SOUND OFF: More, improved schools coming to B.C.

In my community in Burnaby, it was a pleasure to be a part of announcing three new and improved schools last week, including the brand new, seismically safer 415-seat Stride Avenue Community Elementary, and expansions adding 100 new seats in four classrooms at Nelson Elementary and 165 new seats in seven classrooms at Brentwood Park Elementary.

We’re not stopping here. There are also 51 more school replacements, additions and seismic upgrades underway in B.C. including 13 brand new schools and 27 additions, so even more students will have access to new, spacious and safer learning spaces.

While the previous government closed 267 schools around B.C. and spent time and money fighting with teachers, we are investing in what kids and teachers need to have a safe, successful school year.

Since 2017, we have approved more than $7 billion for school capital projects to deliver nearly 50,000 new seats and almost 40,000 seismically safer seats for students to learn in B.C. schools.

BC Conservative MLA Tony Luck has said that under his party, education and health care would take the brunt of budget cuts. That’s a risk the B.C. families simply cannot afford.

We know there’s more work to do, and our government will continue to make record investments in education so that students all across the province have access to safe, accessible learning spaces.

I hope everyone had a great first week back to school connecting with friends new and old, and are ready for a fantastic year of learning ahead!

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by Rohini Arora, MLA for Burnaby East

SOUND OFF: More, improved schools coming to B.C.

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