The Teachers’ Union says the province has a “major” retention and recruitment issue in the K-12 system.

Union President Dale Lambe says schools are squeezed and with increasing incidents of violence in schools, teachers are seeking the supports they need just to keep kids safe and educated.

He says the union is launching its school safety campaign next week. “We need everyone working together to stop school violence. All parties have a (part) to play, (it) all can’t come back on teachers.”

He cites the horrific Tumbler Ridge incident in British Columbia earlier this year and the report that was released this week.

“It really shows the importance of government providing us with direction, providing us with information, and making sure that things are alleviated so that violence doesn’t make its way into our schools.”