Incoming and outgoing correspondence related to BCSTA’s advocacy efforts.
In follow-up to the June 15, 2020 presentation by BC School Trustees Association President Stephanie Higginson, BCSTA provided the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services with some additional information and comments.
[Received February 21, 2020] Director General Van Loon to President Higginson: “The Government of Canada is very concerned about the rapid rise in youth vaping. We are taking further action, including putting in place additional controls through regulations, investing in public education and intensifying enforcement of the legislation.”
[Sent January 20, 2020] President Higginson to Minister of Education Fleming: “The enclosed discussion paper identifies several specific concerns about school site acquisitions and lists recommendations for government consideration which are intended to address those concerns. The paper was developed as a result of engagement with every Board of Education and input from several boards.”
[Sent November 7, 2019] President Higginson to Federal Minister of Health Petitpas Taylor, BC Minister of Health Dix and BC Minister of Education Fleming: “The motion was passed unanimously by BCSTA’s membership and serves to highlight the overwhelming concerns our members have regarding the prevalence of vaping in BC’s public schools. While the true extent of
Continue Reading “Advocacy: Vape Awareness and Vape Cessation Resources for Youth”
[Received Oct 28, 2019] Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier James to President Higginson: “As you may be aware, a ministerial order was issued in April 2019 by the Minister of Education that required public schools to provide free menstrual products for students in school washrooms by the end of 2019. At that time, $300,000 in provincial
Continue Reading “Advocacy: Funding for Menstrual Product Dispensers – Response”
[Sent November 5, 2019] President Higginson to Minister Dix: “While most school trustees, and the school districts they represent, do not have a concern with fee paying international students being required to have and pay for medical services plan (MSP) coverage, the timing of the announcement of this policy change is highly problematic for the
Continue Reading “Advocacy: Implementation of MSP Requirement for International Students”
[Sent October 31, 2019] President Higginson to Minister Fleming: “While BCSTA remains fully committed to our position that the current funding model must be modernized, and to the jointly established guiding principles for change, we also recognize the need for individual boards to see and fully understand the impact of any changes that cabinet may
Continue Reading “Advocacy: Funding Distribution Model Feedback”
[Received July 29, 2019] Director General, Tobacco Control Directorate, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch Health Canada, Van Loon to President Higginson: “Health Canada shares the concerns you raised as well as those of parents, educators and public health stakeholders about the troubling trend of youth vaping and is continuing to take action. The Government of Canada has already
Continue Reading “Advocacy: E-Cigarettes and Vapour Products – Response”
[Sent September 4, 2019] President Higginson to Minister Fleming: “Our members noted current standards were last revised in 2004, and the limitations are becoming quite apparent. Their examples include, but are not limited to, a lack of space for visual and performing arts, minimal considerations for childcare programming, and insufficient gymnasium space.”
[Sent August 22, 2019] President Higginson to Minister Fleming, Minister Mark and UBCM President Singh: “The resolution notes several potential ideas for incentives that may press those working in rural communities to stay long-term, as well as attract quality talent. Many of our member boards, specifically those in remote and rural areas of the provinces,
Continue Reading “Advocacy: Recruitment and Retention Strategy”
