2024 BCTF AGM Executive Committee Candidate Statements

BCTF AGM 2024

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

BCTF AGM 2024

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATE

For President Clint Johnston Chilliwack

EXPERIENCE

International: CTF Delegation Head, EI World Congress; ISTP 2018; Bolivia 2016

National: CTF Vice-President 5x

Provincial: BCTF First & Second Vice-President, Member-at-Large

Local: President & other Teaching: 20 yrs; B.Ed. Elementary & BHK (UBC)

FORWARD TOGETHER

Our last contract saw many improvements for members, but there remain significant gaps in workload that must improve to relieve the pressure that is burning teachers out. We’ve worked hard engaging as many members as possible in conversations over the past year to inform our collective path forward on these issues this round. In May we will come together to set those objectives collectively. Then, as we finish preparing for and then begin bargaining next year, it will be vital to continue voicing the shortage concerns, impacts, and stories of members publicly. We must do this to ensure the public understands the issues but also to build solidarity for whatever actions are necessary to achieve our goals.

The teacher shortage crisis continues to impact all of us through increased workload, erosion of services, worsening mental health, higher attrition rates, and more. There is work underway by the Ministry on an overall strategy to address it, and we will continue to take the experiences of members across the province to that table to ensure that strategies are based in the on-theground realities.

You have hopefully undertaken one of the new modules offered to delegates of the AGM to help us all move our learning forward about antiracism and anti-oppression. This is just one piece of the ongoing work that we are doing internally to work toward becoming a more anti-racist and anti-oppressive union that better represents and provides opportunities to all of our members. I hope that, as I am, you are committed to individually and collectively putting the work in to get us there. For us to have the most power possible as a union, we must have every member feel heard, seen, and included.

It would be a privilege to represent colleagues again next year.

Facebook: facebook.com/clint.johnston.92

X: @ClintJohnston7

For President

Jillian Maguire Vancouver Secondary

EXPERIENCE

Jillian Maguire has taught over 5,000 students and remembers the days of decent funding and reasonable class sizes. She is actively fighting for a livable future for all children through climate action and pension divestment.

JILLIAN MAGUIRE FOR PRESIDENT

I have been teaching since 1996 and remember the days of decent funding and reasonable working conditions. Our BC public education system has eroded so much it is almost unrecognizable. I teach in a school of 1,600 and there are FOUR education assistants in the regular program. I have watched as teacher after teacher takes medical leave because of illness, exhaustion, and even assault.

Provincial funding has essentially been cut in half, so we need a hefty increase, but we also need to address ballooning administration. One district I researched spends over $3.5 million on district principals, directors of instruction, and administrative overages. That’s equivalent to 40 full-time teachers. We need to redirect funding to those providing direct services to students. Let’s get all those people with teaching degrees back in the classroom. Even the superintendents could benefit from a day or two a week on the EOC list….

We are also in an unprecedented climate emergency that threatens all life on earth. That is why I co-founded the BCTF Divest Now campaign to fight for divestment of our pensions from the $1.25 billion in fossil fuels holdings. Recently, we found out about holdings in 19 corporations that manufacture missiles, guns, and bombs. If, as we claim, teachers care and kids matter, we cannot stand for our salaries being mined for war and climate destruction.

We need courageous leaders willing to fight for our children’s future and our teachers’ sanity. I’ve spent time in a jail cell for demanding climate justice. I have a proven track record fighting for what I believe in and am ready to transform the BCTF back into a social justice union.

Read my work here: medium.com/@jillimag5

Follow me on Instagram: @jillian_maguire

On TikTok: @jillian4thekids

For First Vice-President Carole Gordon

Central Okanagan

EXPERIENCE

Provincial: First VP (current), Second VP 3yrs, Executive 9yrs, Pensions, CTF Trustee, AGM 21yrs

Local: Executive (Second VP, H&S, Bargaining), Staff Rep

Community: Labour Council President, United Way

Teaching: Prep, classroom, TTOC (since 1991)

EXPERIENCE, DEDICATION, LEADERSHIP

It continues to be an honour to serve the Federation membership as First Vice-President. My second year has brought increased responsibility in bargaining, media, and advocacy, and I’m eager to carry on as a table officer in this important work.

Bringing the issue of inadequate working conditions to the attention of the public, Ministry, and government has been a priority this past year, reflecting the priority that teachers place on it as the number one reason to leave the profession. The ad campaign has resonated with both members and parents, developing a greater public understanding of how the teacher shortage is impacting public education. We’ve increased the lobbying of MLAs and the premier, and decision-makers in government are hearing directly from members how classroom conditions and policy changes are impacting their work in an underfunded, underresourced, and underserved profession. It’s difficult for teachers to provide the necessary supports to students when they themselves aren’t receiving the important resources and care.

The impacts of racism and anti-SOGI campaigns across the province publicly and inside schools add to the unsustainable working and learning conditions in complex classrooms. It’s important for the Federation to continue looking inward at improving our own systems and structures, and to take strong stands publicly to support inclusive and socially just schools.

There are many opportunities this coming year to continue advocating for members and students across BC, including implementation of a K–12 workforce strategy, a provincial election, a BC Federation of Labour Convention, and local and provincial bargaining. Continuing to engage members, parents, labour, politicians, and community in keeping public education a public priority will take strong voices at every table. My commitment to the 50,000 BCTF members remains my motivation to continuing this work, and in seeking support for another year as First Vice-President.

For Second Vice-President Robin Tosczak

Greater Victoria EXPERIENCE

Provincial: Second Vice-President; Member-at-Large; Provincial Bargaining Team; Teacher Magazine & TTOC Advisory committees, workshop facilitator

Local: Executive (First VP, Grievance Officer, H&S, LR, Treasurer); Labour Council; Contract & Bargaining committees

Teaching: Elementary, ELL, inclusive education

EFFECTIVE AND RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP

Representing teachers as your Second VicePresident this year has been a privilege. I’ve appreciated opportunities to connect with members and local leadership from around the province. Hearing first-hand what you’re facing enables me to effectively advocate on your behalf at the provincial level.

My ongoing advocacy focus is teachers’ workload and the ongoing teacher shortage. We know that the two are intertwined and urgent, and so we are pushing for immediate responses, along with a comprehensive and funded plan to ensure teaching in BC is an attractive and sustainable career.

We’re heading into a bargaining year. As a lead negotiator on the last provincial bargaining team, I’m proud of the gains we’ve made, and I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish in the next round. We’re getting ready, and I continue to be excited about talking with teachers and strategizing together around working conditions and other important issues.

In schools and as a union, we’re committed to creating safe and welcoming spaces. In the face of rising discrimination and hate, we need to continue organizing, mobilizing, and fighting back.

In this role, I have built on the skills, knowledge, and experience I gained in a range of positions in my local, including health and safety officer, secretary-treasurer, full-time grievance officer, first vice-president, and labour council representative. On topics ranging from bargaining to violence prevention and from political strategy to long-term financial planning, I understand the diverse responsibilities and needs of local offices, the importance of direct support for members, and the value of organizing and mobilizing for strength and solidarity.

Thank you for all you do in your schools, communities, and locals. I look forward to serving alongside you in the coming year.

robintosczak.ca

twitter.com/rbntzk

facebook.com/rbntzk

For 2SLGBTQIA+ Member-at-Large Chris

Perrier-Evely

Nanaimo

EXPERIENCE

NDTA: Full Release Professional Issues Officer, Pro-D Co-Chair

Teaching: 10.5 years: Prince George, Nanaimo; elementary classroom, resource

Education: B.Ed., Special Education Diploma, M.Ed.—Leadership (VIU)

Community: M@L/Secretary, Nanaimo Pride Society

COMPASSION, TENACITY, AND ADAPTABILITY

I have always been connected to union work, but it wasn’t until the 2SLGBTQIA+ designated position was presented that I saw myself as part of the provincial leadership role. Representation matters, and I’m proud to be part of the Federation’s work improving intersectionality in our structures.

I believe in the BCTF, and I feel that my experience in the community and my commitment to equity and inclusion make me a great advocate for teachers and public education. In my community, my classroom, and the local office, I listen to understand, and build relationships.

I believe in an engaged membership, a democratic bargaining table, and real, meaningful equity. When we have an informed, inclusive membership, we are so much stronger. I’m a problem-solver; I think and live outside the box; and I understand the power of representation in leadership structures. I recognize that in a role on the EC, I serve members. While I’m running for a position that supports queer and trans equity, I believe that all members are served by increased representation and anti-oppression work.

My approach to leadership reflects a memberdriven, collaborative ethic of union work. If diverse equity-seeking members are involved at all levels, and when marginalized voices are amplified, unions can be progressive organizing spaces. I support intersectional work in our union, and this needs to be a central consideration as we head into bargaining. Equity isn’t something that sits alongside health and safety, professional issues, or working conditions at the bargaining table, it is embedded in all parts of our work, with the union and our school communities.

I love being a teacher, ally, mentor, and advocate. I hope that my provincial work empowers and engages other 2SLGBTQIA+ members and connects every member to our shared values and aspirations.

Facebook: Chris Perrier-Evely for BCTF Memberat-Large

Website: perrierevely.ca

For Aboriginal Member-at-Large Brenda Celesta Kamloops Thompson

WEYTK-P, HELLO MY NAME IS BRENDA CELESTA. I am Secwépemc/ Nlaka’pamux currently teaching in Kamloops Thompson. I have taught in math and social studies secondary classrooms for over 20 years and currently in a district teaching position. As a classroom teacher with 12 years local union experience, I am familiar with the issues that members are facing, as they relate to our collective agreement. I have gained valuable knowledge pertaining to these issues through attending zones, past AGMs, and sitting on the BCTF Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee.

I value the work of the union and understand what is important to members as we move forward into a bargaining year. I am an advocate for protecting our rights as teachers and have the knowledge and experience to speak clearly on behalf of members as I know my union has provided me with opportunity, and, if elected, I will have a chance to give back. I am dedicated to clearly advocating on issues related to the teaching profession using a strong voice as part of my commitment. I would be honoured to serve on the 2024–25 BCTF Executive Committee (Aboriginal designation).

Kukwstsétsemc (Thank you) to the those who walked before me and thank you for the support of my local, and to the members who joined me and trusted me to be a part of this union journey by voting for me at the Winter RA.

ENDORSEMENT

Brenda will be a strong advocate and dedicated representative on the BCTF Executive. Her integrity and vision have been a powerful and knowledgeable influence for our membership locally and provincially in several roles: classroom teacher, Aboriginal resource teacher, KTTA Aboriginal Education Chair, and BCTF Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee and BCTF Executive Committee representative. Brenda has our unequivocal support for Aboriginal Memberat-Large.

— Darcy Martin, President,  Kamloops Thompson Teachers’ Association

For

Member of Colour

Member-at-Large

Peter Persad

Kamloops Thompson

EXPERIENCE

29-year career as a professional educator (humanities teacher > counsellor > vp > humanities teacher), teacher advocate, anti-racism advocate, union activist, strike captain, Indigenous lead teacher, tri-lingual, professional counsellor, father of four adult children, husband, guitar-player, dog-lover, biker, warrior.

AS A PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR

for three decades, I have watched education, and especially the role of the classroom teacher, become more and more critical to our country. The classrooms of Canada are becoming the battleground for our citizenry in ways I never could have imagined 30 years ago.

Will our children be raised to value diversity, equity, and inclusion of all people? These values that are the bedrock of every public school in British Columbia, that we strive every day to uphold as ethical practitioners, have become politicized by many who see what we do as purveyors of a “woke” ideology. With the onslaught of social media, our ability as classroom teachers to both teach critical-thinking skills and create empathy-building environments, seems simultaneously “monumental” and absolutely necessary. Never has the role of the teacher been more important than at this critical juncture; it feels like society is counting on US to protect our kids, instill values in our kids, and equip our kids with the skills to deal with a volatile world. And that’s just Monday.

As an experienced educator, I have the necessary perspective, skill set, and energy required to hear teachers and to advocate for you. I humbly seek your support.

kamloopscounselling.com

For Member-at-Large Jelana Bighorn Vancouver Secondary

EXPERIENCE

Provincial: BCTF Executive Committee MAL, BCTF

Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee member

Local: Vancouver Secondary Teachers’ Association Executive Committee, Indigenous Chair

Education: B.A. in History (UBC) 2004; B.Ed. (UBC) 2006; M.A. (UBC) continuing

INTEGRITY, JUSTICE, COURAGE, AND HONESTY

Greetings, relatives. I am Jelana Bighorn and my parents are Jacob and Deloria Bighorn. As a registered member of the Fort Peck Sioux Tribes in Montana, I am an uninvited guest on the territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and TsleilWaututh nations. I have also lived on the lands of the Nisga’a (New Aiyansh, BC) and Quw’utsun (Duncan, BC) peoples. I honour the traditional stewards of this land.

For over 16 years I have endeavored to strengthen decolonization initiatives within the classroom and throughout school structures. As a current Member-at-Large on the BCTF Executive Committee I have brought that perspective and experience to the decision-making table in a meaningful way. The knowledge and experiences of my colleagues inform my advocacy, activism, strong values, and principles. In my work on your behalf, I have committed to strengthening our profession, union and members; improving the lived experiences of teachers and addressing front-line challenges; and building a sustainable, accessible, diverse union for the future. I commit to transparency, open and accountable leadership, and member-driven, values-based decisionmaking.

Teaching is a noble, sacred institution, and teachers understand that our work is defined by relationships—to our union, to one another, and to our students. I am a human being, a teacher who, like you, wants the very best for their students, but desperately needs both the acknowledgment of, and improvements to, our working conditions. With the upcoming bargaining year our union has a new opportunity to achieve meaningful improvements to the daily lives of teachers. I will continue to offer all my energy, knowledge, experience, and determination to the realization of those goals.

I ask for your support and your trust, and I look forward to connecting with you as we work together for a strong union and a strong membership.

Facebook: Jelana Bighorn for BCTF EC

Instagram: @jelanabighorn

Website: jelanabighorn.ca

For Member-at-Large Winona Waldron Greater Victoria

EXPERIENCE

National (CTF): Bargaining panelist, Women’s Symposium presenter, Daughters of the Vote facilitator, AGM Delegate

Provincial: Member-at-Large, Women in Negotiations, WLC/BAC, Local Rep, AGM Delegate

Local: President, Vice-President, Bargaining and Contract Chair, Staff Rep

Community: Labour Council Executive

EMPOWERING EDUCATORS: ADDRESSING TEACHER SHORTAGES AND IMPROVING WORKING CONDITIONS

Educators face increasingly challenging working conditions that hinder our ability to recruit and retain teachers. Across the province, members feel the impact deeply. The root causes are multifaceted: degraded working conditions, insufficient in-service for Ministry-mandated changes, and a rise in workplace violence. These issues are compounded by the high cost of living, the housing crisis, and the looming climate emergency. Addressing these challenges demands our unwavering attention and will be my top priority if elected.

I have actively pursued training to navigate these complexities and have translated knowledge into action. During the 2024 CLC Winter School, I completed the Benefits Bargaining course, equipping myself to advocate effectively for meaningful enhancements to our dental and extended health plans. As the local lead negotiator in recent rounds, I successfully secured improvements to our local language, including equity hiring agreements for Indigenous, Black, and members of colour, as well as robust health and safety provisions and anti-racist workplace protocols. My extensive experience in bargaining and deep understanding of the grievance and arbitration process position me to support our bargaining team with strength and precision.

My commitment to empowering educators extends beyond rhetoric to tangible results. As a Member-at-Large on the BCTF Executive, I pledge to continue serving with dedication and integrity. With your support, we can ensure that Federation members and public education thrive. Together, we can create the positive change our profession and our students deserve.

facebook.com/WinonaWaldronBCTF

twitter.com/winonawaldron instagram.com/winonawaldron

GOVERNANCE OF THE BCTF

The BCTF is a democratically structured organization and the governance chart identifies the groups or bodies related to governance.

Members—Members of the BCTF ultimately determine the decisions and directions of the BCTF in two very important ways:

1. Members through locals elect delegates to the BCTF Annual General Meeting. The Annual General Meeting makes key decisions for the organization and elects the Executive Committee.

2. Members through locals elect local representatives, which make up the Representative Assembly. The Representative Assembly has key decision-making responsibilities.

Locals—Locals have the responsibility for acting on behalf of members regarding local matters. Members in locals elect their local president and executive, which guide the affairs of the local.

Annual General Meeting—The Annual General Meeting is composed of delegates and local representatives elected by members through locals, and the 12 members of the Executive Committee. There are approximately 670 voting delegates at an Annual General Meeting. The Annual General Meeting elects the Executive Committee, determines the fee, approves any changes to the by-laws,

establishes priorities for the next year, and makes the significant policy decisions of the Federation.

Constitution and by-laws—The constitution and by-laws establish the rules by which the organization is run. The by-laws establish the division of responsibilities among the major decisionmaking bodies and spell out what each level of decision making is authorized to do. The by-laws of the BCTF have to be followed by all bodies of the organization, including the Annual General Meeting. Only the Annual General Meeting can amend the by-laws, and only then with a 75% majority of delegates voting in favour. The by-laws are found in Part 2 of [the Members’ Guide] and spell out in more detail the role of each of the decision-making bodies.

Representative Assembly—The Representative Assembly meets three times a year and has the specific responsibilities of approving a budget and electing the Judicial Council and Committee of Ombudspersons. The Representative Assembly also makes policy and procedure decisions for the Federation.

Executive Committee—The Executive Committee of the BCTF is elected by the Annual General Meeting and consists of thirteen members. Three of them, the President, First Vice-President, and Second VicePresident, serve in a full-time capacity. There are ten Members-at-Large, with one position designated for a member who identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+, one designated for a member who identifies as Aboriginal, and one designated for a member who identifies as a person of colour. The immediate Past-President serves in a one-year term on the Executive Committee and, in those years, increases the Executive Committee to fourteen members.

The Executive Committee has overall responsibility for the running of the Federation. It meets monthly with additional meetings as necessary. The Executive Committee is the employer of BCTF staff and determines what work will be done in any given year. The Executive Committee also has responsibility for the creation and appointment of any advisory committees or task forces.

President—The President of the Federation has responsibility for overall supervision of the affairs of the organization in between meetings of the Executive Committee.

Commitment to Solidarity

That the following Commitment to Solidarity guide the conduct of members participating in BCTF meetings:

1. We believe that union solidarity is based on the principle that all members are equal and deserve mutual respect.

2. We understand that an inclusive union is a stronger union, and commit to embracing both unity and diversity.

3. We commit to ensuring that members of equity-seeking groups are welcomed, fully included, and treated equitably and respectfully at all Federation meetings and events.

4. We believe that all members have the right to feel safe and be treated with dignity at BCTF meetings.

5. We commit to conducting all Federation meetings in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and intolerance.

6. We undertake to give our full attention to members, presenters, and invited guests who are addressing our meetings.

7. We value vigorous discussion, welcome active participation, and encourage members to share perspectives and debate positions because through such debate we develop strong policies and practices.

8. We appreciate that our union has a long and spirited tradition standing up for firmly held views, and that we do this internally with each other and externally as a collective.

9. We respect our democratic processes and understand that, once our decisions are made, the collective position prevails.

Déclaration d’engagement pour la solidarité

Que la Déclaration d’engagement pour la solidarité suivante, guide la conduite des membres participant aux réunions de la FECB :

1. Nous croyons que la solidarité syndicale est fondée sur le principe de l’égalité des membres et de leur droit au respect mutuel.

2. Nous comprenons qu’un syndicat inclusif est un syndicat plus fort et nous nous engageons à accepter à la fois l’unité et la diversité.

3. Nous nous engageons à nous assurer que les membres des groupes en quête d’équité se fassent accueillir, inclure et traiter de manière équitable et respectueuse lors de toutes les réunions et de tous les événements de la Fédération.

4. Nous croyons que l’ensemble des membres a le droit de se sentir en sécurité et de se faire traiter avec dignité lors des réunions de la FECB.

5. Nous nous engageons à mener toutes les réunions de la Fédération dans un environnement libre de toutes formes de harcèlement, de discrimination et d’intolérance.

6. Nous nous engageons à accorder toute notre attention aux membres, aux personnes qui présentent et aux personnes invitées à nos réunions.

7. Nous valorisons les discussions dynamiques et la participation active. Nous encourageons les membres à partager leurs perspectives et à débattre de leurs positions, car grâce à ces débats, nous élaborons des politiques et des pratiques solides.

8. Nous apprécions que notre syndicat ait pour longue et solide tradition de défendre fermement ses opinions à l’interne ou à l’externe en tant qu’organisation.

9. Nous respectons nos processus démocratiques et comprenons qu’une fois que nos décisions sont prises, la position collective l’emporte.