The education of our children is of paramount importance, and whatever WE decide, it will have to be considered with caution and a lot of thought

A ten year teachers contract? It's an idea that our premier, Christy Clark decided to float this week.

One of the things that I heard Christy point out was that with something like this in place, a child currently in Grade 3, would be able to get through all grades to graduation without a disruption.

Hmmm ... but what about a child that is currently in grade 1 or grade 2?

I'm not saying this is a bad idea, but what I question is the need to have a contract going for this length of time.

If I was a teacher, I would sure question whether to have something like this. After all, who knows what economic conditions will be next year ... never mind 6, 7, or 8 years from now.

And what would the government have to give up to get teachers to agree to a contract of that length?? I find it highly unlikely that teachers will go for anything like this, WITHOUT there being a huge carrot at the end.

ALSO ... on top of questionable economic conditions for everyone ... in terms of inflation, cost of living, etc ... how is the government going to know, with any certainty, what the population growth rates are going to be? Will we end up with the government locked into employing teachers where there are no jobs for them?

I just think the whole thing has far to many questions, and uncertainty, to even be considered.

On the other hand ... perhaps if the two sides sat down to look at better ways of working out wage structures, classroom composition, needs of students, etc ... that would be a far more productive and useful idea worthy of consideration.

Why do both sides need to bring themselves to the precipice of strike action every couple of years?

Meantime ... the other day I asked if people had any suggestions regarding issues of importance ... what was working well ... what wasn't ... what we needed to do better.

One of the suggestions and comments that came back to me was:

Since you have asked I will respond with public education and our society's attitude toward being an educated, healthy, happy citizen to ensure each individual person has success within their potential. 

If we do not ensure our students are educated, and, somewhat competitive with themselves as individual to ensure their own success; the majority will not be successful in their chosen career.

It means a lot to me to see this initiative being taken -- and it shows me that our members know what is important

I'm glad to see the thoughts of Kamloops area BC Conservative Party members is being refocused back where it belongs -- raising the profile of party -- and raising campaign funds.

I've just returned from a coffee meeting this morning with a member looking to see how we can go about making contact with some of the small business people in the area, and if we can form a group to begin doing that work.

It means a lot to me to see this initiative being taken -- and it shows me that our members know what is important to the party -- getting our message of common sense government out to each and every person in BC!

So what is that message? 

Well anyone can read "What We Stand For" in the basic Guiding Principles of the BC Conservative party.

The party is also saying that it plans to; “… focus on the major issues facing citizens today and into the future.”

The party has also acknowledged what we all know to be true and that, simply put, “… the greatest asset is our people.”

If the greatest asset of our province, is its' people, then what can government do to allow that asset (a useful or valuable quality, person, or thing; an advantage or resource) to grow and achieve its' maximum potential?   

Here is what I am personally wondering:

You may well understand what I'd think of anyone, who made the claim, any of the individuals was not dealt with in a process that included much thought and deliberation

As many of you know, I am the Regional Director of the BC Conservative Party, for the Kamloops Thompson Fraser Nicola region.

Some in the media have accused our party of being quick to react to criticism, of being harsh and uncaring.

I'm not asking for sympathy, however the reality of my weekend included two separate provincial board meetings for the BC Conservative Party.  

One of these lasted 3 hours and 15 minutes ... the other of which was 3 hour and 30 minutes -- dealing with problems arising from very public comments made by some of not just a lack of support of John Cummins, but that he resign, despite the overwhelming will of the membership who have a completely different opinion.

Several hours were also needed to go over material and information prior to these meetings ... and for follow-up today.

Suffice to say you may well understand what I'd think of anyone, who made the claim, any of the individuals was not dealt with in a process that included much thought and deliberation.

And the result?