British Columbia’s education conflicts reveal the competition for funds between public and independent schools, and the political conflict between two visions of society
In British Columbia—and also in Alberta and Ontario—teachers seem to be under relentless attack and criticism. “The profession is in a state of seemingly constant turmoil,” writes National Post columnist Kelly McParland, “faced with steady demands for change to a system that was good enough to educate today’s leaders, but is deemed unsatisfactory for their children or grandchildren.”
B.C.’s teachers are on strike—though media reports suggest that contract negotiations with government haven’t ‘broken down’ but have ‘stalled.’ Teacher Ann McLean is retiring after 20 years at Sidney’s Parkland School, but is now walking the picket line. She told the Times Colonist, “I’m very worried about the public education system. It feels like it has all been taken away gradually.” Ongoing cuts and lack of funding has led teachers to wonder whether the government believes in public education, Ann McLean says.
British Columbia lawyers voted overwhelmingly on June 10, 2014 in favour of a motion directing the Benchers of the Law Society of BC to declare that Trinity Western University is not an approved faculty of law, with 77% voting in favour. West Coast LEAF, an organization 
Austin Mardon is an academic, author, and community leader who has participated in community based volunteerism and is an advocate for the disabled. He has also struggled with schizophrenia for much of his adult life. In 2006, Austin became the first Canadian with schizophrenia to be awarded the Order of Canada. In a 
Please join the Columbian Centre Society’s Board of Directors for our 
In the years since their daughter, Reena Virk, was murdered in Victoria B.C., Suman and Manjit Virk have made their work against bullying a top priority. In November 2009 British Columbia’s Solicitor General 
