August 05, 2004
The BC Liberal government will create 3,450 new student spaces at four post-secondary institutions in the Lower Mainland by 2010.
Vancouver-Burrard MLA Lorne Mayencourt made the announcement saying,
“Our post-secondary institutions drive the innovation and skills development B.C. needs to continue strengthening our economy and our social framework. For the first time in a decade, our growing economy and opportunities are giving young people a reason to stay in B.C. We’re committed to ensuring they have access to the quality post-secondary education they need to start building their futures.”
Of the 3,450 seats, Vancouver Community College will receive 600; Langara College will receive 500; UBC will receive 2,200; and Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design will receive 150. These seats are part of the BC Liberal government’s commitment to add a total of 25,000 new seats to the public post-secondary system by 2010.
“Diversity among people is one of the most prominent features of British Columbia’s society and our schools,” said Patrick Wong, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington. “While we’ve undertaken the largest expansion of post-secondary education in B.C. in the last four decades, our post-secondary institutions have been very successful in opening the doors for learning about all kinds of arts and culture. More post-secondary spaces will allow more students the opportunity to learn about and embrace our rich cultural diversity.”
“We now have the key pieces of our post-secondary expansion in place,” added Vancouver-Kingsway MLA Rob Nijjar. “By 2010 there will be 25,000 more opportunities for students across the province. This combined with our strategic approach to training in areas of high demand will give us people with the right skills at the right time to help carry our vibrant economy well into the future.”
