2014-02-14 The Honourable Peter Fassbender Ministry of Education PO BOX 9058 STN PROV GOVT Victoria, B.C.

V8W 9E2 Dear Minister Fassbender: The Burnaby Board of Education has reviewed B.C. Supreme Court Justice Griffins decision and the governments decision to appeal. It is the opinion of the Board that this generates considerable uncertainty and erodes confidence within the public education system. In order to resolve the matter as quickly as possible and restore public confidence in the system the Board urges government to: Withdraw the appeal; Negotiate through the labour relations grievance process a stay of implementation of the 2002 collective agreement provisions that would disrupt student learning in the current school year. This would provide immediate stability to the system and still respect B.C. Supreme Court Justice Griffins decision; Provide adequate funding to cover all costs relating to grievances and settlements arising from the judgement; Provide adequate funding to ensure districts are able to return to compliance with the collective agreements that are now in effect; Continue negotiations in good faith to achieve a new collective agreement prior to the beginning of the 2014-15 school year.

Your timely attention to this matter is much appreciated. Sincerely,

Baljinder Narang Chairperson Burnaby Board of Education C: Burnaby MLAs BCSTA Member Boards Burnaby Board of Education Kevin Kaardal, Superintendent of Schools/CEO D. Greg Frank, CPA,CA Secretary Treasurer

5325 Kincaid Street, Burnaby, BC V5G 1W2 604-296-6900 www.sd41.bc.ca