A generation of meddling and provocation by Christy Clark has led to the chaos British Columbians are seeing in their classrooms today, say the New Democrats.

“When the current crop of high school graduates was just entering elementary school, the current premier was introducing a law that stripped class size and composition from bargaining,” said New Democrat Leader John Horgan. “Twice, the courts found the Liberal government violated the constitution and drove the system into chaos, but the premier has not learned her lesson.

“Here we are 12 years later, and the B.C. Liberals have issued a lockout directive that was so confusing it required a five-page explanation. School boards and parent groups have both expressed frustration at the lack of clarity from the government.”

Horgan said the confusion was unfair to the hundreds of thousands of British Columbia parents and students who count on stability in the education system.

Last week, Premier Clark publicly inferred that teachers are greedy, saying “It’s all about money, it’s never about quality of education.” Education critic Rob Fleming said publicly insulting teachers is not the way to get a deal.

“At a time when negotiations are underway, it’s crucial for the government to reduce tensions, but this premier keeps stirring up the hornet’s nest,” said Fleming. “If the B.C. Liberals really wanted stability in our education system, they would start acting like adults, take responsibility for the chaos they have created in education and negotiate in good faith.

“B.C.’s kids and parents deserve better than what they’re getting from the B.C. Liberal government.”