Personally, I’m a huge believer in our public education
system. A strong public education system is a benefit to all of us, and one of
the most meaningful investments we can make in our kids and in our future.
What’s more, public education doesn’t just start at
kindergarten and stop at Grade 12. Our province’s pre-primary and
post-secondary education systems also play an important role in ensuring our
future generations are equipped with the skills they need to thrive.
Our government is committed to supporting every part of our
education system, and I’m proud of the work we’ve been doing. Just today, we announced
that School District 63 in Saanich will receive nearly $200,000 this year for
needed upgrades and new equipment in trades classrooms!
This investment will allow students to learn on the most
up-to-date technology and provide early exposure to some of the most rewarding
and in-demand careers in our province. This investment is just part of $3.5
million being distributed across the province and many school districts, including SD 61 in
Victoria, are set to benefit as well.
We’ve also taken meaningful steps to support the pre-primary
child care sector. As just one example, for the first time in the Province’s
history child care providers will be able to access repair, replacement and
relocation funds. Whereas providers previously had to pay out-of-pocket for
repair and facility upgrades, they can now focus on providing the quality care
that so many families need.
Finally, we’ve been continuing to support and work with our
partners at the post-secondary level. My colleague, the Minister of Advanced
Education, Skills, and Training been leading this file for our government.
Just two examples of the action we’ve taken includes a $1.5
million funding announcement to increase accessibility funding at 20
post-secondary institutions across the province. This funding will ensure education and employment
training is accessible and works for everyone.
A little closer to home, our government announced a new
$2.25 million graduate-student scholarship fund at UVIC that will help spark
innovation, economic growth, and research that benefits British Columbians
throughout the province.
Summer vacation will soon be upon us, but that doesn't mean the work will stop! I'm excited to continue on the progress we've made, and can't wait to see how these investments will impact our education system for years to come.
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| My colleague, the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training Melanie Mark, announcing new graduate funding at UVIC |
