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Capilano University comments on B.C. Budget 2018

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Tag(s): Media

NORTH VANCOUVER B.C. – Toran Savjord, acting president of Capilano University, provides the following statements on B.C. Budget 2018.

Over three years, an investment of more than $1 billion will set the province on the path to a universal child-care plan that will make child-care affordable for parents and caregivers, create more than 22,000 child-care spaces throughout the province, and ensure those spaces meet rigorous quality and safety standards. – B.C. Budget 2018

As a recognized leader in early childhood education, Capilano University welcomes the historic investment in childcare in B.C. Budget 2018. In addition to creating thousands of new childcare spaces, the plan highlights the importance of high-quality early learning and the significant expansion of the early childhood educator workforce. Capilano University is well-positioned to meet this need. The University offers the credential programs required for licensure in the province and one of only two bachelor’s degrees in the field in Canada.

A historic investment of $50 million this fiscal year to support the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages in B.C. and $30 million over three years for the Indigenous Skills Training Development Fund supporting programs such as computer literacy and safety training. – B.C. Budget 2018

With support of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training’s Aboriginal Service Plan, Capilano University has offered Language and Culture certificate programs in the Lil'wat, Squamish and Sechelt communities over the past four years. The University also delivers a range of educational programming and skills-based training, with support of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Aboriginal and Northern Development Canada. This programming is offered in collaboration with the Sechelt, Squamish and Lil’wat Nations in North Vancouver, the Pemberton region and on the Sunshine Coast. We commend the government for its commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and welcome the opportunities this funding provides to support all of our First Nation partners in reaching their educational and cultural goals.

Confirming the removal of fees for Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning to give people opportunities to grow and succeed. – B.C. Budget 2018

The University is pleased that the removal of fees for Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Language Learning (ELL) has been confirmed in B.C. Budget 2018. This initiative will assist individuals seeking to upgrade their education, reduce barriers to learning and facilitate participation in the workforce. Since fees for ABE classes were eliminated September 1, 2017, CapU has seen enrolment in this area grow significantly. Enrolment in ABE is up 42 per cent for the spring term at our North Shore campus and 68 per cent on the Sunshine Coast.

A $548 million investment over three years will mean better residential care for seniors and more qualified support staff in assisted living facilities. – B.C. Budget 2018

Capilano University applauds the significant commitment to seniors care in B.C. Budget 2018. Faculty in our Health Care Assistant program are keen to play their part in improving residential and community care by graduating highly qualified individuals to work in these settings. 

$450 million student housing program that will allow public post-secondary institutions to borrow from government and finance student housing projects, which previously was not permitted. – B.C. Budget 2018

Capilano University appreciates the provincial government’s commitment to student housing, as this is a primary need for our students at this time.

About Capilano University 
Capilano University is a teaching-focused university based in North Vancouver, with programming serving the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. The University offers 99 programs, including bachelor’s degrees in areas as diverse as film, jazz, early childhood education and tourism management. Capilano University enrols approximately 10,500 students each year, 8,200 in for-credit programs and 2,300 in non-credit courses. Capilano University is named after Chief Joe Capilano, an important leader of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) Nation of the Coast Salish people. Our campuses are located on the territories of the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Sechelt (shíshálh), Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. 

For more information, or to schedule interviews, please contact:  

Cheryl Rossi 
Senior Communications Advisor 
Capilano University 
t: 604 983 7596 
c: 778 879 7119 
e: cherylrossi@capilanou.ca  
www.capilanou.ca

Submitted by: Cheryl Rossi

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Communications & Media Relations

Linda Munro
604-220-8937
mediarelations@capilanou.ca