Facilitator quits to make space at table for mediator in B.C. teachers’ dispute

VANCOUVER – An independent facilitator who’s spent the past year trying to help B.C.’s teachers’ union and the government reach a deal has quit his post.

Mark Brown resigned Thursday night after the BC Teachers’ Federation unilaterally called for a mediator as a full-blown strike continues with both sides far apart.

A government spokesman says Brown’s decision to leave is unfortunate because he’s familiar with all the issues, but the facilitator felt he had lost the union’s confidence.

A union spokesman says Brown was well-informed of the decision to call on veteran mediator Vince Ready to join the talks and says it’s a normal next step for the facilitator to take his leave.

The government has not yet agreed to appoint Ready, but says it’s open to bringing in a neutral third party to try and reach a negotiated settlement by month’s end.

More than 40,000 teachers across the province are on picket lines in the dispute over wages and classroom conditions.