Home > Publications > Briefs and Position Papers
Conflict of Interest Legislation and Regulations
The issue
A proliferation of businesses wish to profit from public schools in BC and a number of organizations wish to influence content, pedagogy, and delivery of education. This is particularly the case because of the increases of education technology being purchased
by schools and because we are in the process of a substantial revision of curriculum.
The BCTF brought to the attention of the previous Minister of Education two types of specific concerns. One was that of consultants leading Ministry curriculum revision teams, influencing the development of the curricula and sample material while employed
by private corporations in the business of writing materials linked to the BC curricula.
Another concern brought to government was that of senior school district administrators who have formal or informal affiliations with outside interests that may be inappropriately influencing district administrators. Some, for example, have leant their
names and photos in support of particular technologies being promoted.
Key recommendations
Recommendation 1
That the provincial government enact legislation to establish conflict of interest regulations for school districts and would require school secretary-treasurers, superintendents, and deputy superintendents, on an annual basis in a public report made
to school boards, to make disclosures on the following:
- affiliations with
other education-related organizations
- affiliations with any corporations or
businesses that do business with or intend to do business with a BC school
district
- any and all income,
honorariums, or payment for service
- any in-kind services
or gifts from other organizations or corporations
- participation in or attendance at
activities organized by corporations.
Recommendation 2
That Ministry staff and consultants working on curriculum development sign an agreement indicating that they will not enter into contracts with business or corporations developing resources in related curriculum areas to sell to BC education at any level.