Editorial — It can’t be back to ‘business as usual’

FRIDAY MORNING EDITORIAL — There were two important referendums Thursday, and the results of both ensure things will never be the same.

In Scotland, an amazing 84-per cent turnout rejected independence by a vote of 55 to 45 per cent. But Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, in an undaunted concession speech, said politics in the U.K. will “never be allowed to go back to business as usual.”

He pointed out that 1.6 million Scots voted for independence. While most districts voted no, the major industrial and cultural hub of Glasgow — Scotland’s largest city — voted yes. In an obvious reference to the promises heaped on Scotland late in the referendum campaign, Salmond spoke of “the scare and fear at the heart of the Westminster establishment.”

When he talked of “taking this nation forward,” was he referring to the United Kingdom, or Scotland and its continuing aspirations of nationhood?

No, things won’t be the same in Scotland. It didn’t achieve independence, but it achieved major concessions, and a truly outstanding engagement in the democratic process, including proof that 16-year-olds can be trusted to vote knowledgeably and responsibly.

In B.C., meanwhile, teachers voted 86 per cent in favour of settling their contract with the province. For many, it was a case of holding their noses, for they didn’t get everything they went on strike for.

They did get six years of security. The much talked about need for a new relationship and new processes between teachers and government is missing from the agreement, but there was no repeat of the legislated end to the strike that has marked previous labour disruptions.

A huge price was paid for this deal, but if it accomplished anything, it’s the re-affirmation that B.C. can’t return to ‘business as usual’ in the education system.