21.44°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

BCAug 17, 2026

Two homes damaged by fire in Port Coquitlam, about 12 people displaced

About 12 people were displaced after a fire damaged two adjoining homes on the 1900 block of Langan Avenue in Port Coquitlam on Sunday morning. Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services sent more than 20 firefighters and an aerial ladder truck to the scene. Deputy Fire Chief Jason Marshall said crews arrived at about 10 a.m. to find both homes involved in the fire. One firefighter was injured while crews worked to contain the blaze. According to officials, the firefighter was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. The injuries were not considered life-threatening. Both homes sus
CanadaAug 17, 2026

Woman dies after entering Lake Ontario at Mississauga park

A woman has died after being swept into Lake Ontario at Jack Darling Memorial Park in Mississauga on Saturday night. According to Peel Regional Police, the incident happened at about 10:30 p.m. The woman was near the lake when she entered the water. Police have not confirmed the circumstances that led to her going into the lake. Emergency crews launched a search operation after the incident was reported. Police said the woman was pulled from the water at about 11:15 p.m., roughly 45 minutes after the search began. Paramedics took her to hospital in critical condition, where she later died desp
CanadaAug 17, 2026

Canada-U.S. trade talks enter critical stage as tariff differences remain

Canada and the United States have entered a critical stage in trade negotiations this week as Ottawa works to avoid new 50 per cent tariffs proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc held a virtual meeting over the weekend with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Canada’s chief trade negotiator, Jannis Charette, also took part. LeBlanc remained in Washington on Monday, although no additional meetings were scheduled. According to sources, negotiations remain stalled over tariffs on lumber and automobiles. U.S. negotiators have refused to reduce t
peter-milobar-announces-departure-from-b-c-conservative-caucus
BCAug 14, 2026

Peter Milobar Announces Departure from B.C. Conservative Caucus

Senior B.C. Conservative MLA Peter Milobar has formally announced that he is leaving the party caucus, effective immediately. He will now sit as an independent MLA for Kamloops Centre in the B.C. legislature. Milobar said that over the past several months, it had become increasingly clear to him that his personal values no longer aligned with the party’s new direction under Leader Kami-Leon Findlay. He said he fully respects Findlay’s right to shape the party according to her vision, but stressed that his top priority remains serving the people of Kamloops Centre, a commitment that has not
gunfire-outside-former-jathedar-giani-raghbir-singhs-residence
IndiaAug 14, 2026

Gunfire Outside Former Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh’s Residence

A firing incident involving the vehicle of former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and former Head Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh, has come to light. The incident was discovered when his driver noticed a bullet lodged in the vehicle while cleaning it and immediately informed the police. Giani Raghbir Singh said police have launched an investigation into the incident. He added that he also checked the CCTV footage outside his residence. According to the footage, a sound believed to be a gunshot was heard at around 11:04 p.m. on August 12, after which the security guard pres

Related News