Threatened closure sparks extraordinary coalition
How often do you see arts groups joining with representatives from business, churches, mining companies and various levels of government? That was the scene when School District 28 Trustees listened to four hours of arguments in favour of keeping the Wells-Barkerville School open.
Unfortunately, despite such widespread support across the region and its political spectrum, the Trustees have resisted all appeals to rethink their decision to close the school. But support for the Wells-Barkerville School is coming from large unions like the BC Government and Service Employees Union, the Hospital Employees Union, and now, the BC Federation of Labour.
"The Federation is completely behind the people of Wells on this issue," said B.C. Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair. "It's totally unacceptable to risk children's lives and jeopardize the economic viability of this community to balance the budget."
The hunger strike to save the school has generated support from across the country and even the U.S. It inspired a piece by Michael Tickner of Vancouver for the One Minute Play Festival. The continuing strike will only intensify national scrutiny of School District 28.
But the Trustees have a choice: continue ignoring the increasing clamour, or spend half an hour at most to hold a meeting by conference call and reverse their decision.
I wonder how many Quesnel voters would agree with Gandhi, who said, "civil disobedience becomes a sacred duty when the state has becomes lawless or, which is the same thing, corrupt."
This article first appeared in the Quesnel Cariboo Observer.
Bill Horne is the Past President of Canadian Artists Representation B.C. He lives in Wells.
