A basic fundamental tenant of any freely elected democracy is the "rule of law." Simply put, the rule of the law states that citizens will adhere to existing laws. We stop at red lights, we go at green and we respect the property and constitutional rights of all.
Apologies to Atticus Finch..."The courts are the great levelers of our society." The Supreme Court of British Columbia has ruled, not once, but twice, that what the existing government has done regarding labour agreements, is wrong. In fact, it is blatantly contrary to Canada's obligations under international labour standards!
B.C. is not the richest province in Canada...yet we hosted the Olympics, at a cost of seven billion dollars, and just recently, spent another five hundred million on a new roof for B.C. Stadium. The Olympics were terrific, but today British Columbia ranks ninth out of ten provinces for educational funding.
Undeniably, society entrusts with us everyday its most treasured and cherished possessions, and yet, there is history from some quarter, regarding teachers, that "They don't do anything anyway!" Well....we do! And of that, I am certain!
The carpenters, plumbers, heavy equipment operators and a host of other trades would surely agree that workplace operations are fitting with the trade and should be observed. Those are the rules.
Christy Clark changed the rules. Having me deemed essential, imposing my contract and legislating me back to work. After thirty-seven years in the classroom, I will state quite unequivocally and without compunction, that there is a law in British Columbia under serious attack today.
Indeed, there are two laws under attack...the rule of law coupled with the one of common sense!
Wayne Randell
Prince George
