Minister of Education George Abbott has issued the following statement:

"We are pleased that mediation has resulted in a tentative Memorandum of Settlement between the British Columbia Public School Employers' Association and the British Columbia Teachers' Federation.

"Under Dr. Charles Jago's guidance, the parties worked extremely hard and made progress on many important issues.

"The term of the agreement runs until June 30, 2013, sets out improved language to manage leave provisions, and is consistent with government's net zero mandate. In addition, the parties agreed to further discuss and seek mutually agreeable improvements on key policy issues to provide students with the best education possible.

"In the days ahead, BCPSEA and the BCTF will communicate further information to their members about the agreement and next steps with respect to ratification.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Jago for the tireless commitment, effort and energy he brought to the mediation process. His success in this endeavour is consistent with the many successes he has achieved in his distinguished career."

Listen to Minister's Abbott's statement (soundcloud.com)

Contact:

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