, or hlee@bctf.ca.
Examples of special request workshops
• classroom demonstrations
• onsite school district and local training to build local capacity
• presentations to parent advisory councils
• introduction to regional teacher inquiry or action research groups, examining teaching practice, and curriculum questions
• social justice associates, linking with community coalitions to sponsor regional/local social issues events.
Booking criteria for workshops
• booked through the Professional and Social Issues Division
• facilitated by BCTF facilitators who are classroom teachers
• require at least three weeks’ advance notice
• for groups of 15 to 30 (special circumstances and small schools exempted)
• for intact teacher groups, school staffs, etc.
For in-person workshops, preference is given to workshops that are three to five hours in length. Some workshops cannot be presented in less than five hours.
Workshops require no honorarium as the BCTF covers the costs for the facilitator. The organizing local or school is responsible for facilities and supplies.
Criteria for PD days or conferences
• no more than five BCTF-led workshops may be presented on a PD day
• preregistration is preferred, with cancellation two weeks in advance if the workshop is undersubscribed
• minimum length of in-person workshops is two to three hours each (a few workshops are five hours in length).
• virtual workshops are 90 minutes to three hours each
Booking process
1. The workshop organizer completes the request form on the BCTF website.
2. PSID Training Department (Giannina Lopez) contacts facilitators by email to see who is available, with a geographic match where possible.
3. Workshops are confirmed by email to the organizer and the facilitator. PSID emails the facilitator a copy of the confirmation, the workshop material participants’ handouts, a facilitator feedback form link, and an expense voucher link
4. Responsibilities of facilitators:
a. Confirm the workshop details with the organizer
• date and location
• start and end time, lunch, and break times
• room location and set-up (theatre, classroom, boardroom)
• equipment (computer, projector, flip chart, felt pens, masking tape, etc.)
• number of participants, composition of group
• what, if anything, participants should bring
• consider asking the organizer the following questions:
o how was the topic chosen?
o who had input?
o what was the process?
o what focus would you like the workshop to have?
o are there specific issues that you would like addressed?
o who is the audience?
o does the audience have any prior experience in this area?
o what skills do they bring?
o what kind of group is this in terms of interest, collegiality, etc.?
o has any follow-up been contemplated?
o any other relevant information?
b. Leave of absence (LOA), if required
Ask PSID support staff to prepare a LOA, with time for travel if necessary. Arrange for a teacher teaching on call. A copy of the LOA will be sent to you, your principal, and superintendent.
c. Workshop materials
Facilitators should be in contact with the organizer to ensure that there are sufficient copies of the participant handouts and feedback forms. If this is not possible, facilitators can either make the copies themselves, or contact the booking staff at the BCTF to do this. Photocopying and consumable supplies costs can be added on your expense voucher (not to exceed $60 without prior clearance from PSID staff. Receipts for these expenses are required). All BCTF workshop materials have received copyright approval. Do not use materials from external sources that have not been processed by the BCTF. (Please see “Copyright Guidelines” at the end of this document.)
Prior to/after the workshop
Prior to
• Send a brief agenda and summary of requirements to the workshop organizer.
• Check LOA arrangements and travel arrangements.
• Two weeks prior to the workshop, confirm with organizer the minimum number of registrants (15). If fewer than 15 participants, contact the PSID support staff to determine whether or not to proceed.
The day of
• Arrive 30 minutes early and set up.
• Check audio-visual requirements.
• Introduce yourself as a BCTF facilitator and the workshop as a BCTF service paid for by members’ union dues.
• After the workshop is over, distribute and collect participant feedback forms.
After
Review that the participant feedback forms have been completed, fill out a facilitator feedback form, and send these and your expense voucher to PSID support staff.
5. Emergency procedures
In the event of an emergency (flight problems, illness, etc.), contact: PSID support staff Giannina (Nina) Lopez immediately at:
• glopez@bctf.ca
• 604-871-1810; toll-free 1-800-663-9163, local 1810.
If a problem occurs after business hours, use your judgement regarding booking accommodation, etc. To contact W.E. Travel call 1-800-663-4703.
Requests may be emailed to any of the agents and they will respond to the emails within 24 hours (excluding weekends):
Carolyn Corda
Jaime Janzen
Maureen Gorospe
Oralee Hawley
carolyn@weuniontravel.ca
jaime@weuniontravel.ca
maureen@weuniontravel.ca
maureen@weuniontravel.ca
School Union Representative Training (SURT) program
Introduction
Just as the President and the Executive Committee are the head of the union and the general membership is the heart, the school union representatives are the legs of the union. No policy, action plan, or communication vehicle will be brought to life in a school without the onsite skills, knowledge, and analytical capabilities of school union representatives.
The Professional and Social Issues Division offers high-quality training programs to assist school union representatives in their ongoing work. The SURT Program co-ordinates the development, delivery, and evaluation of all SURT workshops for school staffs and teachers teaching on call, new teachers, professional development chairs, social justice representatives, health and safety representatives, staff committee chairpersons, and local executive committee members.
Workshops for school staffs, other teacher groupings, and district professional days can be accessed through the BCTF Professional and Social Issues Workshop program which is different and separate from the SURT program.
The School Union Representative Training program is largely financed by a BCTF grant, which releases school union representatives for up to four days of intensive and practical training. The SURT program is intended to develop the school union representative’s hands-on, experiential knowledge and understanding of Federation and local issues, and the skills needed to ensure local and Federation policies and procedures are actualized within schools and amongst the teachers who work there.
The title School Union Representative Training Program reflects the fact that the training program covers the different union representatives. You may wish to copy the workshop selection pages for distribution to school union representatives and/or executive members.
Planning school union representative training
Initial considerations
Careful planning is the key to a successful and enjoyable training day.
What are the desired outcomes for the day?
Through the local strategic planning process, the desired outcomes to meet both local and Federation needs are determined. For staff representatives, training needs are often determined through a feedback survey from a previous training, or a meeting of a staff representative assembly. PD representatives generally work through the local PD chairperson to determine their training needs. Other representatives, such as social justice, health and safety, and school staff committee chairpersons should work with their local association committees to determine their training needs.
Who needs to receive the training?
That is a local decision, addressing a specific need in the local. Examples include:
• a specific group (school PD or SJ representatives, executive committee, etc.) wishing a planning session
• members new in their role as teacher representatives (rookie staff representatives, rookie PD or SJ representatives, school staff committee chairpersons, etc.)
• new teachers, including TTOCs
• those who wish training on an issue of local concern (professional ethics, health and safety, social justice, etc.)
Locally-developed training
Occasionally, a local may wish to design and develop a training workshop not offered by the BCTF. It is possible for a local to use the SURT grant for that purpose, but it is essential that such training be planned with Henry Lee at hlee@bctf.ca before the workshop is given, if the local is to qualify for the BCTF grant. Further, geographically adjacent locals may wish to jointly sponsor SURT workshops. Henry Lee can assist locals with the organization and logistics of co-sponsored SURTs.
Note: Policy 10.J.10 of the Members’ Guide to the BCTF requires that the local jointly plan leadership training with the Federation to qualify for the grant.
Planning with the facilitator
After booking through PSID, the local organizer will get:
• a confirmation by email providing the name and contact information of the facilitator. The facilitator will contact the organizer to co-plan the training
• an organizer’s checklist to be completed and returned.
Who can attend?
Each local is entitled to a grant for up to four days of release time for each school staff representative, including the local TTOC contact (see 10.J.10, Members’ Guide to the BCTF bctf.ca/topics/services-information/members-guide-to-the-bctf
The release days are dedicated as follows:
1. two days of training for the school staff and teachers teaching on call representatives
2. one day of training for the school PD representatives
3. one day of school/local leadership training for school staff representatives, school PD representatives, staff committee chairpersons, school social justice representatives, school health and safety representatives, local executive committee members, or some combination of these. Grants for the fourth day of training may instead be used to release additional school staff and teachers teaching on call representatives for part 1 above. Further, locals may use up to one day of their four-day SURT allotment for the purpose of union training and collective agreement awareness for newly hired teachers.
Who pays for what?
The SURT program will pay for release time and travel for school union representatives according to the grants procedure; the SURT facilitator’s accommodation, per diems, travel, release time, and materials for the workshop. The local covers facility expenses, meals, and other expenses related to school union representatives’ attendance at the session.
Follow up—Taking it back to the schools
School union representatives should always be seen as members of a team of union activists who work together in each school on behalf of the members to communicate with, advocate for, or organize and lead on union issues. Training is effective if school union representatives plan to work together as a team and take it back to the school. They put the training to practical use by sharing information/knowledge and implementing ideas with members. Discussing and planning how this is to be done is a component of every workshop. Locals can assist in the follow-up through progress reports at staff representative assemblies, newsletters to members, etc.
Staff representative workshops
Objectives BCTF Procedure Statement 25.H.08 That the Staff Representative Training Program:
1. Provide staff representatives with the skills and knowledge to fulfill their role as communicator, advocate, and union leader in the school.
2. Ensure that staff representatives have a current knowledge and awareness of the collective agreement including specifically those processes that require school-level representation and/or advocacy.
3. Familiarize staff representatives with current local and BCTF priorities and communications vehicles relevant to union members in the school.
Booking school union representative training days A checklist
• The local organizer co-plans and/or discusses training needs and ideas with Henry Lee, co-ordinator, School Union Representative Training Program.
• PSID selects and contacts the SURT facilitator.
• The PSID staff, Karen Cheung, confirms the details of the workshop, by email, with the organizer and the facilitator.
• The organizer welcomes, introduces, and at the end of the day, thanks, the facilitator.
• The local sends its release-time grant application to the Senior Accountant Financial Planning, Analysis and Grants, at the BCTF Treasurer’s office, attaching a copy of the SURT workshop confirmation form.
Emergency procedures
In the event of an emergency (flight problems, illness, etc.), contact: PSID support staff Karen Cheung immediately at:
• kcheung@bctf.ca
• 604-871-1806; toll-free 1-800-663-9163, local 1806.
If a problem occurs after business hours, use your judgement regarding booking accommodation, etc. To contact W.E. Travel call 604-969-5585 or 1-800-663-4703.
Requests may be emailed to any of the agents, and they will respond to the emails within 24 hours (excluding weekends):
Carolyn Corda carolyn@weuniontravel.ca
Jaime Janzen jaime@weuniontravel.ca
Maureen Gorospe maureen@weuniontravel.ca
Oralee Hawley maureen@weuniontravel.ca
Copyright Guidelines for Materials Used in BCTF Workshops and Presentations
BCTF Information Services
Prepared by Emily O’Neill
Introduction
In developing workshops and presentations for teachers, it is common practice to include materials that are created by others and are therefore protected by copyright legislation. Our objective in preparing copyright guidelines is to alert BCTF staff and members to copyright issues, and to illustrate the steps required in obtaining clearance to use or reproduce materials.
When is copyright permission necessary?
Unless specified, we should assume that any item is copyrighted, even if the copyright symbol is not used.
Permission to use copyrighted material is required for anything that a BCTF staff member did not produce and that is longer than a short excerpt, regardless of the format of intended use (photocopies, reprints, PowerPoint slides, etc.). This includes entire articles, chapters of books, papers (or parts thereof), letters to the editor, cartoons, and photos or graphics that accompany an article.
Fair dealing is a provision in the Canadian Copyright Act that allows for some exceptions in the copying and use of copyrighted material. In other words, fair dealing places limits on the rights that copyright holders have. Unfortunately, fair dealing is not clearly defined in the Act, and determining whether a particular use falls under this provision can be very tricky.
According to the law, fair dealing allows for the use of copyrighted materials for the purposes of:
• Research or private study
• Criticism or review
• News reporting
• Parody or satire, or
• Education, as long as proper attribution is given to the copyright holder.
This does not mean, however, that you can use the material in any way that you like, even for these exceptions. In her book, Canadian Copyright Law, noted copyright expert Lesley Ellen Harris suggests three factors to consider when trying to determine whether a particular use of copyrightprotected material constitutes fair dealing:
1. “First, consider whether a substantial part of a work is being copied.”
2. “If a substantial part of a work is being copied, one must then consider whether that copying would be considered fair. Fairness is determined in terms of quality (the value of the amount taken in comparison to the rest of the work) and in terms of quantity used (the amount copied).”
3. “Finally, the use of the copied portion must be for one of the eight purposes set out in the fair dealing provision” [see above]. (3rd edition, 127–128).
The Copyright Act allows BCTF Information Services staff to make a single copy of an article from a scholarly, scientific, or technical periodical for a person engaged in research or private study, but we may not reproduce articles published in newspapers or general periodicals that are less than one year old without permission.
Copyright permission is required for any other use.
Certain items or documents, such as government materials or old photographs, are often assumed to be in the public domain, but this is not necessarily the case. It is important to always double check the copyright status of a work.
Contrary to popular belief, Federal government materials fall under Crown copyright. Each Government of Canada department or agency administers Crown Copyright and Licensing for the materials they produce; you must contact the creating department or agency when seeking permission. The exceptions are legislation and court judgments emanating from the Federal government and the Ontario government. The public was given permission by a 1997 order-incouncil to use these materials as long as accuracy is ensured and it is made clear that the reproduction is not an “official” version.
The BC Government has loosened its copyright restrictions around provincial legislation. All documents found on the BC Laws website are published under the Queen’s Printer License, which allows for both commercial and non-commercial use of the legislative materials on the site. (A few restrictions apply – please read the license for details.)
Electronic information, accessible through the Internet, is very susceptible to copyright infringement. It is very easy to download graphics (photos, cartoons) and documents and copy them without permission from the copyright holder. It is important to remember that the creator of the website where you found the material might not be the copyright holder for all of the materials included on that site. You must go to the original source for permission.
Charges for copyright permission
We are not exempt from copyright clearance charges because we are a non-profit organization, or because our material may be deemed socially responsible. We often receive gratis permission for newspaper articles written by staff reporters and writers, but articles from Postmedia newspapers (The Vancouver Sun, The Province, etc.) are almost invariably subject to a licensing fee.
With graphics (such as cartoons) and photos that accompany newspaper articles, a charge is often incurred. Similarly, freelance writers of newspaper or journal articles generally hold the copyright for their material and often expect compensation for their intellectual property.
Terms of copyright
Copyright permission is usually given on a one-time basis or for a given period such as a calendar year. In either case, the maximum number of copies that may be made is stipulated, and further reproduction is prohibited. It is unusual to be granted ongoing permission to use material.
When copyright permission is granted, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that a statement of acknowledgement appears on either the first or last page of the article or excerpt. The statement of acknowledgement typically contains the words, “Reprinted with permission...” Sometimes the copyright holder will specify a credit line that they would like you to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I have a couple of articles that I would like to get permission to reproduce. How long does it usually take to get the permission?
A. It may take a couple of days, a couple of weeks, or even a couple of months. The more items you have the more time should be allowed. Also, allow plenty of time during the summer as people are often on vacation. Always try to start the process of requesting copyright permission as early as possible.
Q. We already received permission to make 100 copies of this item for our workshop on multiculturalism. Do we need to get permission to use it again for our other workshop?
A. Unfortunately, you do need to get further permission as permission is usually only granted to make a certain number of copies for a particular purpose – or, less often, to make an unlimited number of copies for a certain period of time for a particular purpose. Therefore, when the use of the material changes, further permission is required.
Q. I found this article on the web and there was no copyright information or symbol on the web page – so I should be able to print copies for my workshop, right?
A. While this is a common assumption, use of this material without permission is not legal. Copyright subsists even when there is no indication of copyright. The only time material can be used without requesting permission is when the author or creator of the work specifically states it is available for use.
Obtaining Copyright Permissions: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Make sure that the source of the item is clear and complete. For example, if it is a journal article, you should have the author(s), title of the article, name of the journal, the volume, issue, date and page numbers. If any of these items is missing, contact Information Services and we will help you fill in the missing information.
2. Find out as much as you can about how the material is to be used. If the material will be used in a workshop, for example: How many copies will be needed in total? How many workshops will take place? For what period of time will the item be used in the workshop? Approximately how many people will be attending the workshops?
3. If the article has photos or other graphics, be aware that these may be under separate copyright. You can usually tell if this is the case if there is a copyright symbol adjacent to the photo or graphic.
4. Determine whether the publisher has a policy that allows for a certain number of copies to be made for educational use without having to request permission.
5. Send an email to the publisher or copyright holder requesting permission to use the material for the purpose required. Provide links or attach the material to the email, if possible.
The email should include complete information about the item, its intended use and the number of copies required. It should also be stated that we are a not-for-profit organization and, if relevant, that the material is being used in a free workshop for public school teachers. Finally, it is important to say when copyright permission is required by.
6. If permission is received, it is essential to include a statement of acknowledgment on each copy being made – for example, “Reprinted with permission, ASCD, ©2010.” Sometimes the publisher or author will specify how they want the statement of acknowledgement to read. It is also a good idea to keep a “diary” file to indicate when the permission expires. Sometimes permission is granted for one-time use while other times we are allowed to use the item for a calendar period.
A copy of the written evidence of permission granted should be forwarded to Records, along with the original request. The final email in the chain, from request to permission, should be sufficient.
BCTF ACRONYMS
Every organization has its jargon and indecipherable abbreviations. The BCTF is no exception. Here’s a list that we hope will help you find your way through the maze of acronyms that are often used in many documents you receive from the BCTF.
ABCDE Association of BC Deans of Education
ABCDE Association of BC Drama Educators
ACLP Advisory Council of Local Presidents
ADM Assistant Deputy Minister
AdEAC Adult Education Advisory Committee
AEA Aboriginal Education Association
AEAC Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee
AGM Annual General Meeting
AGPA Advisory Group on Provincial Assessment
ACFPS Advisory Committee on French Programs and Services
AIC Agreement in Committee
AOEC Anti-Oppression Educators’ Collective (formerly PAGE – BC Teachers for Peace and Global Education)
APPIPC Association provinciale des professeurs d’immersion et du programme francophone
ARAOO Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Office
ASGPSAC Agenda Steering Committee of the Provincial Specialist Association Council (formerly
PSACSAC – Provincial Specialist Association Council Steering Agenda Committee)
BAA Board Authority Authorized
BCAEA BC Alternative Education Association
BCAMT BC Association of Mathematics Teachers
BCAT Bargaining Campaign Action Team
BCATA BC Art Teachers’ Association
BCATML BC Association of Teachers of Modern Languages
BCBEA BC Business Education Association
BCCASA BC Culinary Arts Specialist Association
BCCPAC BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils
BCCT BC College of Teachers
BCDEA BC Dance Educators’ Association
BCECTA BC Early Career Teachers’ Association
BCEDL BC Educators for Digital Learning
BCFed BC Federation of Labour
BCGEU BC Government and Service Employees’ Union
BCLRB BC Labour Relations Board
BCMEA BC Music Educators’ Association
BCMTPSA BC Montessori Teachers’ Provincial Specialist Association
BCPTA BC Primary Teachers’ Association
BCPSEA BC Public School Employers’ Association
BCPVPA BC Principals and Vice-Principals Association
BCSSA BC School Superintendents’ Association
BCSSTA BC Social Studies Teachers’ Association
BCSTA BC School Trustees Association
BCTF ACRONYMS
BCTEA BC Technology Education Association
BCTELA BC Teachers of English Language Arts
BCTESOL BC Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages
BCTLA BC Teacher-Librarians’ Association
CAAB Collective Agreement Arbitration Bureau
CAHCSF Comite ad hoc pour le Conseil Scolaire Francophone
CALL Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers
CAPSLE Canadian Association for the Practical Study of Law in Education
CC Co-ordinating Committee (in-house)
CCD Communications and Campaigns Division
CCPA Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
CCPSF Comite consultatif des programmes et services francais
CCRA Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
CEP Communications, Energy, and Paperworkers Union Local 464
CI Curriculum and Instruction
CIEA College-Institute Educators’ Association
CLC Canadian Labour Congress
CMEC Council of Ministers of Education, Canada
CPI Consumer Price Index
CTC Career and Technology Centers
CTF Canadian Teachers’ Federation
CUEBC Computer-Using Educators of BC
CUPE Canadian Union of Public Employees
CV Curriculum Vitae
CWG Communications Workgroup
DM Deputy Minister
DPAC District Parent Advisory Council
DSLP Deferred Salary Leave Plan (also referred to as Self-Funded Leave Plans (SFLP)
EAC Education Advisory Council
EASI Educational Assessment, Support, and Intervention Association
EC Executive Committee
ECE Early Childhood Education
ECAT Education Change Action Team
EEPSA Environmental Educators’ Provincial Specialist Association
EFAP Employee and Family Assistance Plan
EFAT Education Funding Action Team
EI Employment Insurance (formerly UIC)
EI Education International
FAS Finance and Administrative Services Division
FEA Francophone Education Authority
FFWL French as First and Working Language
FIPPA Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (also called FOIPPA)
FLI Federation Leadership Institute
FIT Facilitators’ Institute Training
FNESC First Nations Education Steering Committee
BCTF ACRONYMS
FSA Foundation Skills Assessment
FSD Field Service Division
FTE Full-time Equivalent
FTTO Full-time Table Officers
GWL Great West Life
HEU Health Employees’ Union
IEP Individual Education Plan
IMS Internal Mediation Service
IRP Integrated Resource Package
ISD Income Security Division
IWD International Women’s Day
LATA Learning Assistance Teachers’ Association of BC
LOU Letter of Understanding
LOP Letter of Permission
LP Local President
LR Local Representative
LRB Labour Relations Board
LSA Local Specialist Association
MECC Ministry of Education and Child Care (formerly MOE – Ministry of Education)
NEA National Education Association (American)
NID Non-Instructional Day
NITE Native Indian Teacher Education
OL Online Learning
OPAT Outreach/Political Action Team
PAC Parent Advisory Council
PCA Provincial Collective Agreement
PD Professional Development
PHEBC Physical Health Education BC
PIA Privacy Impact Assessment
PIAC Professional Issues Advisory Committee
PIPA Personal Information Protection Act
PIRD Public Interest Research Desk of the CCPA
myPITA Provincial Intermediate and Middle Years Teachers’ Association
PLAP Provincial Learning Assessment Program
PSA Provincial Specialist Association
PSAC Provincial Specialist Association Council
PSEC Public Sector Employers’ Council
PSFS Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
PSID Professional and Social Issues Division
PSS Peer Support Service
R&T Research and Technology Division
RA Representative Assembly
RTA Retired Teachers’ Association
SAGEBC Specialist Association of Gifted Educators of BC (formerly AEGTCCBC – Association for Educators of Gifted, Talented and Creative Children in BC)
SEA Special Education Association
BCTF ACRONYMS
SER Student Educator Ratio (formerly PTR - pupil/teacher ratio)
SIF Salary Indemnity Fund
SIP Salary Indemnity Plan
SJ Social Justice Program
SFLP Self-Funded Leave Plans
STAR Schools Taking Action and Review
SURT School Union Rep Training
TCA Transitional Collective Agreement
THESA Teachers of Home Economics Specialist Association
TIEBC Teachers of Inclusive Education British Columbia
TIP Teacher Inquiry Program
TFEU Teachers Federation Employees’ Union
TTOC Teachers Teaching on Call
TTOCAC Teachers Teaching on Call Advisory Committee
TPP Teachers’ Pension Plan
TPBT Teachers’ Pension Board of Trustees
TPPAC Teachers’ Pension Plan Advisory Committee
TQS Teacher Qualification Service
TRB Teacher Regulation Branch
TSU Teacher Staff Union
WCB Workers Compensation Board
WCP Western Canadian Protocol
WIL Women in Leadership
Getting to, and around, UBC campus
By Public Transit
UBC is easily accessible by public transit from within Vancouver: the R4, 44, 84 and 99 express bus routes run directly to the Vancouver campus. Bus Routes 4 and 14 are slower bus routes which also access UBC. The Trip Planner feature on the Translink website to find the most efficient routing from anywhere in the Metro Vancouver region.
It’s a good idea to pay close attention to where you get on and off the bus at UBC. There are several bus exchanges and many individual stops, and at the end of a long day of exploring it’s easy to lose track of where you should get on board for your return journey. If you do get turned around, check Translink’s UBC Bus Exchange map for bus stop locations, ask a bus driver for directions or drop by the Welcome Centre for a nudge in the right direction.
Within the campus, Bus Route 68 circumnavigates much of the campus, accessing various locations and attractions on campus, as per the route map below. Note that this is a small community bus, running every 20 minutes, with a maximum capacity of approximately 22 (assuming no wheelchairs are on board).
Campus Transit Bus Route 68
UBC driving, parking, construction, and road closure updates
Driving to campus
To get to UBC from downtown Vancouver by car, cross the Burrard or Granville Street bridges, and then head west on 4th Avenue, 10th Avenue or 16th Avenue. To get to UBC from the airport, cross the Arthur Laing bridge and then head west on SW Marine Drive.
Parking at check in:
Park in the loading zone in front of Gage Residence while checking in. Front Desk staff will provide a parking pass and direct delegates to the parking lot (and/or provide a map).
North Parkade:
• Nearest parkade to Walter Gage Residence. Please note there are no elevators in this parkade.
• For up-to-date information about accessible parking, available space at parking lots, and hourly parking rates, go to UBC Parking
• If you plan to park a large or over-height vehicle, like a motorhome or a car with a roof rack, contact UBC Parking at parking.support@ubc.ca or 604-822-6786 before your visit to find the best location that can accommodate your vehicle.
• Pay careful attention to signs in parking areas you will be ticketed or towed if you park in a reserved space, or if you neglect to pay.
• Consider downloading the Honk Mobile app to pay by phone and extend your parking time remotely.
• If you use a local Vancouver car-share, there are reserved spots for car-shares such as Evo and Modo
Accommodation, BCTF registration desk, breakfast, lunch (Aug 16)
1 Walter Gage Residences
Meeting locations
1 All facilitators' sessions (Aug 16–all day; Aug 17–AM) Isabel MacInnes room, Walter Gage Residences
2 Discrete sessions Buchanan D bldg.; Ab Ed facilitators: Fort Camp Lounge (Walter Gage Residences),
Social event
1 Wine and cheese reception Isabel MacInnes room, Walter Gage Residences
UBC Walter Gage Residences map
UBC campus cafés and eateries
CAMPUS CAFÉS
Blue Chip Café
The Nest
6133 University Blvd.
M–F 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Sat/Sun 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Starbucks Bookstore
6200 University Ave.
M–F 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sat 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sun Closed
CAMPUS QUICK SERVICE
Blue Chip Café The Nest
6133 University Blvd.
M–F 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Sat/Sun 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Great Dane Coffee (beside Gage Towers)
6011 Walter Gage Rd.
M–F 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sat/Sun 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m
Jamjar Canteen (Lebanese)
6035 University Blvd.
M–F 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Sat/Sun 11:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Perugia Italian Caffè Life Sciences Centre
2350 Health Sciences Mall
M–F 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Sat/Sun Closed
Teadot The Nest
6133 University Blvd
Great Dane Coffee (beside Gage Towers)
6011 Walter Gage Rd.
M–F 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sat/Sun 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Starbucks
UBC Life Building
6138 Student Union Blvd.
M–F 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sat/Sun 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Hero | Harvest
1001-6180 Walter Gage Rd at East Mall M–F 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sat/Sun Closed
Tim Hortons qəlɬaləməcən leləm Orca House
5955 Student Union Blvd.
M–F 6:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Sat/Sun 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Domino’s Pizza 4426 W 10th Ave
Grand Noodle Emporium The Nest 6133 University Blvd
Hero | Harvest 1001-6180 Walter Gage Rd at East Mall
M–F 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sat/Sun Closed Honour Roll The Nest 6133 University Blvd.
Mercante (Cucina Italiana)
Ponderosa Commons
6488 University Blvd.
M–F 10:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Sat/Sun 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Porch (Vegan) The Nest
6133 University Blvd
Triple O’s
David Lam Research Centre
2015 Main Mall
M–F 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Sat/Sun 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Pacific Poke Life
UBC Life Building
6138 Student Union Blvd.
M–F 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Sat/Sun Closed
Subway
UBC Life Building
6138 Student Union Blvd
M–F 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sat/Sun 10 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
CAMPUS GRAB AND GO
Avenue C | Gage
5959 Student Union Blvd.
Mon–Sun 12:00 a.m.–11:55 p.m.
Harvest Market
Ponderosa Commons
Corner of University Blvd & West Mall
M–S 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
CAMPUS RESTAURANTS
Browns Socialhouse
3651 West 10th Ave
Sun–Wed 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Thu–Sat 11:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
Social Hour
Corner Store
6200 University Blvd
M–F 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sat 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sun Closed
Hero | Harvest
1001-6180 Walter Gage Rd at East Mall
M–F 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sat/Sun Closed
Daily 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.; 9:00 p.m.–Close.
Grocery Checkout
The Nest
6133 University Blvd.
The Delly
The Nest–Lower Level
6133 University Blvd.
Information to help fill out your expense voucher for FIT
Please read these notes BEFORE filling out your expense voucher. For further information, please go to https://www.bctf.ca/services-guidance/membership-andexpenses/travel-expense-and-reimbursement-information
1. Identification
Please include your local number and your BCTF member number in the appropriate spaces at the top of the form. To expedite your expense voucher, please indicate in which role you attended the conference, e.g., Health and Safety facilitator, French facilitator, etc.
2. Meals (per diems)
All attendees, please do NOT claim for breakfast on August 16–18, as it will be provided. All attendees, please do NOT claim for lunch on August 16, as it will be provided. All attendees may claim for dinners on August 16–17
Some attendees may claim for dinner on August 15 or 18 due to travel.
3. Transportation
Facilitator's Institute Training (FIT) will be held on August 16, 17, and 18 and Summer Leadership Conference (SC) will be held on August 19, 20, 21, and 22 at the University of British Columbia. BCTF policy states that travel expenses should be reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances, taking into consideration safety, practicality, efficiency, and cost.
Special note: Are you attending the BCTF Summer Leadership Conference following FIT?
• If driving Please charge the full amount to 600400–P270–4201 (BCTF Summer Leadership Conference).
• If flying The full amount should be charged to 600400–P270–4201 when booking through W.E. Travel.
• Meals Charge dinner on Monday, August 18, and all subsequent meals to 600400–P270–4201 (BCTF Summer Leadership Conference).
Driving (this policy is in effect from July 1 to December 31, 2025)
Members travelling from within the Lower Mainland
Actual kilometres multiplied by the current Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) per kilometre rate of 72 cents are reimbursed for travel from the member’s home to the event/meeting.
Other transportation (10.I.04)
Taxis, public transit, ride-hailing
In general, staff and members are encouraged to use public transit when possible. From the Vancouver International Airport, they can take the Canada Line to the BCTF building (Olympic Village station), Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre (Broadway station), or to many downtown Vancouver or Richmond hotels.
They may claim the cost of public transportation without providing a receipt. Taxi charges must be paid by the staff or member and claimed on an expense voucher. Taxi receipts are required. The cost of ride-hailing expense claims will not be reimbursed without prior special approval due to lack of local, safe alternatives.
Cycling
The bicycle allowance is 26¢ per kilometre.
Members travelling from outside the Lower Mainland who choose to drive
Please refer to the reimbursement chart below if you are driving from your home to the event/meeting. Ferry costs can also be claimed and are not included in the amounts below. Cost of parking at the venue are also not included in the calculation and can be claimed separately if not already direct billed to the BCTF by the hotel.
Please contact your program co-ordinator if:
• you live in a remote location
• you live in a community that is an outlier
• your hometown is not listed
• you have any other questions.
This travel chart was established based on Procedure 10.I.04. If your total kilometres of roundtrip driving exceeds the reimbursement listed below, then the chart amount will be the maximum reimbursement. If it is less, please claim the actual kilometres multiplied by 72 cents per kilometre to ensure you are not considered to have received a taxable benefit per rules of the Canada Revenue Agency.
Driving Reimbursement Chart
costs can also be claimed and are not included in the
Members travelling from outside the Lower Mainland who choose to fly
• For those who choose to fly, kilometres to travel to and from their home to the airport can be claimed. The amount is actual kilometres from the member’s home to the airport multiplied by the current CRA per kilometer rate of 72 cents.
• All air travel must be booked through WE Travel and will be billed directly to the BCTF.
• If you live in a city to which there is no returning flight on Monday afternoon, you will need to take the first available flight on Tuesday.
• Remember to book air travel as early as possible, in order to obtain the cheapest rates available Any costs incurred as a result of changing a booking must be paid for by the member. Check your booking confirmation carefully.
Baggage
• Staff and members may or may not have to pay for checked baggage, depending on the type of fare they are booked on. They may claim baggage fees on their expense voucher. They are required to submit a receipt for one way only (usually the outbound flight), but they may claim baggage fees for the return trip. (This way they can prepare and submit their expense claim prior to the end of a meeting.)
Transportation
from the airport
Taxis and wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available at taxi stands located on Level 2 of the Domestic and International Arrivals area at YVR.
To attend FIT, taxi charges can be claimed between the Vancouver International Airport, UBC Gage Residences, and the Holiday Inn Vanouver Centre, for those who have accessibility needs or in circumstances where safety considerations are required
Taxi fares are between $35–$45 to UBC and can be claimed on your expense voucher. Please submit a receipt for taxi fares.
By ferry
Ferry receipts are required for a one-way ferry fare only, but fares for the return trip may be claimed Ferry travel is reimbursed for FIT participants only.
4. Parking
• Parking charges may be claimed on your expense voucher in the section marked “Other.” Receipts are required for amounts over $25
• Day parking at UBC is available for at various lots on campus for pricing and locations, refer to this website parking.ubc.ca/
• Overnight parking at Walter Gage Residence is $18/night plus taxes.
• The nearest parkade to Walter Gage Residence is the North Parkade parking can be paid at the lot or by using the Honk Mobile app. P
• BCTF will not cover parking violation tickets.
• When required, parking at the airport can also be claimed.
5. Accommodation
Basic accommodation costs for delegates staying at the UBC and BCTF-approved hotels will be billed directly to the BCTF. Any additional costs incurred for family members, late check-outs, pets, or hotel room upgrades are the responsibility of the delegate. Do not claim these charges on your BCTF expense voucher. No-show charges will be billed back to the delegate. Thirty dollars can be claimed per night, if you are staying with friends or relatives, in lieu of hotel costs.
The accommodation sharing allowance of $20 is not available to FIT delegates, as all accommodation is shared.
When members choose to drive to Vancouver rather than fly, any accommodation to and from Vancouver is not covered by the BCTF as per policy 10.2.04.
6. Dependant Care
BCTF will reimburse members for the following costs if members choose to bring a childcare provider to FIT and/or Summer Conference:
• $18 per hour for the hours of care that are required in order to attend the BCTF business sessions only, not to exceed $240 for any 24-hour period
• Accommodation for the caregiver at UBC, if separate accommodation is required
• BCTF per diems (breakfast, lunch, and diner) for the caregiver for the days at UBC, an invoice to be provided by the caregiver for tax purposes.
• Members can claim for dependent care in their home community.
BCTF Procedure 10.I.28, 4 provides:
“A maximum claim of $240 per 24-hour day will be paid for outside daycare services. Where care is required for less than a full day, the amount paid will be based on the number of hours of daycare at $18 an hour. The BCTF will only reimburse members for dependant costs that would not otherwise be incurred by the member. Members must submit a receipt with the expense voucher showing the name and address of the caregiver and amount expended. Members must obtain the approval of the program coordinator before incurring daycare costs in excess of the maximum to be reimbursed by the BCTF.”
• Dependent care claims require the following to fulfil certain tax requirements from the Canada Revenue Agency:
• A receipt from the dependant care provider is required for reimbursement. Receipts written by the member will no longer be accepted. The receipt must include the number of hours, the amount paid, and the name/address of the care provider. The receipt must also be signed by the care provider.
• Members are asked to inform the BCTF if the care provider is a relative. Related persons to the member are considered non-arm’s length from a tax perspective. Therefore, the amounts paid by the BCTF to related persons would be considered a taxable benefit to the member. Taxes will be deducted from the member’s claim and reporting to Canada Revenue Agency will be required. This will be in effect once the dependant care costs reach $500 in a calendar year and applied retroactively. Taxes will be calculated based on the payments paid to date with a calendar year.
BCTF FIT 2025 PROGRAM OVERVIEW
University of British Columbia, Vancouver
Saturday, August 16, 2025, to Monday, August 18, 2025
Saturday, August 16/Samedi 16 août
Morning session: for all Facilitators
7:00 a.m. Registration opens
7:30 a.m. Breakfast (served only between 7:30–8:45 a.m.)
9:00 a.m. Welcome
1. Acknowledgment of Aboriginal Territories Jennie Slack
2. Introduction of staff Chris Stewart
3. Health and Safety check Michael-Don Borason
4. Commitment to Solidarity Henry Lee
9:20 a.m. Setting the agenda for the day Daniel Shiu
9:30 a.m. Ice-breaker Karen Chong (back-up Heather Kelley)
9:50 a.m. The organizational framework of the BCTF Carmen Woo
10:00 a.m. Role of the BCTF facilitator Daniel Shiu
10:15 a.m. Break (30 min.; coffee and tea service)
The Nuts and Bolts of Facilitation, Q&A Heather Kelley
Gage Residences, Fireplace lounge
Gage Residences, Isabel MacInnes Room
Gage Residences, Isabel MacInnes Room
10:45 a.m.
Workspaces, online forms, expense vouchers, workshop requests Henry Lee, Karen Cheung, and Nina Lopez
11:00 a.m. Holding Space for Learning and Un-Learning
Heather Kelley and Daniel Shiu
12:00 p.m. Lunch (served only between 12:00–1:15 p.m.)
Afternoon session: for all Facilitators
1:30 p.m. The Art of Facilitation The Neutral Zone
3:00 p.m. Break (coffee and tea service)
3:15 p.m.
Workshop on Workshops (WOW) booklet review
Lena Palermo and Daniel Shiu
4:30 p.m. Adjourn for the day
Gage Residences, Isabel MacInnes Room
BCTF FIT 2025 PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Sunday, August 17/Dimanche 17 août
For discrete training and refreshment locations, please see pages 44–47.
9:00 a.m. How to use the Aboriginal Lens within workshops
7:30 a.m. Breakfast (served only between 7:30–8:45 a.m.) Gage Residences, Isabel MacInnes Room
Carol Arnold, Su Chang, and Brian Coleman
10:15 a.m. Break (30 min.; coffee and tea service)
10:45 a.m. Facilitating for the adult learner
James Hanson and Jason Karpuk
12:00 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
1:30 p.m. Discrete training Session I Buchanan D Bldg (allow 10 min walk)
2:45 p.m. Break (coffee and tea service)
3:00 p.m. Discrete training Session I (continues)
4:30 p.m. Adjournment of Session I
7:00 p.m. Adjourn for the day
4:45 p.m. Wine and cheese reception Gage Residences, Isabel MacInnes Room
Monday, August 18/Lundi 18 août
For discrete training and refreshment locations, please see pages 44–47
7:30 a.m. Breakfast (serves only between 7:30–8:45 a.m.)
Gage Residences, Isabel MacInnes Room
9:00 a.m. Discrete training Session II Buchanan D Bldg (allow 10 min walk)
10:30 a.m. Break (15 min.; coffee and tea service)
10:45 a.m. Discrete training Session II (continues)
12:00 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
1:30 p.m. Discrete training Session III
2:45 p.m. Break (15 min.; coffee and tea service)
3:00 p.m. Discrete training Session III (continues)
4:30 p.m. Adjournment
FIT will conclude in your last discrete session.
August 17 and 18, 2025 Discrete training schedule
With the exception of the Aboriginal Education program, all programs' discrete sessions are in the Buchanan D building. Please give yourself at least 10 minutes to walk to Buchanan D
PROGRAM
PSI Aboriginal Education
August 17
1:30–4:30 p.m. Disrupting Anti-Indigenous Racism
August 18
9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Project of Heart updates
MMIWG
215 Le Estcwicwéy
Confronting Denialism
Allyship in Action
Grad Requirement updates
Fort Camp Lounge Allison Hotti
Fort Camp Lounge Carol Arnold
Penny Carnrite
Su Chang
Brian Coleman
Denise Hendry
Brandon Peters
PSI PSA
August 17
1:30–4:30 p.m. Creating Inclusive Spaces D229 Christina Billingham Juliet Brown
August 18
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
1:30–4:30 p.m.
Educating Towards Peace and Justice
Strategies for Discussing Controversial Issues
PSI School and Classroom Issues
August 17
1:30–4:30 p.m.
1:30–4:30 p.m.
August 18
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
1:30–4:30 p.m.
Navigating Difficult Waters: Relationship Building at the School Level
Core French Where do I start?
Professional Boundary Issues: Teacher/Student Relationships
Reframing Challenging Behaviour through a Trauma-informed Lens
D221 Alba Cristoffanini BA Jull Maryam Adrangi
D214 Donna Morgan Kristine Canas
Jennifer Pinlac
Kristina Preston
August 17 and 18, 2025 Discrete training schedule continued
Please give yourself at least 10 minutes to walk to Buchanan D
PSI Social Justice
August 17
1:30–4:30 p.m. Creating Inclusive Spaces
Sexual Health Education: It's Fun!
August 18
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Educating Towards Peace and Justice
Poverty is a Classroom Issue
Teaching in a Time of Climate Grief
1:30–4:30 p.m.
Addressing Ableism
Climate Justice 101
Strategies for Discussing Controversial Issues
Christina Billingham
Juliet Brown
Jannika Nyberg
Alba Cristoffanini BA Jull
Toby Lemay
Chrisoula Poulos
Sarah Newton
Nichelle Penney
Sarah Newton Maryam Adrangi
PSI TTOCs
August 17
1:30–4:30 p.m. Employment Insurance: Navigating the EI Claim Process for TTOCs D325 Luke Olver
August 18
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
1:30–4:30 p.m.
Classroom Management Reality 101: A Day in the Life of a TTOC
August 17 and 18, 2025 Discrete training schedule continued
Please give yourself at least 10 minutes to walk to Buchanan D
SURT Health & Safety
August 17
1:30–4:30 p.m. An in-depth look at the role of Joint Health and Safety Committees
August 18
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
1:30–4:30 p.m.
SURT Pro-D Reps
August 17
Wendy Fontaine
Joint Health and Safety Committees/Worker Representatives
Occupational Health and Safety Training for New Committee Members and Worker Reps
1:30–4:30 p.m. The Autonomous Professional D315 Runa BjarnasonWilson
August 18
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
1:30–4:30 p.m. Role and Function of the Pro-D Rep
Teacher Inquiry Program
SURT Staff Rep
August 17
1:30–4:30 p.m.
1:30–4:30 p.m.
August 18
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
1:30–4:30 p.m.
Engaging, Inclusive, and Productive Meetings Role of the Staff Rep
Contract Awareness: Know Your Collective Agreement
Effective School Staff Committees
Managing
Erin Coleman
Donna Morgan
Lena Palermo
Ruth Wadsworth
Jack MacDermot Sarah Wethered
Jenny Garrels
Jack MacDermot
Robyn Ladner
FIT refreshments
Coffee, tea, and water will be available on the following schedule
Date
Time
August 16, 2025 10:15 a.m.–10:45 a.m. 3:00-3:15 p.m.
August 17, 2025 10:15 a.m.–10:45 a.m.
2:45 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
August 18, 2025 10:30 a.m.–10:45 a.m.
2:45 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location
Isabel MacInnes Foyer, Gage Residences
Isabel MacInnes Foyer, Gage Residences
Buchanan D building (PSI, SURT); Fort Camp Lounge Foyer, Gage Residences (Ab Ed)
Buchanan D building (PSI, SURT); Fort Camp Lounge Foyer, Gage Residences (Ab Ed)
