Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC

“There’s nothing to cheer about in this update,” said George Davison, Secretary-Treasurer of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators.  “Funding at our public institutions is not keeping pace with either demands in the community or the core inflation needs of our institutions,” Davison added.  

Results of a mid-August poll by Ipsos Reid, done on behalf of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators, a number of public sector unions and the BC Federation of Labour, show strong support for budget measures that help BC families weather the current economic downturn.  “This poll has got to be a wake-up call to Mr.

Organizers for an all candidates debate on post-secondary education issues have been forced to cancel the event because the BC Liberals have declined to participate in the debate. The event was organized by the Coalition for Public Education and was scheduled for Wednesday April 22, at the University of Victoria.

“Improving affordability and access are two priorities that our Federation wants to see addressed by the major parties in the up-coming provincial election,” said Cindy Oliver, President of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators. “The platform document released by the NDP shows some important commitments by that party to address those priorities,” Oliver added.

Faculty, staff, friends and family are mourning the loss of Patti Barnes, Head Librarian at Northwest Community College, who passed away this week following a battle with cancer.

“Patti achieved great success at Northwest. She excelled in her discipline, but also showed enormous commitment and compassion for her community. She was instrumental in establishing the Terrace Women Resources Centre as well as the Terrace Women in Development,” Oliver noted.

For over 30 years the labour movement has shown tremendous support for communities through a valuable partnership with United Way. On February 26th, the United Way acknowledged the leadership role that various unions have played in building a strong community partnership. The awards are called the Union Spirit Award and it recognizes a union committed to furthering the shared common values of a caring, healthy and inclusive community through the work of its members in support of United Way.

This year, our organization was recognized for its commitment to those values.

"British Columbians were looking for answers in this budget and the Minister is just offering up a fiscal shell game," said Cindy Oliver, President of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators. "The Minister claims that there is more money for post-secondary education, but most of that money is coming from federal transfers, not new commitments from the provincial treasury," Oliver added.

An overwhelming majority (86 percent) of British Columbians believe investment in public education should be a key part of any economic stimulus plan in the upcoming provincial budget, said a poll released today by the BC Coalition for Public Education.

This week faculty at the recently organized Language Studies Canada (LSC) unanimously ratified a tentative collective agreement. The two-year agreement was negotiated by representatives from the LSC faculty along with the help of a Labour Relations Staff Representative from FPSE.

By Gerry Warner, Townsman Staff

There were some touching moments and some interesting revelations at a meeting of the provincial Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services in Cranbrook Tuesday.

The committee has been traveling the province since Sept. 15 hearing input from a wide variety of individuals and organizations on what they feel should be financial priorities in the 2009 - 2010 provincial budget.

The committee's last meeting is scheduled for Oct. 16 in Coquitlam and it must report to the legislature by Nov. 15.