The provincial government appointed Dr. Charles Jago to mediate the teacher contract talks this week, with Jago likening the job to a kind of "mission impossible."
When asked if he was hopeful the parties could reach a negotiated contract, Jago said he wasn't, but that he would "give it an honest try."
Jago is the author of the 2006 report, Working Together to Improve Per-formance: Preparing B.C.'s Public Education System for the Future.
He is also a former president of the University of Northern B.C. and has held academic appointments in Canadian universities for more than 40 years.
"His extensive involvement in major public issues includes service as a commissioner on the Nechako Environmental Enhance-ment Fund, chair of the Fraser Basin Council and co-chair of the Premier's Consultation on Northern British Columbia Cancer Care, which has lead to the construction of the Northern Cancer Centre," a press release from government noted.
Other credentials listed by the government include Jago's receipt of the Queen's Jubilee Medal and the Order of Canada.
But Sunshine Coast Teachers' Association (SCTA) president Louise Herle doesn't see this list of accomplishments as the makings of a mediator.
"I can tell you he has no mediation experience or background. He has no legal background and no experience as an arbitrator," Herle said.
The B.C. Teachers' Federation (BCTF) recommended two different mediators they felt were more suited for the position, but found out neither could take on the job this week.
"There was a letter from Minister [George] Abbott that said the Minister of Justice advised the courts that they would not release either of the two nominees, Justice Kelleher or Justice Donald, to do this work, so that's unfortunate as well," Herle said.
Adding to the BCTF's disappointment with the appointment of Jago was the way they found out about it.
"First of all, the union did not receive any notification about the appointment of the mediator. In fact I heard from our president Susan Lambert that she heard about it on the radio communication is important for trust, and we received no notification," Herle said.
She did say the teachers plan to work with the mediator to try to craft a new contract under the net zero mandate.
"Of course the union will participate fully, we will remain positive, and we expect a democratic process," she said.
Jago will have until the end of June to mediate an agreement. If no agreement can be reached, he will issue a report to government with non-binding recommendations.
