Bill 12 Update, December 23

Members of the BCRTA Advocacy Committee met on December 22, 2011 with representatives of the Ministry of Education in regard to the implications of Bill 12 on BCRTA members. Doug Edgar, Sheila Pither, Bob Taverner, Jo Ann Lauber and Cliff Boldt met with Deputy Minister (DM) of Education James Gorman, Eric Wredenhagen, and Beverley Maxwell in the Vancouver offices of the College of Teachers.

The BCRTA had three objectives going in to the meeting: to summarize the frustrations and complaints that members had sent to the BCRTA and Minister; to ask for an extension of the January date to June 30, 2012; and to provide for a non-practicing category of certification by the Council.

DM Gorman indicated that the ministry had held consultations with other stakeholders but had failed to contact the BCRTA. He apologized for the lack of consultation with the BCRTA and assured us that the Minister or staff had intended no disrespect.

DM Gorman indicated that the ministry had held consultations with other stakeholders but had failed to contact the BCRTA. He apologized for the lack of consultation with the BCRTA and assured us that the Minister or staff had intended no disrespect.

DM Gorman made it quite clear that the January 6, 2012 date was fixed in legislation and only the Legislature could make a change such as this; that wasn’t going to happen before January 6. As a result, the advice the BCRTA has for members is clear: if there is any possibility that you will be working as a teacher anywhere in Canada or abroad at any time in the future, you should pay the $120 by January 6 to maintain your certificate as a license to teach.

Beverley Maxwell explained that all of our records related to teaching, education and certification are “forever” and will be held by Government. For BCRTA members who choose options 2 or 3, it was made clear that there will be no ‘black mark’ beside their names in the government records. If, in the future, you choose to reactivate your certificate as a license to teach, all of your transcripts would be readily available.

DM Gorman concluded by encouraging the BCRTA to meet with Minister Abbott in the New Year to further discuss our concerns and possible relationship with the new teacher Council when it comes into being.

If members have questions, please contact the college directly at: 604-731-8170 OR 800-555-3684

This is a brief summary of the meeting. A more detailed report of the meeting will be developed after the Christmas break.