Advocacy: E-Cigarettes and Vapour Products – Response

[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

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Advocacy: Ministry Review of Area Standards for School Construction

[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.”

Advocacy: Recruitment and Retention Strategy

[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,

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Advocacy: Implementing CleanBC Plan for School Districts

[Sent August 15, 2019] President Higginson to Minister Fleming and Minister Heyman: “Support in the way of funding for new school construction and the retrofitting of current buildings, as well as operation guidelines, will do much to aid districts in meeting the goals outlined in CleanBC’s report. The full report indicates that changes must be

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Advocacy: Eligibility Requirements for Teacher Training

[Sent August 8, 2019] President Higginson to Minister Fleming and Minister Mark: “As indicated in the motion’s rationale, applicants in rural communities are often not able to meet the standards for admission to a teacher education program. This includes candidates with undergraduate degrees who indicated that equivalent education was not considered acceptable in the admission

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Advocacy: Funding for Exempt Staff Compensation

[Sent August 1, 2019] President Higginson to Minister James: “In response to the call from our membership, we request that you consider fully funding school district exempt staff through the Ministry of Education. Providing this funding will allow districts to allocate their budgets in order to focus spending on locally determined priorities such as improving

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Advocacy: E-Cigarettes and Vapour Products

[Sent July 11, 2019] President Higginson to Minister Petitpas Taylor and Minister Dix: “Similar to the marketing of traditional cigarettes in the past, the creators, distributors and sellers of e-cigarettes and vaping devices are focusing hard on creating life-long customers by targeting young people. Flavours appealing to younger demographics, such as bubble gum, and devices designed

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Advocacy: School Bus Safety

[Sent July 11, 2019] President Higginson to Minister Fleming and Minister Trevena: “Our member boards of education aim to respond to any requirements coming from the Federal Minister of Transportation’s Task Force on School Bus Safety once the report is released, and as such are proactively asking for support from government in order ensure that

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Advocacy: Mental Health Supports for Students with Intellectual Disabilities and or Autism

[Sent July 11, 2019] President Higginson to Ministers Darcy, Dix, Fleming and Mark: “Providing additional professional development and learning opportunities, focused on mental health and well-being, and aimed specifically at those working directly with children and youth afflicted with the difficulties outlined in the resolution, will undoubtedly provide a stronger foundation for both learners and

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Advocacy: Funding for Mental Health and Wellness Initiatives for Districts

[Sent July 11, 2019] President Higginson to Ministers Conroy, Darcy, Dix and Fleming: “Promoting positive mental health strategies in schools is an important initial step in providing support for those students who suffer, often in silence. Being proactive, and developing strategies that promote the importance of acknowledging mental health issues, and removing the stigmas surrounding

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