Premier Christy Clark and the B.C. Liberals defend their "no new money" tactic when negotiating with government employees as their "means" to the balanced budget "end."
If you agree that the government should operate on a balanced budget, then you agree that teachers should not get anything they are asking for in this dispute.
If you are part of the Liberal government, then making money and spending money is all that matters. Anything that happens in between will be justified by the balanced budget/surplus budget "end."
Environment can be sacrificed for a balanced budget.
Health care can be sacrificed for a balanced budget.
Education can be sacrificed for a balanced budget.
Ten years from now we may be the richest province in the country. Unfortunately, we will need all that money to treat the ills of our society.
Teachers see the "end" differently. We believe that we are responsible for raising educated citizens that will contribute to society and that a properly funded education system is the "means" to make that happen.
Yes, it is expensive. The education budget is $5 billion and has been right around that number for a number of years.
But when a government illegally strips $250 million from the education system to create a balanced budget - you have to ask if they truly know what they are doing.
When the government imposes a contract with raise hikes but does not give more money to the school districts to pay for them - you have to ask if they truly know what they are doing.
If the cost of everything goes up (like hydro, 25 per cent) but the government does not increase the education budget - you have to ask if they truly know what they are doing.
So yes, if a balanced budget is the "end" and you agree that $5 billion is the correct amount of the $44.4-billion dollar budget, year after year, no matter the cost of inflation, then you are a Liberal with a capital "L." You are an accountant balancing the books. Congratulations, and good job.
However, if you believe that perhaps within all of the billions of dollars, that the government can reallocate some funds and stay balanced in support of education, then perhaps the teachers are supporting the correct "end." Perhaps being in government is more than balancing the books and getting re-elected.
If you want an end to the education dispute, then pick your side and let your MLA know where you stand.
Teachers cannot pressure the government to negotiate, but the entire voting population of B.C. can.
Twitter, Facebook, and angry rants on the radio don't penetrate the hard hat and ear protection that Premier Christy Clark is wearing.
