16.07°C Vancouver

Aug 19, 2020 11:27 PM -

B.C. teachers' union calls for smaller classes, masks in back-to-school plan

Share On
b-c-teachers-union-calls-for-smaller-classes-masks-in-back-to-school-plan
President of the BC Teachers' Federation (BCTF) Teri Mooring is interviewed during a protest at the Victoria Convention Centre in Victoria, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. The B.C. Teachers' Federation wants the province to reduce class sizes and make the use of masks mandatory wherever physical distancing isn't possible as part of its back-to-school plan. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

The BC Teachers' Federation says it wants smaller classes and mandatory masks whereever possible as part of the provincial back-to-school plan amid the pandemic.

A statement from president Teri Mooring says the restart plan for Kindergarten to Grade 12 has made no change to classroom density and it's impossible to physical distance with 30 people in a classroom.

The union also wants dedicated funding for heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and expanding mandatory mask use for children aged 10 and older.

The provincial government has said masks will be required whenever students and teachers are outside their learning group when school resumes September 10th.

Latest news

BCJun 10, 2026

Daylight Shooting Between Vehicles in Surrey Damages Two Homes

A daytime shooting between two moving vehicles in Surrey has prompted an investigation by the Surrey Police Service's Major Crime Section. While no injuries were reported, two homes in the area were damaged by gunfire. According to SPS Media Relations Officer Sgt. Ali Gales, the incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. Tuesday near 66 Avenue and 129 Street in South Newton. Police say an occupant of one vehicle fired shots at a person in another vehicle before both vehicles fled the scene. Investigators believe the shooting was targeted, based on preliminary findings. However, police have stated tha
mission-rcmp-investigate-alleged-online-drug-sales-to-youth-three-arrested-in-abbotsford
BCJun 09, 2026

Mission RCMP investigate alleged online drug sales to youth; three arrested in Abbotsford

Mission RCMP say three people have been arrested following an investigation into an online drug delivery operation that allegedly sold cannabis and psilocybin products to minors in the Mission area. According to Mission RCMP, the investigation began earlier this year after a 16-year-old and their parent reported that the teenager had purchased psilocybin and cannabis through a website offering same-day delivery in Mission. Police said a second parent later reported that their teenager had purchased psilocybin gummies marketed with candy-themed branding through the same website. The allegations
dakha-mla-manpreet-singh-iyali-joins-akali-dal-waris-punjab-de
IndiaJun 09, 2026

Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Iyali joins Akali Dal–Waris Punjab De

Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Iyali has joined Akali Dal–Waris Punjab De, according to statements made by the party's leadership. Iyali said his political priorities within the organization would include seeking the release of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, who remains detained in Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam, advocating for the release of Sikh prisoners commonly referred to as "Bandi Singhs," and promoting Punjab's development. He also ruled out any possibility of an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that the organization would maintain an independent political course.
CanadaJun 09, 2026

Canada’s Trade Surplus Rises 55% in April as Higher Oil Prices Boost Exports

Canada recorded a merchandise trade surplus of $2.72 billion in April, up 55 per cent from the previous month and the highest level in 15 months, according to data released Tuesday by Statistics Canada. The increase was driven in part by higher crude oil prices, which supported the value of Canadian exports during the month. The latest figures come as global energy markets continue to respond to geopolitical tensions affecting oil supply and pricing. Despite federal efforts to diversify trade and reduce reliance on the United States amid ongoing trade disputes, the U.S. remained Canada’s dom
teen-missing-presumed-drowned-after-boat-capsizes-near-quesnel
BCJun 09, 2026

Teen missing, presumed drowned after boat capsizes near Quesnel

A 17-year-old from Prince George is presumed drowned after a boat carrying four people capsized on Stony Lake in British Columbia's central Interior, according to RCMP. Quesnel RCMP said three people aboard the vessel were able to reach shore safely after the incident. However, the boat's operator did not resurface and remains missing. Police identified the missing person as a 17-year-old male from Prince George. His family has been notified, RCMP said. Search efforts remained underway Tuesday. According to police, an underwater recovery team was expected to arrive at the lake to assist in the

Related News