Students voice concerns to MLAs over ESL cuts
On May 28, 27 Camosun students and other postsecondary representatives attended the question period at the legislature to discuss the importance of ESL programs in BC. As guests of NDP MLA Jane Shin, the group had the chance to talk about future plans for ESL with other NDP MLAs. The Camosun College Student Society helped coordinate the group as a response to the elimination of $17 million in annual federal ESL funding. In 2012, the federal government announced the ending of the Canada-BC Immigration Agreement, which helped cover tuition fees for English classes aimed at immigrants wishing to enter the workforce.
Changes to student aid in BC may negatively impact students
BC’s Skills For Jobs Blueprint, released earlier this year, reveals a disappointing funding trend, according to the Canadian Federation of Students. The document prioritizes funding for certain fields of postsecondary training that align with the provincial government’s employment goals. The strategy proposes that $40 million in assistance be reallocated to specific programs in order to increase enrolment as per industry needs. The Canadian Federation of Students-BC argues that this would result in less money for students not wishing to enroll in government-approved fields, and that BC students already receive less provincial funding than most other provinces.
Online textbook library grows larger
20 new free online textbooks will be added to BC’s Open Textbook Project by September of 2015. The BC government made 19 free textbooks available online last fall for science, arts, and business programs, and they are now being used by students across the province. The next selection will focus on skills and trade programs to support the province’s job-skills initiatives.
New health-care funding will improve facilities
The Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) has recently approved $5 million in funding towards improvement of regional facilities. In addition to general upgrades for hospitals and other care centres, the CRHD is partnering with Island Health to install a $4.3-million automated microbiology lab at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. The lab is intended to reduce wait times for patients by providing faster, more accurate results and reducing the amount of work for staff.
Automotive students benefit from new vehicle
Camosun’s Automotive Service Technician program is the recipient of a brand-new vehicle on which to hone their skills. Mazda Canada donated a 2013 Mazda 5 Minivan, with a retail value of around $25,000, to the school in April. Limited program resources means that the opportunity to train with new vehicles is much appreciated by both instructors and students.
Camosun graduate helps distribute community grants
Mike Renowden, a Business program graduate from Camosun, has been appointed chair of the Vancouver Island Young Leaders Community Council this year. The council, along with its Fraser Valley and Vancouver counterparts, is responsible for prioritizing and allocating the annual $1.5 million in grants from Coast Capital Savings to benefit youth in local communities.
Girls’ rock camp comes to Victoria
The non-profit group Girls Rock Camp Victoria has put together their first day camp for girls aged 8–18 to learn to play and write rock music in a supportive environment. Volunteers are needed in various positions, from roadie or band coach to administration; though the camp is female-oriented, non-mentorship roles are open to all genders. The program runs from July 21 to 26. Volunteer and application information can be found at girlsrockvictoria.ca.
Local green enthusiast cycling to Calgary
Lyda Salatian, founder of the environmental charity Green Teams of Canada, is cycling from Victoria to Calgary this month, with a 300-km hike later this summer to fundraise and increase awareness of the charity’s local activities. Her group helps pick up litter and remove invasive plants in local parks, as well as volunteering at educational farms. Find out more at greenteamscanada.ca.
Student input sought for new training legislation
In April, the BC government announced its intention to directly oversee the private career-training sector, after abolishing the current directing body. The first step in the process, consultation with students and institutions, is underway. A consultation questionnaire is available online until June 20 for those wishing to offer input on new legislation for accredited schools. Private career training encompasses a diversity of fields, such as business, culinary, art and design, legal, medical, trades, and even yoga.
Gonna be a star
Cineplex is holding a contest to find student hosts for their pre-movie shows. All you have to do is submit a 60-second audition video to cineplex.com/castingcall for a chance to win free movies for a year, as well as one free movie per month from the Cineplex Store, not to mention exposure to millions of filmgoers across Canada. The 10 finalists will receive 10 free movies, so get your video camera (or iPhone) out and start filming.