In line with the provisions of Bill 22 - the Education Improvement Act, government has appointed Dr. Charles Jago to mediate contract talks between the BC Teachers' Federation (BCTF) and the BC Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA).

As mediator, Jago will be guided by the best interests of students and the pursuit of high-quality learning as he assists the parties in negotiations. The scope of mediation is broad and will seek to address all issues outstanding at the bargaining table, including:

• Manner and consequences of class size and composition.
• Local-provincial split of bargaining issues.
• Effective feedback and evaluation of teachers to promote improvements.
• Alignment of professional development with teaching needs.
• Scheduling and selection of teachers suited to student needs.

Jago can help the parties arrive at compensation improvements, whether to wages or benefits, by looking for trade-offs within the contract - just as other public sector unions have achieved under the net-zero mandate. However, contract proposals or agreements cannot impose net additional costs on the employer.

Jago will have the resources he needs to fulfil his mandate, including the ability to engage support staff and independent advisors. The mediation period will run to the end of June. If there is no agreement, Jago will issue a report with non-binding recommendations.

The existing collective agreement remains in effect during the mediation.

Biography:

Dr. Charles Jago is the author of the 2006 report, Working Together to Improve Performance: preparing BC's Public Education System for the Future.

He is a former president of the University of Northern British Columbia and he has held academic appointments in Canadian universities for over 40 years, serving on the boards of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada as well as the Association of Commonwealth Universities. As UNBC president, he initiated the development of the Northern Medical Program.

His extensive involvement in major public issues includes service as a commissioner on the Nechako Environmental Enhancement Fund, chair of the Fraser Basin Council and co-chair of the Premier's Consultation on Northern British Columbia Cancer Care, which has led to the construction of the Northern Cancer Centre.

He is the recipient of the Queen's Jubilee Medal and the Order of Canada.

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963