B.C. premier still hopeful as teachers’ union seeks strong strike mandate

VANCOUVER – Premier Christy Clark says it’s still not impossible for the province to get a negotiated deal with B.C. teachers, even as their union is poised to announce whether members want to walk off the job.

More than 40,000 teachers were eligible to cast ballots yesterday and today as the B.C. Teachers’ Federation urged a strong, full-scale strike mandate.

Results are expected later tonight on whether schools could be shuttered by a prolonged walkout, potentially disrupting the close of the school year.

Clark says she has the will to get a settlement at the bargaining table and is ready to bring in a mediator, but only if the two sides get closer in their positions.

The union must give three days’ notice before launching a full-scale strike.

Teachers held an illegal strike for 10 days in the fall of 2005 but stopped picketing after conceding their efforts wouldn’t get them a deal.