The B.C. Teachers’ Federation – mostly – likes what they saw in the provincial budget.

BCTF 2nd Vice President Clint Johnstone says the union welcomes $550-million for capital investment and new schools.

But with the union beginning a new round of bargaining with the province this week, the question is does the budget table the dollars needed to get a deal done?

“On the face of it no, but yes. How’s that?” he said. “There’s a contingency fund always, and because of the way the school year runs versus the fiscal year, you’d have a few months to operate out of that contingency.”

“So we’ll see what the next budget brings.”

As the two sides go back to the bargaining table this week, Johnstone adds new and expanded schools are key to achieving class size and composition mandates.

“It’s essential,” he noted. “That’s why its so nice to see the continued investment because if we have the language in place that supports students and puts those resources in, it still not possible to do in some districts.”

“It’s absolutely essential that more spaces get created as quickly as possible.”

Johnstone says the budget also falls short in addressing teacher recruitment and retention – but is hopeful that some of those issues can be addressed in upcoming negotiations.